Additional Academic Opportunities

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The Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC) provides an array of services to help members of the University of Virginia community attain the level of linguistic and cultural proficiency needed for success at a research university in the United States. CAELC offers a number of ESL courses free of charge to students who have matriculated in a degree program at U.Va. Visiting scholars and research associates may enroll in CAELC classes as space allows. Completion of the University of Virginia English Language Proficiency Exam must precede placement in any CAELC class. Individuals can take the exam at the beginning of each semester and by appointment throughout the year. CAELC also administers the SPEAK Test in August, December, and May. The SPEAK Test is used to assess the oral proficiency of prospective graduate teaching assistants whose native language is not English. CAELC offers several courses designed to help prospective teaching assistants develop the communication skills needed for teaching in a U.S. college or university. CAELC also offers an intensive English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program through the University’s Summer Language Institute, mid-July through mid-August. The EAP program is for entering students and research associates. CAELC endorses the NAFSA Principles of International Educational Exchange and the TESOL Standards for Post Secondary Programs. Information on testing, classes, and other services is available at www.virginia.edu/provost/caelc, caelc@virginia.edu, or (434) 924-924-3371.

University of Virginia views Study and Research Abroad as important educational endeavors, enriching both academically and personally, and crucial in preparing students for success in the global world. Overseas learning experience combines intellectual pursuits with first hand exposure to different peoples and their cultural traditions. It provides students with an opportunity to gain an international perspective on their chosen academic field or career path and to learn and practice important life skills - critical thinking, independence, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to interact and communicate across differences.

The International Studies Office provides professional advising and guidance to students throughout the process of choosing the program best suited for the student’s needs and preparing the student for a meaningful sojourn. The ISO is additionally charged with maintaining records of all UVa students participating in the wide variety of international programs or conducting research abroad.

Study Abroad Programs: The ISO offers a number of study abroad programs, some of which are open to graduate students. These include exchange programs, UVa programs, and ‘outside’ programs. Programs vary in duration, destination, content, and the degree of immersion into the local culture.

• UVa Programs: University of Virginia faculty members have developed and are directing close to 50 study abroad programs. Several programs offer graduate credit. Individual graduate and professional schools offer additional international programs tailored to their specific educational goals. Depending on the program, students receive either UVa credit or transfer credit. Costs differ by program.
• UVa Exchanges: UVa has established close to 100 bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements with foreign universities. Many are open to graduate students. Under these agreements, UVa students enroll in partner institutions as visiting students, while students from partner universities study at UVa. Faculty both from UVa and the partner universities communicate about department requirements and curricula to ensure maximum benefits for the student. If English is not the language of instruction at the host university, UVa students need to meet a prescribed language requirement prior to participating in the exchange. UVa students on exchange programs pay regular UVa tuition and fees; room and board expenses are paid abroad.
• Outside Programs:  Other US or foreign universities may also offer programs abroad for graduate students.  Students would work in collaboration with the International Studies Office to enroll through that program sponsor and receive transfer credit toward the completion of their UVa degree.

Independent Research & Travel: Graduate students wishing to conduct research or academic projects outside of the US are encouraged to do so. Faculty advisors and researchers can provide excellent resources and contacts abroad. Graduate students who have set up their research projects overseas should submit information about their research destination, travel plans, and emergency contacts to the ISO through the “Graduate and Professional Student Registration” page on www.virginia.edu/studyabroad.

Eligibility:

• Any UVA degree-seeking graduate student, who is in good academic and disciplinary standing is eligible to study abroad.
• Please note that some programs may have admissions requirements different from and in addition to the general study abroad eligibility requirements.

Financial Considerations: UVa is committed to making study abroad affordable and accessible to all its students. Graduate students receiving financial aid through Student Financial Services can apply that funding towards their study abroad programs, provided courses taken abroad satisfy the student’s degree requirements. Additional funding is available through several study abroad scholarships administered through individual schools and university-wide offices, including the Center for Global Health.

Health and Safety in Study Abroad: The University Committee on Health and Safety in Education Abroad works closely with the Overseas Security Advisory Council of the State Department to ensure maximum safety of UVa students on study abroad programs. UVa policy limits graduate student academic travel to areas of the world for which an active State Department Travel Warning is in effect. Special documentation is required to justify that the study or research in a travel warning zone is essential to the graduate student’s academic program. Through mandatory pre-departure orientations, the ISO and the Elson Student Health Center ensure that all students are aware of possible health dangers and have access to required and recommended vaccinations and medications.
 
More information on all types of programs, specific program details, deadlines, costs, study abroad advising hours, as well as the application materials is available at http://www.virginia.edu/studyabroad. With further inquiries, contact the International Studies Office, 208 Minor Hall, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, (434) 982-3010, studyabroad@virginia.edu.

Each summer, the University of Virginia offers a rich selection of programs and courses to over four-thousand students through its Summer Session. Many of these programs and courses are not available during the academic year, including the University’s well-known Summer Language Institute (SLI). UVa students commonly enroll in the Summer Session to fulfill degree requirements, double major, improve their GPA, shorten time to their degree, or explore new interests. Summer Session students have access to an array of support services and extra-curricular activities during their studies. The list of Summer Session 2014 courses can be viewed at www.virginia.edu/summer after November 22, 2013.

UVa students enrolled in the 2013 spring semester and not graduating at the end of that semester may register for Summer Session courses on-line. UVa students who graduate in May, 2014 must first complete the Summer Session application for visiting students. (Note: Any individual who wishes to enroll in the Summer Language Institute must complete the SLI application process).

The Summer Session welcomes visiting students. The majority of these individuals are enrolled at another college or university and come to UVa to complete courses not offered at their home institution. Visiting students must apply for admission to the Summer Session. Rising high school juniors and seniors with distinguished academic records may also apply for admission to the Summer Session. Admission to the Summer Session does not constitute admission to the University of Virginia. Comprehensive information on the University of Virginia’s Summer Session and application materials are available at www.virginia.edu/summer. For more information contact the Office of the Summer and Special Academic Programs, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161; (434) 924-3371; summer@virginia.edu.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) The Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC) offers an intensive language and culture program through the Summer Language Institute. EAP program is designed for non-native speakers of English who have been admitted to an undergraduate or graduate degree program at the University of Virginia. Incoming UVa research associates and visiting scholars are also welcome to apply for admission to the program. Participants fine-tune the language skills required for success in U.S. higher education through classes in academic writing, academic reading and vocabulary development, listening comprehension and note-taking, classroom discussion strategies, and presentation skills. A pronunciation assessment is conducted with follow-up work assigned as needed.

The program includes a series of workshops that provides a general introduction to U.S. higher education. Workshop topics include library and research skills, university computing resources and facilities, academic culture, student-faculty relationships, cross-cultural awareness, and student services. Cultural proficiency is developed through a combination of workshops and activities. Activities include social gatherings, sporting events, field trips, and frequent meetings with conversation partners. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (PBT), 213 (CBT), and 79-80 (iBT) is recommended. An overall band score of 6.0 is recommended for individuals who take the IELTS.

For further information, contact CAELC, Dell Building 2, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161; (434) 924-3371; caelc@virginia.edu; www.virginia.edu/provost/caelc.

The Summer Language Institute (SLI) offers nine-week programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Russian, Spanish, and Tibetan. Students attend classes five days a week, six hours a day. Communication skills are developed in a student-centered environment. Participation in evening cultural activities is required five days/week. Individuals who successfully complete the Institute programs in French, German, Hebrew,Italian, Latin, Russian, Spanish, and Tibetan earn 12 credits, which satisfies the foreign language requirement at the University of Virginia. Participants in the SLI Arabic and Chinese programs earn 8 credits.

The Summer Language Institute also offers English for Academic Purposes. Participants in this 4.5-week program enjoy the intensive learning experience found in other SLI programs.

Information and application materials are available at www.virginia.edu/summer/sli. For further information, contact the Summer Language Institute, Office of
Summer and Special Academic Programs, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161; (434) 924-6552; uvasli@virginia.edu.

The UVA Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program is designed for individuals with exceptional academic records who have not fulfilled their pre-medical prerequisites as an undergraduate and seek the science coursework which will enable them to apply to medical school. This full-time, twelve month program’s focus is the education and immersion of students in the pre-medical science curriculum and the medical field through volunteering and shadowing opportunities. The Program includes an MCAT prep course, and faculty and staff provide individual guidance throughout the medical school application process. The Post-Bac Pre-Med Program is not designed to help students strengthen an otherwise weak academic record or to repeat premedical science course requirements. Comprehensive Community Scholar Program information can be found at www.scps.virginia.edu

Admissions

College graduates from an accredited college or university who seek the requisite science courses for medical school admission may apply.  Program admission is highly selective and competitive. Exceptional academic grades and letters of recommendation, along with strong commitment to and motivation for medicine are characteristic of program students. In addition, the admissions committee will give preference to applicants with work experience and/or relevant volunteer experience in a clinical setting.

Admission Requirements

A completed Post-Bac Pre-Med U.Va. Application for Admission

• Two letters of recommendation
  • One faculty reference highlighting the applicant’s academic abilities
• One work-related or volunteer reference High school transcripts
• Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
• An undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher
• A personal statement of interest in a career in medicine
• Standardized ACT or SAT scores previously submitted to your undergraduate institution.

Applications for admission will be accepted annually beginning, August 1. The application deadline is February 15. Review of completed application files begins each September 1 and acceptances are issued on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged. The student cohort size is approximately 30 students.

The program curriculum engages students in the pre-requisite science education necessary to apply to medical school as well as to prepare students to sit for the MCAT examination. The program is completed in one year of study, beginning with the summer session, followed by courses in the fall and spring semesters Opportunities for engaging in volunteer experiences are also built into the program.

The core Post-Bac Pre-Med curriculum includes an established series of science courses and labs that are required for application to medical school. This includes two semesters each of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics courses, along with associated labs. Post-Bac Pre-Med students will also take the course on the U.S. Health Care System, taught by the medical director of the program.