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Exchange Program
Welcome to the Exchange and Sponsored Student Programs at the University of Central Missouri!
We are excited to welcome students from around the world to study at UCM through our exchange partnerships and sponsored programs. These programs provide students the opportunity to experience academic life in the United States while remaining enrolled at their home institutions or receiving support from sponsoring organizations.
The Center for Global Education team is here to assist students throughout their journey, from application and arrival preparation to advising and support during their time on campus.
We look forward to welcoming you to UCM and helping you have a meaningful academic and cultural experience!
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For questions about New International Student Orientation, please contact the Center for Global Education at cge@ucmo.edu. For all J-1 questions, please contact Exchange & Sponsored Programs at intlsponsored@ucmo.edu. |
Looking for additional information on Sponsored Student Programs and International Faculty & Scholar Services? Please visit the pages below:
What is an Exchange Program?
An exchange program allows students from UCM-affiliated universities to study at UCM for one or two semesters while remaining enrolled at their home institution.
Exchange students:
-Remain enrolled as degree candidates at their home institution
-Are not enrolled as degree-seeking students at UCM
-Take courses at UCM during the exchange period
Transfer of Credits
Transfer earned credits back to their home institution.
All credits earned at UCM are applied toward the student's degree by the home institution in accordance with its academic policies.
Exchange students are admitted to UCM as non-degree students under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
J-1 Visa Process
The University of Central Missouri (UCM) welcomes students from affiliate universities and sponsoring organizations through our Exchange and Sponsored Student Programs. Most students participate under the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa category.
The Coordinator for Exchange and Sponsored Programs serves as the Responsible Officer (RO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and issues Form DS-2019 for eligible students.
For more information, visit:
Prospective Exchange Students (Undergraduate & Graduate) Information and Requirements
Exchange and Sponsored Student Process
Step 1: Nominate a Student
Affiliate universities must nominate students before they can apply to UCM. A nomination form link will be shared with the host coordinator.
Nomination deadlines
-Fall Semester: July 1
-Spring Semester: November 1
After nomination, students will receive application instructions from UCM through their email.
Step 2: Submit Application and Admission Documents
A link to the online application will be sent to the student's email. Students must complete the online application and submit the following:
-Copy of passport
-Unofficial transcript from the home institution
-Proof of English proficiency
Additional documents may be requested.
All documents must be translated into English.
Step 3: Submit Documents for DS-2019 Processing
After admission is confirmed, students must submit documents for DS-2019 processing, including:
-Financial support documentation
-Sponsor letter (if applicable)
-Any additional forms requested by UCM
All documents must be translated into English.
The RO will review the documents and, if approved, issue the Form DS-2019 and send the Admission Letter to the student's registered email address.
Step 4: Apply for a J-1 Visa
After receiving the DS-2019 and Admission Letter, students must:
1. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
2. Complete the DS-160 visa application
3. Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Students should bring all required immigration and financial documents to the interview.
Arrival and Orientation
Students will receive emails from UCM prior to arrival with information about travel, arrival procedures, housing, and mandatory orientation.
Arrival in the United States
Carry the following documents in your hand luggage:
-Passport
-J-1 visa
-Form DS-2019
-Admission Letter
-SEVIS fee receipt
-Financial documents (just in case)
These documents may be requested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.
Immigration Check-In at UCM
All J-1 exchange and sponsored students must complete immigration check-in after arriving at UCM. This allows the Responsible Officer (RO) to activate the student’s SEVIS record.
Failure to complete check-in may affect immigration status.
CGE Undergraduate International Student Orientation
All students must attend the Student Orientation, which provides information about:
-Immigration regulations
-Academic expectations
-Campus services and resources
-Fun activities with other international students
Orientation details will be sent before arrival.
Contact
For questions about the Exchange and Sponsored Student Program or DS-2019 issuance, please contact:
Joanna O’Connor
Coordinator for Exchange and Sponsored Programs
Responsible Officer (RO), J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
University of Central Missouri
intlsponsored@ucmo.edu
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
How long can I study at UCM as an exchange student?
Most exchange students study at UCM for one semester or one academic year (two semesters), depending on the agreement between UCM and the home institution.
Do exchange students pay tuition at UCM?
Exchange students usually pay tuition at their home institution. Tuition at UCM is typically waived under the exchange agreement.
The Exchange Beyond Match program is another agreement that allows students to pay a discounted tuition fee.
Students are responsible for other costs such as housing, meals, health insurance, and personal expenses.
Can exchange students choose any courses at UCM?
How many credit hours must exchange students take?
J-1 exchange students must maintain full-time enrollment:
- Undergraduate students: at least 12 credit hours per semester
- Graduate students: at least 9 credit hours per semester
Can exchange students work while studying at UCM?
J-1 exchange students may be eligible to work on campus with authorization from the Responsible Officer (RO).
Off-campus work is generally not permitted unless authorized as Academic Training.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. UCM Health insurance is required for all J-1 exchange students for the entire duration of the program, according to U.S. Department of State regulations.
Sponsored students should check with the Coordinator for Exchange and Sponsored Programs.
When should I arrive in the United States?
Can I travel outside the United States during my exchange program?
What happens if I arrive late to UCM?
Who should I contact if I have questions?
Students and affiliated universities can contact:
Coordinator for Exchange and Sponsored Programs
Responsible Officer (RO), J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
University of Central Missouri
intlsponsored@ucmo.edu
How do I apply for housing?
Exchange and sponsored students may apply for on-campus housing through the UCM Housing Office. Housing application instructions will be sent to students after admission.
Students are encouraged to apply early to secure their preferred housing option.
Is airport pickup available?
How do I register for courses?
Course registration usually takes place after arrival during orientation and advising sessions. Students will receive assistance from the Center for Global Education and an academic advisor to select appropriate courses.
Students should review course options in advance and discuss them with their home university advisor to ensure credit transfer.
How will I receive my transcript after the exchange program?
Can I extend my exchange program?
Students who wish to extend their exchange program for an additional semester must first receive approval from:
- Their home institution, and
- The Coordinator for Exchange and Sponsored Programs (Responsible Officer) at UCM.
Extension requests must be submitted before the program end date listed on the DS-2019.
How long can I stay after my exchange program ends?
