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 UVa. 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 also offers several courses designed to help prospective teaching assistants develop the communication skills needed for teaching in a U.S. college or university. CAELC 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. 

The Center for Undergraduate Excellence (CUE) cultivates intellectual and civic development by encouraging students to pursue opportunities that support scholarly inquiry, engaged citizens, and creativity. The CUE is currently home to:

• National Scholarships and Fellowships
• Undergraduate Research
• Select UVa postgraduate programs

The CUE serves as a collaborative partner to advance the mission of the University of Virginia. We strive to communicate about opportunities through our website and databases, social media, various newsletters, and informational sessions; to advise students through workshops and one-on-one tutorials; to provide fair and equitable application processes that contribute to students’ development; and to share significant contributions and accomplishments of our students through public forums, academic journals, and events of recognition.

We primarily support and promote the following opportunities:

National Scholarships and Fellowships

_{*These awards necessitate some form of involvement (endorsement, nomination) by UVa, most often facilitated by the CUE.}

Database: National Scholarships and Fellowships

Undergraduate Research

_{**URN is a student-run group that works in collaboration with the CUE to foster an undergraduate research community.}

Database: Undergraduate Research

UVa Postgraduate Programs

We encourage students to explore our online databases, to utilize URN, and to come see us on the 3^rd floor of the Harrison Institute and Small Special Collections Library.

        Andrus Ashoo, Associate Director – andrus@virginia.edu

        Brian Cullaty, Director of Undergraduate Research Opportunities – brc7q@virginia.edu

        Mary Esselman Roberts, Program Assistant – mer5p@virginia.edu

        Edith Conti, Office Manager – eob4x@virginia.edu

The University of Virginia views Education Abroad as an important academic endeavor, enriching both intellectually and personally, and crucial in preparing students for the realities of an interconnected world. This unique learning environment stimulates exchange of ideas with  people from various cultures. It provides opportunities for students to gain an international perspective on their chosen academic field or career path as they learn and practice important life skills - critical thinking, creativity, independence, maturity, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to interact and communicate across differences. 

Eligibility:

• Degree seeking undergraduate student who has completed at least one semester at UVa
• 2.5 Cumulative GPA and good academic standing
• Good disciplinary standing
• Please note that individual programs may have admissions requirements different from and in addition to the general education abroad eligibility requirements.

Education Abroad Advising: The key to a successful Education Abroad experience lies in early planning. The first step for students interested in studying abroad is to complete the Education Abroad Workshop (EAW) on the International Studies Office (ISO) Education Abroad website www.virginia.edu/studyabroad. After completing the EAW and conducting initial research into program offerings, students work with their academic advisor and education abroad advisor to identify programs that best match their academic and personal goals, to prepare for the sojourn, and to integrate their international experience with on-going academic and career pursuits.

Academics: Academic inquiry is the foundation of education abroad.  As such, program offerings reflect the diverse disciplines of the University of Virginia including, for example, Engineering, Education, Architecture, Nursing, Public Health, Marine Biology, Language and Culture Studies, Anthropology, Art History, Business, and Politics.  Major Advising Sheets are available for an increasing number of departments and schools.  Created in collaboration between the ISO and academic departments, Major Advising Sheets provide disciplinary context for the importance of education abroad and identify programs with strong curricular matches for the major.

Learning Opportunities:  Education abroad programs include a variety of academic environments and may be comprised of classroom-based instruction, internships, practicum, research, and/or field work.  Learning opportunities stretch beyond academics as students navigate differences in communication, values, attitudes, and basic daily habits, thus making access to and integration with local communities a vital component of the education abroad experience.  A program’s academic setting, choice of accommodation, and co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities contribute to students’ level of immersion.

Financial Considerations: UVa is committed to making education abroad affordable and accessible for  all of its students. Students receiving financial aid through Student Financial Services can apply that funding towards their education abroad program expenses and may be eligible for additional education abroad grants. Several education abroad scholarships are administered through the ISO as well as individual schools and departments.  Funding is also available through a variety of national and program-specific funding sources.

Health and Safety in Education Abroad: The University’s Committee on Health and Safety in Education Abroad actively consults with the Overseas Security Advisory Council of the State Department to ensure maximum safety of UVa students on study abroad programs. UVa policy limits undergraduate study abroad in areas of the world for which an active State Department Travel Warning is in effect. Through mandatory pre-departure orientations, the ISO offers resources in collaboration with the Dean of Students Office and the Elson Student Health Center to ensure that all students are aware of possible health risks and have access to required and recommended vaccinations, medications, and medical care.

Extensive information regarding programs, finances, logistical and cultural preparation, advising hours, as well as the application materials and deadlines is available at www.virginia.edu/studyabroad. International Studies Office, 208 Minor Hall, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, (434) 982-3010, studyabroad@virginia.edu.

Semester at Sea

• Semester at Sea is a global comparative education abroad experience that traces its origins to the earliest days of study abroad in 1963. Each year, during the fall and spring semesters, approximately 700 students from colleges and universities around the country take an around-the-world voyage on the floating campus. Over 50,000 students from approximately 1,500 different institutions have studied and traveled to 60 countries through the program. The University of Virginia became the academic home for the Semester at Sea program in June of 2006. Semester at Sea students receive credit for their course work through the University of Virginia. The Office of Summer and Special Academic Programs oversees the partnership between UVa and the Institute for Shipboard Education as well as academic administration of the Semester at Sea Program.

• The International Studies Office advises and supports UVa students wishing to participate in a voyage. For information about participating in a voyage and details about the application process, please contact the ISO at (434) 982-3010 or studyabroad@virginia.edu. Non-UVA students interested in attending Semester at Sea should contact the Institute for Shipboard Education at www.semesteratsea.org.

Extensive information on all types of programs, specific study abroad program details, deadlines, costs, study abroad advising hours, as well as the application materials is available at www.studyabroad.virginia.edu. With further inquiries, contact the International Studies Office, 208 Minor Hall, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, (434) 982-3010, studyabroad@virginia.edu.

January Term offers UVa students a range of unique opportunities: new courses that address timely topics, undergraduate research seminars, education abroad programs, and increased student-faculty contact, thanks to intensive formats and small class size. Students who enroll in January Term courses have access to a variety of student services and extracurricular activities. The list of January Term courses can be viewed at http://januaryterm.virginia.edu.

Students who register for a January Term course pay by the credit; financial aid is available for eligible undergraduate students. For more information, visit www.virginia.edu/januaryterm or contact Summer and Special Academic Programs, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 400161, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4161; (434) 924-3371; januaryterm@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 2015 courses can be viewed at http://summer.virginia.edu.

UVa students enrolled in the 2016 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, 2016 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 http://summer.virginia.edu. 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, 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 eight-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 http://sli.virginia.edu. 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 University of Virginia attracts an academically accomplished student body. Over 90% of students graduate in the top tenth of their high school class and many students enter their first year with a significant number of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits. The University has been a leader in creating accelerated programs to help students take advantage of a strong liberal arts education and pursue their professional goals. For instance, the Curry School of Education’s five-year B.A./M.T. program has been cited as a national model. Similarly the Batten School’s accelerated Bachelor/Master of Public Policy program allows students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a M.P.P. in five years. The innovative one-year Master of Science in Commerce degree gives recent liberal arts, science, and engineering graduates fundamental business skills to succeed in the global business environment.

In recent years an increasing number of students have used their advanced standing to accelerate their undergraduate studies and graduate in three years. For students who enter with advanced standing, U.Va. offers an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in four years. This accelerated degree option for exceptionally well prepared students reduces the time it would normally take to graduate with both degrees by a year or more. The shorter time also reduces the cost for students and their family. The “Three Plus One” (3+1) option is intended for students with strong undergraduate records for whom a master’s degree may be preparation for career goals, wish to accelerate their studies, or desire additional preparation before pursuing a professional degree.

Students seeking this degree option will complete their bachelor’s degree in three years and then enter a one-year master’s degree program. In some cases students may begin taking master’s level courses while completing their bachelor’s degree. AP, IB, or other advanced credit is often used toward completing the Bachelor’s degree early. Students may also fulfill degree requirements early through J-term and summer school courses.

This option is not for all students. Interested students should have a clear idea of their goals and enter U.Va. with a substantial amount of advanced credit (minimum of 15 credits). Students are encouraged to plan their course of studies early and meet with an undergraduate advisor to create a plan to graduate in three years. The method of entry into a student’s desired choice of a master’s program varies by program and students should meet with a representative from their intended graduate program in their first year at U.Va. to determine the admissions process.

Currently several programs exist in which students have already completed the 3+1 option. These programs are listed on the 3+1 website: http://provost.virginia.edu/three-plus-one. This list, however, is not meant to be comprehensive. You may inquire about this option in any field of study, but for some degrees the 3+1 option may not be possible.

The UVA Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program is designed for individuals with exceptional academic records who have not fulfilled their pre-medical prerequisites as undergraduates 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.

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

In order to be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following materials:

• A completed on-line application
• Two letters of recommendation

                o  One faculty reference highlighting the applicant’s academic abilities
                o  One work-related or volunteer reference

• Transcripts of all previously attended colleges or universities, which must demonstrate an undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher (GPAs under 3.25 are considered and should be discussed with the program’s director)
• A current resume reflecting education as well as work and volunteer experiences
• Application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges, if seeking in-state tuition eligibility
• Standardized ACT or SAT scores previously submitted to your undergraduate institution; GRE scores may be substituted–UVa Testing Codes: ACT: 4412 / EST (SAT I and SAT II): 5820 / GRE R5820.

Applications for admission will be accepted annually beginning August 1. The application deadline is February 15. Review of completed applications begins each September 1 and acceptances are issued on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged. The student cohort size is approximately 35 students.

Curriculum

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 the 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.