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The exchange program at VCU Q is a unique opportunity to earn VCU credits while studying design in a fascinating location. You will have an insider’s view of life in the gulf region and the rich culture that makes up the area. The turquoise blue waters of the Persian Gulf provide a picturesque backdrop for the constantly changing landscape of Doha.
Located in the heart of a city and region with an extraordinarily vibrant and diverse cultural heritage, VCUQ plays a central role in the modern cultural life of Qataris and Middle Easterners. Whether in the studio, the library, the computer laboratory or the lecture halls, students can expand their cultural perspectives as well as acquire expertise for the workplace within an energetic and compassionate learning environment. The university’s multicultural environment cultivates artistic expression as well as individual growth. The presence of VCUQ within an Arab/Islamic environment enables students to foster a critical outlook towards the globalization of visual cultural and its impact on design.
VCU Q is located in Doha, Qatar inside of a campus known as Education City. There are several other U.S. universities along with VCU located on this campus. For more information about Education City visit www.qf.edu.qa/output/page307.asp.
Curriculum: The exchange program is open to students majoring in fashion design, interior design and graphic design. Students will follow a curriculum of study similar to VCU Richmond. In addition to earning credit in your major, you may also take general education requirements and cross-register at other universities located nearby.
Transfer of credit: Students will be awarded VCU credit for all courses successfully completed at VCU Q.
Academic calendar: The university observes the Ramadan period during which there is a modified schedule of classes.
Fall semester: Late August until mid-December
Spring semester: Mid-January until mid-May
Housing and meals: Exchange students will be housed on campus in a large double room inside a spacious apartment with a full kitchen, large living room, dining area and bathroom. The kitchen is equipped with dishes and students are given a care package with blankets upon arrival. There is no meal plan; however, students may cook in their dormitory, eat at the school cafeteria, or purchase meals at one of the restaurants around the city.
The dormitory provides 24-hour security for its residents. Housing is single-sex and no overnight guests are allowed. Students may participate in dorm-based activities.
The dormitory is located inside the Education City campus close to the VCU Q building. The dormitory provides shuttle service to the mall and downtown areas according to a weekly schedule. There is no public transportation in Qatar and you will have to rely on the shuttle for transportation or plan on taking taxis to get around. There are no stores within walking distance of the dormitories.
Costs: Students pay VCU tuition and fees. Housing is paid directly to the VCU Q dormitory. Students should also budget for mandatory 10-day international field excursions with their class. The total estimated costs per semester, including airfare, VCU tuition, housing and meals, international field excursions, books and supplies, passport, local transportation and personal expenses, range from $11,000 to 14,000. This cost can vary depending on personal spending habits.
Financial aid: In most cases students may use their current financial aid to help pay for the costs of the exchange program. Students may also apply for scholarships to help subsidize the costs. Please contact VCU Education Abroad for details. Exchange students can apply for work-study jobs on the VCU Q campus.
Orientation: Students going to VCU Q will be welcomed by the student services staff, which will arrange orientation for the VCU Richmond students. In the fall semester, students will participate in a large orientation for all international students. Students who study in the spring semester will have a smaller orientation for VCU students.
Travel information: Students should arrange to fly from Richmond to Doha, Qatar. Students will be met at the Doha airport by the student services staff members.
To apply: Students must have at least a 2.75 GPA to apply. There is exchange space for two VCU students per semester to study at VCU Q. You can apply by submitting the Partnership university application, which is found under the Application and Forms section of the Web site. Please apply by March 15 for the fall and October 1 for the spring. The application consists of a short essay, transcript and one reference letter. All applicants will be interviewed before acceptance.
Eligibility: All students within the design majors are encouraged to apply. Candidates should demonstrate maturity, flexibility, patience, a tolerance for differences and an open attitude. Students should be able to adjust to different cultures and stresses and should demonstrate assertiveness and self-direction.
About VCU Q students and life in Doha: The student body at VCU Q is very diverse, with many of the students coming from different countries. There are also international students studying at the other universities in Education City. The official language of Qatar is Arabic but students will find that they can live easily in Doha with little or no Arabic skills. Most signs and menus are in English and most residents speak basic English at a minimum. Students who want to learn Arabic should be aware that the prevalence of English will make their task harder.
Qatari residents are very warm and welcoming. Students will find that the standard of dress is very fashionable. Adventure activities in and around Doha include scuba diving, sailing, swimming at the beaches of the turquoise Gulf waters and sand dunning. There are a few bars and clubs located mostly in hotels.
Visit www.qatar.vcu.edu for further information on the campus.
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