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Direct Exchange Programs

Students in courtyard
Direct Exchange For

JCU Degree-Seeking Students

What is Direct Exchange? JCU has direct exchange agreements with several universities worldwide. The program is open to all degree-seeking students who meet eligibility criteria to study abroad for a semester at any of our partner universities. JCU students pay JCU tuition inclusive of any financial aid awards. Students are responsible for the cost of housing, transportation, and living expenses while abroad. Students who reside on campus pay the cost of housing directly to the host university.

Students who are Federal Direct Loan recipients may be eligible to receive federal funding for a study abroad program. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at [email protected] for more information.

  • Global Experience: Studying abroad allows you to gain a unique global perspective while fostering your personal growth, independence, and resilience.
  • Build Your Resume: Enhance your resume with valuable international academic experience gained through coursework abroad, extracurricular activities, and participation in volunteer opportunities. 
  • Pay Your JCU Tuition: You won't need to pay tuition to the host university, as you will continue to pay your JCU tuition for the duration of your semester abroad.
  • Earn Transferable Credits: Stay on track for graduation by taking advantage of the wide array of course options available at your host university and transferring the credits back to JCU.

Application Deadlines

Fall 2026 applications: Period is open from November 14, 2025 to January 19, 2026.

Spring 2027 applications: Application period is closed.

For additional information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Coordinator of Direct Exchange Nadia Spagnoli at [email protected].

Apply

Olivia DeLaura
Being a part of the direct exchange program offered by JCU is to participate in something bigger than yourself." Olivia DeLaura Art History Major
Direct Exchange

University Partners

Application Process

Eligibility Guidelines

In order to apply, students must meet the eligibility guidelines outlined below; students who do not meet the eligibility criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis:

  • Completion of English Composition III (EN110) with a grade of B or higher by the time you apply.
  • Completion of 30 undergraduate credits or more by the time you participate in the program.
  • Completion of 15 or more credits at JCU.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
  • If you will be going abroad during the first semester of your senior year at John Cabot University, please make an appointment with your advisor to fill out the Petition for Exemption from Academic Policy to waive the last 30-credit residency requirement. Please note that going on direct exchange during the first semester of your senior year may delay your graduation at JCU.

Student Visa and US Embassy Information

Students who would like to spend a semester at a university in the United States (who are not US citizens or permanent residents) must apply for a study visa. Please consult the links below to find out more about the application process, as well as the kinds of documentation required.

If you have any questions about applying for the study visa, please contact the American Embassy directly.

How to apply

Participation in the Direct Exchange Program involves two application phases: students who meet the requirements outlined above must first submit an internal application to the JCU Admissions Office to be approved to participate in the program. Once approved and nominated, students will be asked to apply for admissions to the partner university according to the instructions provided.

Step 1: Have a talk with your academic advisor to see how studying abroad will help you further your academic goals and to get approval to move forward with the application process.

Step 2: Complete and submit the Direct Exchange Program Application along with all required documents by the deadlines. Applications submitted after the deadlines will NOT be considered.

Step 3: The JCU Admissions Office will be in touch with you regarding a nomination decision. If you have been approved to move forward, you will need to apply directly with the partner university you have been nominated for according to the instructions provided by the JCU Admissions Office.

Step 4: Once you have been accepted into a university abroad, you will need to fill out a Course Away Form. The form must be approved by the Registrar’s Office before attending the partner university.

Important Notice for International Students
Before participating in a direct exchange program, students must consult with the Immigration Services Office. Leaving Italy for an extended period may have serious implications for your immigration status. The Immigration Services Office can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation, helping you make informed decisions.

Please note that students are solely responsible for any decisions made regarding their immigration status. The University cannot be held liable for any immigration issues that may arise as a result of a student leaving Italy.

Please note:

  • Students participating in the Direct Exchange program will need to register for JCU courses as normal for the semester they plan to study abroad as a precaution in case they are unable to go abroad due to an unforeseen event. Students will be asked to drop the classes prior to the start of the semester.
  • Partner universities provide us with limited spots each semester. There is no guarantee that students will be selected to participate into the program nor be selected for their university preferences.

Disclaimer:
JCU is not responsible for any delay in graduation due to participation in the Direct Exchange program.

FAQs

I am taking EN110 but won’t have a grade before the application deadline, can I still apply?
No, you must have EN110 by the time you apply.

I have a GPA of 2.99, can I still apply?
Yes, we will review your eligibility accordingly.

Can I go abroad during my last year?
Yes, as long as it is your first semester of your senior year and have submitted the petition for exemption from academic policy.

Can I go for a full year?
Yes, students can extend their exchange for a second semester. Please contact [email protected] while abroad.

Can I study abroad during the summer?
No, we do not offer direct exchange opportunities during the summer.

Why are other students already applying to their universities, but I still haven’t heard anything?
It is because all university partners have their own admissions application timelines.

What if I can’t go at the last minute?
We will accept cancellations only for unforeseeable reasons such as, health issues or family reasons.

I didn’t get nominated but I still want to go, what can I do?
You can reapply for the direct exchange program for a future semester, or you can look into doing a study abroad experience independently. For more information, please visit the independent study abroad page.

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