Apply to VISP

The application deadline is September 15 of each year. Students will be notified of admission after October 1. An application is available only to students nominated by the designated coordinator from the following universities:

Collegio Nuovo, Università di Pavia
University of Copenhagen in partnership with the Danish Institute for Study Abroad
China Foreign Affairs University
Ewha Woman's University
Yonsei University: Underwood International College
Beijing Foreign Studies University
Beijing Normal University
University of Ghana
University of Cape Town
University of Melbourne
Universitat Pompeu Fabra
University of Trento
Moscow State University
University of Oslo

Requirements for admission

Applicants must have a minimum TOEFL score of at least 600 (250 computer test; 100 internet-based test) or a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 — TOEFL/IELTS scores must reach Barnard by September 15, prior to the semester of enrollment.

Should an applicant not meet these minimum requirements, her application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If a student not meeting the minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores is ultimately accepted, she will be required to take the Columbia English Placement Test upon arrival at Barnard and to enroll in instruction in the American Language Program beyond the academic courses taken at Barnard and Columbia.

Students must also have sufficient academic preparation for the courses they wish to pursue at Barnard.

Students must have completed at least one year of higher education at their home institution.

Application

Once they are nominated by their home schools, students should submit the online DS-2019 request form and include it in their application materials, outlined below.

A completed application includes the following documents, attached to this cover sheet:

• A Curriculum Vitae
• An essay describing why you wish to spend the spring semester at Barnard College (500 words or less)
• A copy of your passport
• An official TOEFL or IELTS Score Report (for non-native English speakers only)
• An official university transcript
• A high school transcript (optional)
• 2 letters of recommendation from university professors
• A print out of your responses to the online DS-2019 request form
• Page 2 (Part II & III) of the DS-2019 request form (see downloads at right)
• Documentation of funding* with currency conversions (see downloads at right)

*Please check with your home university coordinator for the total amount of funds necessary to apply for your DS-2019.

Program dates for Spring 2013

Student arrival and housing check-in: Tuesday January 15th
Student departure and housing check-out: Saturday May 18th

Costs for Spring 2013

TUITION

For more information, please contact your home institution coordinator or email VISP@barnard.edu

INSURANCE

All VISP students are required to purchase medical insurance in accordance with Barnard policy and visa regulations. This comprehensive insurance will be billed automatically to each student and is $640.

ROOM AND BOARD

All VISP students are required to live on-campus and select a meal plan.

Accommodation:

Single occupancy room: $4,740
Multiple occupancy room: $4,120

Information about the residence halls is available at barnard.edu/reslife/housing-options.

Board:

19 meals per week* +120 points = $2,785 per semester

Quad Upperclass Plan (required of all VISP students living on floors 2-8 of the Barnard Quad: Brooks, Hewitt, Reid, and Sulzberger Halls):

• 150 Meals* + 430 points = $1,930 per semester

Limited meal plan options:

• 75 Meals* + 200 points = $900 per semester
• 60 Meals* + 300 points = $900 per semester
• 30 Meals* + no points = $300 per semester
• 15 Meals* + 150 points = $300 per semester
• Points only (300 points) = $300 per semester

* Kosher meal plan options are also available at a slightly higher cost.