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Study Abroad Office

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• Incoming Exchange Students

Information for Incoming Exchange Students

Some graduate programs are open to graduate level exchange students while other departments may only have limited course selection available to exchange students. Exchange partner coordinators should inquire before nominating any graduate level student. Additional materials are required, and graduate applicants should apply as early as possible.

Areas of study not open to Exchange Students

Engineering, Optometry, Nursing

What courses may I take?

You can view the Course Schedule online: https://apps.umsl.edu/webapps/courseschedules/

Note: the upcoming year will not be posted until late March/early April. But you can reference the courses that were offered this year to give you an idea of what is likely to be offered next year. You may also search the specific department's page for the 3-year course plan to see what they will be likely offering. In some cases students will need to demonstrate pre-requisites. 

Exchange students are provided a scholarship that covers up to 15 credit hours of courses for undergraduates and 12 credit hours of courses for graduate students. Students who wish to enroll in more than the above amounts will be required to pay any additional tuition and fees associated with the credit.

See the University Bulletin for a complete list of all courses. Not all courses listed in the Bulletin are offered each semester or year. You will need to check the above Course Schedule for the annual listing. http://www.umsl.edu/bulletin/

Are language courses available?

No preparatory language courses are available prior to the start of the semester; however, you may enroll in ESL courses offered during the regular semester. ESL classes offered during the regular semester are included under the exchange agreement. 

Can I do an internship or find an on-campus student job?

It is possible for you to participate in an internship, but it must be unpaid and done for academic credit. You can also work on campus up to 20 hours each week. You would be responsible for finding your own internship and on-campus job.

Do you have a “buddy” program or may I join clubs?

All exchange students will be assigned an UMSL Study Abroad Student Ambassador. The Ambassador’s main role is that of a mentor, providing you with firsthand knowledge of the university life, coursework, social networking, and student life in Missouri/USA. They will help them become more acclimated and involved on-campus. They also schedule a few events each semester.

You may also participate in the many clubs and organizations at UMSL, in addition to enjoying activities sponsored by our International House. The International House (iHouse) is a space for intercultural exchange on campus. http://www.umsl.edu/~intelstu/programs/index.html

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UMSL Study Abroad
UMSL Incoming Exchange Students 2013-14 & Study Abroad Ambassadors (request permission)
UMSL International Student & Scholar Services
UMSL I-House
UMSL International Studies & Programs

Where will I live?

There are many housing options available to you and prices for all housing options will vary. Housing may be limited so apply as early as possible. Assignments are made on a first-come basis. 

A residence hall (dormitory) option is most convenient because it is fully-furnished and comes with a required on-campus meal plan. You can take virtual tour of Oak Hall and other UMSL housing options on the Res Life website. Res Life is campus owned and operated housing and University Meadows is campus affiliated housing (independently operated).

University Residence Halls and Apartments: http://www.umsl.edu/services/reslife/
Campus Affiliated Apartments (University Meadows): www.campushousing.com/umsl

You can find apartments off-campus, but you should be willing to take public transportation.   Staff members are unable to assist in the search for off-campus accommodation.  Temporary housing may be available if you plan to search for off-campus housing after your arrival.

How much will it cost?

Exchange students should budget a total of $6000 per semester or $12,000 per year. Proof of funding is required for admittance.

Estimates per month 

Housing:   $600
Meals:       $300
Books:       $400 per semester
Local Transportation: All students receive a pass for unlimited use of bus and metro
Health Insurance:  Approximately $1242/year; $553/fall; $724/spring & summer. See below for details.
Personal expenses: $200

What kind of health insurance is required?

All J-1 students are required to purchase insurance coverage through UMSL.

Exchange students may be eligible for a waiver of the mandatory insurance program if your insurance meets strict requirements. Please note, you must apply for and be granted a waiver before the deadline (usually 3 weeks after classes start). If you do not apply for a waiver before the deadline, you must purchase the UMSL insurance coverage. Completion of a waiver application does not guarantee that a waiver will be granted.

Health Services on campus offers minor clinic service and referral.

What are the requirements?

Language requirements

Your official TOEFL or IELTS scores are part of the application requirements.

Undergraduate
TOEFL minimum iBT score:           61 (PBT: 500, CB: 173)
IELTS minimum score:                 5.5
ITP score is acceptable for an undergraduate student

Graduate
TOEFL minimum iBT score:           79 (PBT: 550)
IELTS minimum score:                 6.0
ITP score is not acceptable for an graduate student

All exchange students who are not native speakers of English will be given a placement test upon arrival and may be recommended to take ESL courses during the semester, depending on the results of their English placement exam. The ESL classes are not required, but they may be taken under the Exchange Program.

Nomination

Only students from partner institutions may participate on exchange. You must be nominated by your home university international office and be in good standing. Please contact the Study Abroad or International Office at your home university for further information about applying to UMSL. 

Considerations for graduate nominations

Exchange partner coordinators should inquire before nominating any graduate level student. Admission for Graduate Students is contingent on approval by Graduate School and Faculty Department. Additional materials are required.  This process takes a while so apply early!

When is the deadline?

Coordinators should first e-mail the scanned document prior to posting the originals but originals must be received by the deadline.

April 15 for Fall semester or Academic Year
October 1 for Spring semester (limited spaces for Spring)

How do I apply?

Step One: Does your university have an exchange agreement with UMSL? You should speak with your home university’s exchange coordinator about your desire to exchange with UMSL.

Step Two: Your exchange coordinator must first approve you for exchange during your requested semester(s) and email the UMSL coordinator to nominate you and receive approval that there is space to apply.

Step Three: Once you have been nominated, please complete the below application materials and have your exchange coordinator mail them to UMSL before the deadlines. Coordinators should first e-mail the scanned document prior to posting the originals. An application will not be considered complete until all originals are received and are accurate. Materials shipped directly from students will not be accepted.

Materials must be in English or accompanied by an official English translation. There is no application fee.

Application materials

1. Application Form: 

Undergraduate Application
Graduate Application

Note: Please type. If you must hand write, print clearly.
Note: On question 11 select “J-1 student,” unless you hold a green card or are a U.S. citizen.
Note: On question 15 under “Do you intend to seek a Bachelor’s degree,” select “no” or “other” and write in “exchange student.” As an exchange student, you are will not be admitted to UMSL as a degree seeking student. 

2. Exchange Student Information Sheet: 

Word Format Exchange Info Sheet or PDF Form Exchange Info Sheet

3. Official Educational Transcripts: In English (or with the English translation of transcripts).

4. TOEFL Scores: See minimum TOEFL requirements for exchange (above). Submit official TOEFL scores.

5. Photocopy of Passport: This is to verify spelling of name to ensure the name on the immigration document matches the passport.

6. Immigration Documents:

a. Fillable Financial Support Form: You must complete this form with information about your financial support during your exchange program. Exchange students need to show proof of $6,000 US of support per semester.

Note: This form is duplicating in the application, however the link above allows you to type your response. You need only submit one of these forms.

b. Official Financial Documentation/Bank Statement: You must provide an official document from your bank or your sponsor’s bank or your scholarship donor. The statement needs to be on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official. The document should certify that you or your sponsor hold an account and have the minimum dollar amount in that account ($6,000 US per semester). Financial documentation can be no older than six months.

7. Graduate Students: In addition to the above materials, must also submit:

CV/resume
Statement of purpose
2 letters of reference
Official TOEFL scores (photocopies will not be accepted)
Undergraduate AND Graduate official transcripts
Proof of bachelor's degree or equivalent (copy of diploma, etc.).
Note: A writing sample may be requested to help support application. Admission for Graduate Students is contingent on approval by Graduate School and Faculty Department. This process takes a while so apply early!

ALL Materials need to be emailed first and then posted to the address below:

Mailing Address
Liz Shabani-Exchange Coordinator
International Studies and Programs
University of Missouri-St. Louis
261 MSC (MC 221)
One University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63121 USA

Telephone +1-314-516-6983 or +1-314-516-5229
Fax 1-314-516-5636
Email ShabaniE@umsl.edu or iss@umsl.edu

When will I receive my acceptance packet?

Once we receive all of your application materials the exchange student coordinator will email you with more information regarding arrival dates, classes, housing, etc. Make sure to check your email regularly.

It takes several weeks to process your application and to issue the immigration documents. Please be patient; we will mail your acceptance packet to you as soon as possible.

Fall semester students should expect their packet in May or June.
Spring semester students should expect their packet in late November.

How do I register for classes?

You will receive registration instructions after you have been accepted by UMSL. You will be assigned an UMSL Academic Advisor and should email them your course choices for registration. Since courses may fill up, students should register via email before coming to St. Louis.

The UMSL advisors do not know what the degree requirements are at your home university. Please work with your advisors at your home university to make sure you are taking the "right" courses for your home university.

At the conclusion of the semester or year at UMSL, you must request that your official transcripts be sent to your home university. You may do this online, in person, or via fax through the Registrar's Office. There is a $5 processing fee for each transcript your request. Due to US privacy laws, only the student can request his/her transcript be released.

When should I arrive?

Arrival

Staff from International Studies and Programs will meet new international students at the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport on the noted Arrival Days, if requested. More information will be included in your acceptance packet. Please arrive on one of these days and before 5 p.m. If students neglect to sign up for an airport pickup or arrive outside of our scheduled airport pickups and times will be responsible for making your own arrangements to campus.

Typically the arrival times are the Thursday-Sunday two weeks prior to the start of class and the orientation week is one week prior to the start of class. Official and scheduled arrival dates and details will be sent to all accepted students in their acceptance packet.

Some welcome activities and shopping trips will occur during the suggested arrival week. International student registration and orientation will take place the following Monday- Thursday.

Mandatory Orientation

A one-week mandatory orientation session is held before classes begin in the Fall and Spring semesters. There is no charge. All students must attend orientation.

Fall Semester 2013: To Be Announced (TBA)
Spring Semester 2014: TBA

Where can I find more information?

Please visit the "Admitted Students" section of the International Student and Scholar Services website for details about arrival, orientation, health insurance, and St. Louis. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

We look forward to welcoming you in St. Louis!

UMSL •
Last updated: 08/05/2013