The Catholic University of America

General Information for Parents

Where can I get updated schedules/assignments?
Parents and students can download up to date schedules, assignments and other information from each program's specific webpage.

How often should I be in contact with my son or daughter?
We recommend that students contact you as soon as they can after arriving overseas. Most students will have cell phone and extensive email access. We recommend that you maintain contact with your student, but not on a daily basis. Familiarize yourself with the program dates and your student's travel itinerary- if you have not heard from your student, it may be because they are on a field trip.

What is the best time to visit my son or daughter?
We encourage you to travel to your student's host country during host university breaks or after the program ends.

Where should I stay when visiting my son or daughter?
We are always in search of quality hotels at reasonable prices. Please visit our Master Hotel List to see our current listing. Please contact David Shove-Brown if you have a hotel you feel should be added to our ever growing list.

What can I do from home to support my son or daughter while abroad?

  • Familiarize yourself with your student's host country and cross-cultural resources so you can help him or her with the transition to life abroad.
  • Familiarize yourself with the host program's schedule of classes and breaks.
  • Be in contact with your student, but understand that living abroad has ups and downs. Your student has been given the tools to adapt to a new culture and university system, but he or she may need your encouragement to understand and use adaptation strategies.
  • Contact the Office of Foreign Programs with any concerns

What is the easiest way to get money to my son or daughter?
United States based banks/ATMs often times work at international banks for money withdrawal. Money withdrawn gets the most current exchange rate. Fees for the international bank as well as the student's home bank will apply. To find international ATMs, click here.

Travelers checks are also an effective way to transport money internationally. Fees apply when purchasing travelers checks and when convert to foreign currency. Rates are updated daily and are not always the most current. For more information, click here.

For individuals who would prefer not to bring their personal ATM card, a travel debit card can be obtained. This card, through Visa/Travelex, works with international ATMs and get current conversion rates. The card is insured and can be reloaded as a standard debit card. For more information, click here.

For current currency conversions, click here.

What is the best way to communicate with my son or daughter?
Basic European mobile phones can be purchased at inexpensive [under 40 Euros] prices. European mobile phones operate on a pay-per-minute plan rather than monthly calling plans. As a result, new mobile phones come with reloadable SIM cards. Students can add money to their cards as they need minutes. European mobile phones accept incoming calls for no cost. To call you son or daughter, please remember to dial the appropriate country code.

  • Barcelona: dial 011.34 + number [from the United States]
  • Paris: dial 011.33 + number [from the United States]
  • Rome: dial 011.39 + number [from the United States]

For additional information on calling codes, click here.

Additional Parent Resources

Conditions of Participation [Parent Copy]

  1. I will accept responsibility for my own decisions and actions.
  2. I understand that students recommended to study abroad are expected to remain in good standing at The Catholic University of America (CUA) or their home university. Good standing, for purposes of overseas study, translates into maintaining a strong, consistent academic record, meeting the academic standards established for each site and exhibiting a history of good citizenship and conduct. I am aware that academic, housing and disciplinary records are reviewed prior to departure and students whose records indicate a significant decline in (GPA) or a housing or disciplinary sanction prior to departure may be withdrawn from overseas studies.
  3. I agree to maintain status as a full-time student while overseas unless my Dean's Office has given prior approval for a reduced course load.
  4. I agree to assume responsibility for all the elements necessary for my personal preparation for the program including: the completion of all supplementary application materials and full participation in the pre-departure orientation conducted by the School as well as the on-site orientation for its entire duration.
  5. I will give serious consideration to my health and other personal circumstances when applying for or accepting a place in a program.
  6. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to keep my parents/guardians/emergency contact informed on an ongoing basis about my participation in the study abroad program as well as provide them with emergency contact information. Furthermore, I acknowledge my responsibility to provide CUA with permission to inform my designated parent/guardian/emergency contact in the event of my dismissal from a study abroad program.
  7. I agree to abide by the schedule of payment as outlined in the Financial Information Sheet and understand that any outstanding balances at the host university are fully my responsibility.
  8. If I do not have CUA student health insurance, I certify that I am covered by a valid domestic insurance plan for the duration of my program overseas.
  9. I understand that I am responsible for obtaining a passport and visa and making all my travel arrangements.
  10. I understand that I will be held to a higher standard of conduct and level of personal responsibility on overseas studies programs. I am obligated to comply with local laws and customs while overseas, though not necessarily enjoying the same privileges as the host country nationals. I recognize that my conduct can have an effect on the educational and institutional benefits intended by the program for other participants, hosts, and myself.
  11. I agree to behave within the spirit of the Conditions of Participation and to follow CUA's Code of Student Conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook. I understand that infractions of the Conditions of Participation or Code of Student Conduct will result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to immediate dismissal from an overseas program and/or sanctions by the CUA Student Judicial System. In the event infractions of the Conditions of Participation or the Code of Student Conduct lead to the dismissal of a non-CUA student from an overseas program, CUA reserves the right to inform the student's home university.
  12. I understand that conduct considered unacceptable to CUA includes, but is not limited to, excessive use of alcohol; loud and/or abusive behavior toward others; sexual harassment; criminal conduct of any kind; participation in (vs. observation of) political activities; failure to comply with CUA Academic Policies, or Conditions of Participation; and/or unwillingness to cooperate with hosts and program management. Such conduct as well as any other conduct which may be damaging to the program, other participants, working relations with governments, and CUA's educational partners may lead to my dismissal from the program. I understand that acceptable behavior standards extend to those times when I may be separated from other members of the study abroad trip.
  13. I understand that CUA upholds a zero-tolerance drug policy on its overseas studies programs and that the purchase, sale, possession and/or use of drugs other than prescribed medication for legal medicinal purposes will lead to my immediate dismissal from the program. Sole discretion for my dismissal rests with the Dean of Students or his/her designee and dismissal under the zero-tolerance policy carries no right of appeal.
  14. I understand that if, after accepting placement by signing below, I voluntarily withdraw from the program, a refund will be made in accordance with the current refund policy of School as stated on my Acceptance Form. Furthermore, I understand that if, after accepting placement, I am withdrawn or dismissed from the program, no refund will be made by CUA.
  15. I acknowledge that the School reserves the right to cancel any program when deemed appropriate due to unforeseen circumstances.
  16. The Dean or his designee may withdraw students from the program for a violation of these rules or for conduct that could bring the program into disrepute.
  17. Any student with 2 unexcused absences from any foreign program class will immediately be dismissed.

Passport
NOTE: This information is specific to U.S. citizens. Students who are not U.S. citizens should check with the appropriate consulate for more detailed information.

A passport is the most important document students will have while traveling abroad. A passport serves as proof of citizenship and is necessary to enter and return from almost every country in the world. Students should keep their passports with them at all times while traveling. If at any time students need to mail their passport, they should use a trackable mail service, such as FedEx or UPS. Never mail a passport and visa application through regular mail. The following precautions are important to remember:

  • Passports must be valid for at least 180 days beyond the end date of the program.
  • Passports should always be secured in a neck pouch or in a money belt when traveling.
  • While in the host country, students should carry a copy of their passport, leaving the original in a secure place, unless otherwise instructed.
  • A photocopy of the passport should be left with parents.
  • The passport should be registered with the U.S. Embassy (or Embassy of the student's country of citizenship) in the host country.

Where should my student apply for a passport? When?
Students should apply for a passport as soon as they consider studying abroad. If submitting an application for a passport for the first time, or replacing a lost passport, students must apply in person. There are three places authorized to process passports:

  • Any federal or state courthouse
  • Many post offices
  • A passport agency

What documents are necessary to apply for a passport?
(Check the web for up-to-date application information: http://travel.state.gov)

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship (i.e., certified copy of birth certificate, previously issued passport, naturalization certificate or consular report of birth of a US citizen abroad).
  • Two identical photos (2" X 2") taken within the last six months.
  • Proof of identity, which includes both a photo (i.e., driver's license, military ID, student ID) and signature.
  • A completed passport application to be obtained at a post office, federal or state courthouse, or a passport agency (Form DSP-11 "Passport Application").
  • An application fee of $85.00. For an additional $60.00, service can be expedited and passports will be received in 2 weeks. Fees can be paid either in the form of credit card, check, or money order.

How can we renew a passport by mail?
Up-to-date application information may be found at: http://travel.state.gov

A passport is valid for ten years if it is acquired at age 16 years or older. A passport can be renewed by mail unless it was issued prior to a 16th birthday. (Students should enclose a check for $55.00 payable to Passport Services, the current passport, two identical photos, and a completed passport application by mail form (DSP-82) in an envelope addressed to The National Passport Information Center).

The Washington Passport Agency
(also a source for visa information)
1111 19th St. NW
Phone: (202) 647-0518
http://travel.state.gov/passport/about/agencies/agencies_902.html
If you are traveling or need a visa within 14 days, you can make an appointment for
M-F 8AM-3PM, except holidays
(The blue line metro to Farragut West, or the red line to Farragut North)

How can we get a visa for study abroad?
A visa for study will be required for all programs over 90 days in duration. To obtain a study visa for foreign programs, please see the website specific for the country of study.

Health + Safety Information

Safety Reminder for CUArch Students/Parents on Study Abroad Programs

CUArch makes every effort to ensure the safety and well-being of students participating on our education abroad programs. CUArch provides students with health and safety information, maintains emergency preparedness protocols and crisis response procedures, provides students with education abroad health insurance, and monitors both the international situation and the political, social, and economic conditions in locations where we have CUArch approved programs. However, some of our programs are run by CUArch personnel overseas who monitor and provide support for students. Other programs are placements at host universities with varying degrees of support for international students.

Safety on CUArch study abroad programs is a shared responsibility and requires that students (and their parents) be well-informed, active participants in maintaining their own well-being overseas. CUArch cannot control all the personal decisions, choices, and activities of individual participants.

The following safety reminder has been adapted the U.S. Department of State's Fact Sheet: Travel Safety Information for Students and the Association of International Educators' (NAFSA) Responsible Study Abroad: Good Practices for Health and Safety.

  1. Read and consider all materials provided or recommended by CUArch, such as consular information sheets, health information sheets, and all pre-departure orientation materials located in your acceptance packets and the parents' packet.
  2. Consider your health and personal circumstances when applying for or accepting a place on a program overseas.
  3. Behave in a manner that is respectful of the rights and well being of others, knowing that drugs, alcohol and disorderly behavior may put you at risk of arrest, incarceration or robbery.
  4. Become familiar with the procedures for obtaining emergency health and law enforcement services in your host country.
  5. Avoid active participation in political demonstrations or other events which may lead to violence or unrest. Read local newspapers and stay abreast of the latest political, social, and economic events.
  6. Adhere to the advice provided by the Department of State in public announcements and travel warnings. Check the Department of State's web site at http://travel.state.gov.
  7. When traveling, provide your parents, host family, and/or program coordinator with an itinerary and a cell-phone number. Be sure to keep you cell-phone charged.
  8. Keep in touch with your parents and friends, and follow program policies for keeping staff informed of your whereabouts and well-being.
  9. Discuss safety, behavior issues, insurance needs and emergency procedures related to living abroad with your parents before you go. Above all, remember that laws, language, cultural and religious practices are often very different than those in the United States. Consequently, the more you learn before you go abroad, the better your chances for a safe and productive experience overseas.

On Call International Insurance

As a part of all Travel Programs, students and faculty are covered with On Call International Overseas Protection. With one phone call, On Call International can provide you with up-to-date worldwide medical information, including:

  • Coordination and payment of emergency medical transportation home
  • Referral to area hospitals
  • 24-hour access to U.S. licensed Nurse counselors who can help when you're worried about symptoms or a minor injury, or have general questions about health and well-being

For information on this coverage, please review the following:

Emergency Contact
In case of an emergency overseas, we ask that you contact the Office of Foreign Programs as soon as possible. During regular office hours, 9:00-5:00 Monday through Friday, please contact OFP.

Office of Foreign Programs:
202.319.5786
School of Architecture + Planning Crough 209
shovebrown@cua.edu