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Semester Exchange Program Overview

What are the eligibility requirements for semester exchange?

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA – If your GPA is below a 3.0, you will be asked to submit a letter explaining why it is lower than the requirement along with a letter of recommendation from the department chair.
  • 60 credit hours completed prior to going abroad

How do I apply for a semester exchange program?

  1. Research the different exchange opportunities available.
  2. Schedule an appointment with the Office of Education Abroad within the first four weeks of the semester prior to going abroad to get information on program budgets, courses offered, housing, and other relevant information. UCA students should not contact partner universities but rather work with the Office of Education Abroad.
  3. Visit the Semester Exchange Application page for instructions to apply. Use this Application Checklist when submitting documents.

What am I (the student) responsible for during the exchange process?

Once a student is nominated by the Office of Education Abroad, they are responsible for the following:

  • Applying to the partner school and submitting all necessary documents
  • Acquiring the appropriate travel documentation including a passport and a study visa (when necessary)
  • Booking flights (Students should wait to receive the acceptance letter from the partner university before booking a flight.)
  • Arranging accommodations abroad
  • Providing financial support for personal and food expenses during the program

How much is the Education Abroad fee?

All students who apply for semester exchange or direct enroll with a partner university will be charged a non-refundable Education Abroad Fee of $200 through the UCA Office of Student Accounts.

How are placement decisions made?

Since UCA partner universities accept a limited number of students from UCA, a competitive process will be used to determine a placement abroad if the number of students who have applied exceeds available exchange spots. Direct Enrollment may also be offered.

In a competitive process, the Office of Education Abroad and Center for Global Learning and Engagement will review all files in the application to determine eligibility and selection based upon one or more of the following:

  • seniority
  • GPA
  • degree program
  • professor recommendations
  • financial need

In addition, students may be asked to write a statement of purpose essay, interviews may be conducted and/or committee reviews held in order to make final a placement decision.

Do I need to get International Insurance coverage?

International Insurance is required through iNext International Insurance. The Office of Education Abroad will work with approved exchange students to complete registration for international insurance. This coverage includes counseling at no extra charge. See more here. 

Will I be required to get vaccinated or wear a mask while abroad?

Students registering for programs agree to the following: I understand that UCA does not control requirements of vendors, universities, and other stakeholders for study abroad programing. Should a vendor or organization require masks, vaccinations, quarantine, or other measures regarding COVID 19, I agree to follow these requirements. While UCA and its partners will work to update students, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to take measures to protect themselves from the spread of disease.

How do I earn credit on semester exchange programs?

Students will earn credit during their semester exchange program by passing the coursework. For information on the UCA education abroad credit process, visit: Semester Exchange Credit Process.

Is credit earned abroad considered 'in-residence'?

“Residence credit” is academic credit earned from the University of Central Arkansas in any format (on-the-ground or online), excluding credit by examination. Credit earned during a University of Central Arkansas Education Abroad program or through a Study Away Consortium and delivered at another institution or location is residence credit. Read more on Residence Requirements here.

I have questions related to financial aid...

Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for details on eligibility for aid.

Please see the Financial Aid Overview for details on aid that applies to program costs.

Program budgets are available at the Education Abroad Office or the Office of Financial Aid.

Visit our Scholarship page for a list of scholarships and the application links.

For study visas, students may have to submit bank statements and/or financial aid documentation proving their current aid. Students may request a letter from the Office of Financial Aid. Email adepner1@uca.edu for more information.

If your question is not addressed above, email us for assistance!

What is UCA's Travel Policy?

UCA students may not use UCA Study Abroad scholarships or other university financial aid to travel or study in locations rated at “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” on the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory website.

Students traveling in areas or countries with Level 1 and Level 2 ratings should consult the State Department’s website and heed all warnings while avoiding all Level 4 areas or locations that may exist in some countries.  All travel to locations or countries with a “Level 3 – Reconsider Travel” advisory must be pre-approved by the Center for Global Learning and Engagement, Legal Counsel, the Provost, and the President of the University of Central Arkansas.

Exchange students from partner universities applying for exchange at UCA, please visit the Center for Global Learning and Engagement’s Admissions page.