INTRODUCTION:
This document is a collection of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Study abroad Program. These questions may target topics such as, finding information on where to study, how to apply, entry requirements, getting a student visa, tuition fees, the application process and other related topics.
SECTION 1: QUESTIONS
A list of the 14 currently suggested questions for the Study Abroad Program (SAP):
- What is the Study Abroad Program (SAP) at AUM?
- Why apply to the Study Abroad Program (SAP)?
- Where will I be studying?
- How do I get started?
- How long does the Study Abroad Program (SAP) last?
- When can I start applying for the Study Abroad Program (SAP)?
- What are the eligibility requirements for the Study Abroad Program (SAP)?
- What documents do I need to provide for my application?
- Do I have to speak a second language to study abroad?
- What’s next for me if I have a letter of acceptance?
- Do I need to apply for a student visa?
- How much does it cost to study abroad?
- Where and how to pay the tuition fees?
- Does AUM and/or partnering universities guarantee the issuing of Visas?
SECTION 2 : ANSWERS
1. What is the Study Abroad Program (SAP) at AUM?
Answer: The study abroad program is a program that gives a unique opportunity to AUM students to study one or two semesters at a number of partner‐universities in the United States of America and other countries.
2. Why apply to the Study Abroad Program (SAP)?
There are many good reasons to study abroad. For most international students, the appeal likely revolves around a combination of gaining a high‐quality education, experiencing new cultures, gaining a global mindset and expanding future employment prospects. We have summarized some of the foreseen benefits of studying abroad in the following list:
- To expand your horizons.
- To challenge yourself.
- To gain International experience.
- To be added to your Curriculum Vitae/Resume.
- To enhance your second‐language.
- To make lifelong friends from diverse backgrounds.
- To become an independent individual.
- To learn how to become self‐reliant.
- To become more knowledgeable in different cultures.
- To have a new perspective of your own culture.
- To rediscover yourself.
- To gain a global mind‐set.
3. Where will I be studying?
As of now, AUM has 3 active Memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with 3 international universities. These partner‐universities are:
- Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, United States.
- Monroe College in New Rochelle, New York, United States.
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, Italy.
It is worth noting that AUM is seeking to raise the number of partner‐universities abroad. As we currently have more than 7 MOUs with 7 universities around the world that are in the process of obtaining official approval and activation.
4. How do I get started?
If you are interested in the Study Abroad Program (SAP) you need to do the following:
Check out the policy behind selecting students for the Study Abroad Program (SAP) available at:
https://aum.edu.jo/en/students/polices,‐regulation‐and‐procedure/rules‐regulati
Or you are welcome to pass by the Deanship of Student Affairs at the STC building to ask about the program and to fill an application. Also make sure to read these Q&As comprehensively.
5. How long does the Study Abroad Program (SAP) last?
You can study either one or two semesters abroad based on your eligibility requirements in terms of credit hours, personal preference and in coordination with your academic advisor.
6. When can I start applying for the Study Abroad Program (SAP)?
Considering your application as early as possible is the best way to go. After all, the sooner you gain acceptance into a university, the sooner you can arrange your travel plans. It is recommended to take note of all the relevant application deadlines (se t out by your chosen university) in BOLD LETTERS on your calendar.
Application deadlines will be different depending on the faculty. However, for programs starting in the fall semester (September/October), applications will generally be open around January/February until the middle of the year June/July.
7. What are the eligibility requirements for the Study Abroad Program (SAP)?
To be eligible to apply for SAP, the student must meet the following conditions:
- Complete your 1st and 2nd years at AUM with the minimum GPA required by the Host Partner‐University.
- Provide proof of English language proficiency mandated by the Host Partner‐University.
- Demonstrate sound academic development and student conduct (Good behavior).
- Fulfill the academic requirements of the host partner‐university.
- Provide any required recommendation letters and/or similar documents from your designated academic advisor and/or the Dean of your faculty.
- Expected‐to‐graduate students are not eligible to apply to the Study Abroad Program (SAP).
- Be able to meet the financial obligations associated with the Study Abroad Program (SAP).
Eligibility requirements may vary from one partner‐university to another as well as between countries, so be sure to check the information provided by your prospective university before submitting an application. Ask the DSA to provide you with the fact‐sheet for the university that you are intending to apply for.
8. What documents do I need to provide for my application?
You may be asked to provide some supporting documentation as part of your application. Once again, requirements may vary depending on the university and country (Embassy). However, usually international students are often asked to submit a complete application with the following requirements:
- Academic Transcript: For all post‐secondary/university education. All transcripts/mark sheets must be submitted in English.
- Proof of English Proficiency: Specific test scores and minimum requirements explained on the Exchange Student Application page.
- Proof of Financial Support: This varies based on the university and associated country (Embassy). All financial documents must be produced in English or translated into English.
- A copy of your Passport: A copy of the identification page.
For Northern Arizona University you can find the requirements via this link:
https://nau.edu/isss/exchange‐students/
9. Do I have to speak a second language to study abroad?
If you are not a native English speaker but wish to study a course taught in English, you will have to prove you can speak the language to a fairly good level, by providing English‐language test results. This is to ensure you will be able to follow your course without any comprehension complications. Common tests accepted as proof of English proficiency are the TOEFL and IELTS.
Moreover, the registration department at AUM will provide you with an English Proficiency Letter that states that English language is the official medium of instruction at the American University of Madaba (AUM) for all classes in all majors. And that all AUM students are required to take English Communication Skills I & II during their years of study at the university.
10. What’s next for me if I have a letter of acceptance?
First of all, congratulations! Now all that is left for you to do is to prepare for your studies, pack up your life into a single (large) suitcase, get your travel documents in order, apply for your student visa, research your accommodation options, and look forward to this new adventure.
In fact, as soon as you gain acceptance from a university, the first thing you should start to consider is your travel documentation. Ensure you have a valid passport with up to 6 months validity as well as a student visa if you need one. Make sure you have sufficient time to get your passport/visa approved so that you will be able to travel legally and without obstructions.
For more information on what documentation you’ll need to travel, you should visit the government/ embassy website of your chosen country to find information for travelers, visitors and international students (e.g. https://jo.usembassy.gov/ for the American embassy in Amman
‐ Jordan). All the travel information you need should be listed on these official sites. Check this
link for your study abroad checklist
https://www.isepstudyabroad.org/before‐you‐go‐abroad/study‐abroad‐checklist
11. Do I need to apply for a student visa?
Student visas are a big question for those who want to know how to study abroad, though not all students will need one (depending on your nationality/dual‐citizenship). However, as a rule of thumb, if you do not come from your destination country’s geographical region/continent, you will most probably need to apply for a student visa. To get more information about student visas
to the United States you can check the following link:
https://www.ustraveldocs.com/jo/jo‐niv‐typefandm.asp
12. How much does it cost to study abroad?
To calculate an approximation of the costs of studying abroad, you need to consider the following factors:
- The tuition fees which will be similar to the local fees at AUM excluding any scholarships.
- Housing/accommodation costs (Rent). Estimated at 600 ‐ 800 USD per month.
- Living expenses: Food, transportation, books, etc. Estimated at 700 ‐ 1000 USD per month.
- Mandatory Health insurance. Estimated at 1500 USD per semester.
- Two‐way flight ticket. Estimated at 700 ‐ 1000 USD depending on Airline choice.
- Student Visa applications. Estimated at 200 USD paid once.
Each university varies in its costs but you can check the following link for NAU:
https://nau.edu/isss/exchange‐students/
13. Where and how to pay the tuition fees?
Accepted Students expected to join the Study Abroad Program (SAP) will pay AUM with the local fees observed at AUM as per the number of credit hours at the Finance department in the BA Building. This comes After the courses have been recommended by the designated academic advisor.
14. Does AUM and/or the partnering universities guarantee the issuance of the Visa?
Once accepted, the educational institutes involved will provide you with the necessary approval documentation to be submitted when applying for a student visa. However, neither AUM nor the partner‐universities can guarantee the issuance of your visa by any embassy or consulate.