The Catholic University of America

General Information for Students

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

Where can I get necessary forms?
Click each link to download the appropriate form

Where should I have my family and friends stay when visiting?
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 is the easiest way to get money?
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 Money withdrawn gets the most current exchange rate.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 family and friends?
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.

  • United States [from abroad]: dial 001+area code+number
  • 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 Resources

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 I 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 you 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 I 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.

What is an Interational Study ID card?
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted student ID card. Since its launch in 1968, the ISIC has helped over 40 million students to get the most out of their travel experience.

With access to a global network of affordable and specialised student services, the ISIC is your passport to more than 40,000 discounts and benefits in 106 countries worldwide.

How can I get an Interational Study ID card?
You can obtain an ISIC card on campus at the Center for Global Education in McMahon 111. Please e.mail Madison Bolls to make an appointment. For other locations, visit the ISIS website

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