George Mason University - Center for Global Education

direct exchanges

These semester or year-long programs make the most financial sense to in-state Mason students as they can study abroad while paying in-state George Mason tuition!

Participants must be at least a second-semester George Mason sophomore (have acquired 45 credits) and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (some programs require a cumulative GPA of 3.0 minimum). For more information, please go to the program specific page. International Students interested in studying at Mason through direct exchange programs, please refer to Incoming Direct Exchange Programs.

Direct Exchange programs work like this: Students enroll in the exchange university's courses alongside local and other international students and earn 12 to 16 transfer credits per semester. Courses are taught in many different disciplines, either in English or the host country's language, depending on the site. Participants pay their Mason tuition and an administrative fee to the Center for Global Education. Room and board are paid to the host university. Students are also responsible for their International airfare and personal expenses. Because this type of exchange is not based on group experience we often recommended it to the more autonomous student.

Please note that due to the nature of the exchange, only a small number of Mason students study abroad via Direct Exchange because George Mason can only send as many students as the partner university sends to Mason. Applications are considered on a first come, first serve basis.

LISt of direct exhanges by country
This section is still under construction. We will complete it soon. Thanks for your patience.

Australia
Direct Exchange with La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia
Direct Exchange with University of Canberra in Canberra, Australia

Chile
Direct Exchange with Universidad Del Desarrollo in Santiago

England
Direct Exchange with University of Leicester
Direct Exchange with University of Kent (link coming soon!)
Direct Exchange with University of Reading

France
Direct Exchange with EuroMed Marseille School of Management

Germany
Direct Exchange with Aachen University

Japan
Direct Exchange with Sophia University
Direct Exchange with Akita University (link coming soon!)
Direct Exchange with Momoyama University (link coming soon!)

Malta
Direct Exchange with University Of Malta

Mexico
Direct Exchange with Universidad de las Americas

Netherlands
Direct Exchange with Erasmus University

South Korea
Direct Exchange with Yonsei University (closed for Spring 2009)
Direct Exchange with Cheju University

Spain
Direct Exchange with Universidad de Zaragoza

Sweden
Direct Exchange with Växjö University (Application deadlines are 9/1 for Spring and 4/1 for fall)
Direct Exchange with Jonkoping University

Taiwan
Direct Exchange with National Chengchi University

INFORMATION for incoming direct exchange students

If you study at one of our partner institutions listed above, then you can study abroad at George Mason University! Located just outside of Washington, DC, the capital city of the United States, George Mason University is an innovative and entrepreneurial institution with a growing and diverse student body and exceptional faculty of enterprising scholars. International students may spend a semester or a whole year living and learning on the Fairfax Campus.

SPRING SEMESTER DATES: mid January - mid May

FALL SEMESTER DATES: late August - mid December

Your semester or year will begin with an orientation program hosted by the Office of International Programs and Services. During the orientation you will be introduced to campus life and academics at the university. Once here you will take courses and can participate in any of the many clubs and recreational sports teams on campus.

Students at Mason generally take 4-5 classes per semester. Most classes count as 3 credits, which equals a total of 12-15 credits per semester. Classes are offered on 4 levels in the undergraduate system, with 100 level courses at introductory level, 200 level courses intermediate and 300-400 level courses advanced. Most direct exchange students take courses at the 200 and 300 levels.

You may take courses from many departments in the university, including but not limited to:

American Studies
Literature
History
Natural Sciences
Sports Management
Foreign Languages

For more information on the university's course offerings, please consult the course catalogue. To find out if a specific course is offered during the semester please check the schedule of classes.

HOUSING

Direct Exchange students live on the Fairfax Campus. You will register for housing before arriving at the university.

International students share a room with a Mason student. Rooms have a bed, desk, dresser and closet for each student. Students are expected to bring their own bed linens and toiletries. Some options have kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms. No matter which option you choose, you will find that living on campus is a great way to make friends and allows you easy access to classes, sports facilities and the many activities that occur at Mason.

Very few of the rooms available have kitchen facilities and it is unlikely that you will have a kitchen in your room. This is typical for US college students who eat their meals in the dining halls. As a direct exchange student you will purchase a university meal plan to be used on campus. A variety of dining options are available from buffets to a la carte dining and national brands (such as Burger King and Taco Bell) to satisfy your hunger. With a diverse student population, Mason Dining Services can accommodate nearly everyone, including vegetarians and those following special diets.

ELIGIBILITY

Direct Exchanges are open ONLY to international students from the universities listed above.

Please consult with the study abroad office at your home university to determine your eligibility and application requirements.

You must be at least in your fourth semester and have the equivalent of a 2.50 cumulative GPA or higher. Non-English speakers must have a minimum TOEFL score of 88 (internet-based test), 230 (computer-based test) or 570 (paper test).

Tuition fees paid to your home university. You must pay a $300 administration fee ($500 for year long) to Center for Global Education upon your arrival at Mason. You will pay room and board directly to Mason. Please note that international airfare and personal expenses are not included.

APPLICATION & DEADLINE

Fall Semester - March 1
Spring Semester - October 1

Center for Global Education must receive all of your application materials from the study abroad office of your university by the dates listed above. Incomplete applications may lead to delays in processing.

Please submit the following application forms to your study abroad or equivalent office of your home university:

The following DOES NOT apply to Aachen students. Students looking to apply to Aachen should see instructions below.

Once Center for Global Education receives your application materials, your application will be assigned to a Program Officer. The Program Officer will process your application and is also available to assist you both before your arrival and once you are at Mason.

For Incoming Aachen students ONLY: As Aachen students are applying for a dual degree program through the School of Management at Mason, please follow the directions below to apply directly to University Admissions.

Go to http://admissions.Mason.edu/onapps.asp
Click on "Click here to Apply on Line"
Click on the "First time user account creation" button at the bottom of the page to create a new account and to establish a pin number.
Complete the application
Please note that you will need a credit card to pay the application fee.

USEFUL LINKS FOR INCOMING STUDENTS

The following links will give you more information on studying and living at George Mason University.

Course Catalogue

Heath Insurance Information

On-Campus Dining

Schedule of Classes

The Office of Housing and Residential Life

The Office of International Programs and Services

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