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.
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].
Adelphi University, Long Island, NY
Ball State University, Muncie, IND
Brooklyn College - CUNY, Brooklyn, NY *
California State University, Long Beach, CA *
California State University San Marcos, CA *
Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL
Inter American University, Puerto Rico
Kean University, Union, NJ
Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT
Texas Tech University, TX
The New School - Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, New York, NY
University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX
University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA
University of Miami, Miami, FL
University of Mount Saint Vincent, Bronx, NY
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX
Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk, VA
Willamette University, Salem, OR
* US and dual US citizens are not eligible to attend Brooklyn College or California State University on exchange.
American College of Greece, Athens, Greece
American College of Thessaloniki, Greece
American University of Armenia, Armenia
American University of Paris, France
Anadolu University, Turkey
Richmond – The American International University in London, United Kingdom
Volda University College, Norway
Ateneo De Manila University, Manila, Philippines
Rikkyo University, Tokyo, Japan
Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea
Wenzhou - Kean University, Wenzhou, China
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:
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.
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:
Disclaimer:
JCU is not responsible for any delay in graduation due to participation in the Direct Exchange program.
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.
