VCU School of the Arts in Qatar
Doha, Qatar
The exchange program at VCUQatar 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 suffuses 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, VCUQatar plays a central role in the modern cultural life of Qataris and Middle Easterners. Whether in the studio, library, computer laboratory or 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 surroundings cultivate artistic expression as well as individual growth. The presence of VCUQ within an Arab/Islamic environment enables students to foster a critical outlook toward the globalization of visual cultural and its impact on design.
Apply now
Students must have at least a 2.75 GPA to apply. There is exchange space for two VCU students per semester to study at VCUQatar. Apply by submitting the partnership and department exchange application [PDF].
Please apply by March 15 for the fall semester and Oct. 1 for the spring. The application consists of a short essay, transcript and one reference letter. All applicants will be interviewed before being accepted.
- Curriculum
- Eligibility
- Transfer of credit
- Academic calendar
- Housing and meals
- Tuition and fees
- Financial aid
- Location
- Student life
- Orientation
- Travel information
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 in Richmond. In addition to earning credit in your major, you may also take general education requirements and cross-register at other universities nearby.
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.
Transfer of credit
Students will be awarded VCU credit for all courses successfully completed at VCUQatar.
Academic calendar
Fall semester: late August until mid-December
Spring semester: mid-January until mid-May
The university observes the Ramadan period during which there is a modified schedule of classes.
Housing and meals
Exchange students will be housed on campus in a large double room inside an 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 and is single-sex with no overnight guests allowed.
The dormitory is located inside the Education City campus close to the VCUQatar 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. There are no stores within walking distance of the dormitory.
Tuition and fees
Students pay VCU tuition and fees. Housing costs are paid directly to the VCUQatar dormitory. Students should also budget for mandatory 10-day international field excursions with their class. The total estimated cost per semester, including airfare, VCU tuition, housing and meals, international field excursions, books and supplies, passport, local transportation, and personal expenses ranges 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 cost of the program. Students may also apply for scholarships to help subsidize the cost or apply for work-study jobs. Please contact VCU Education Abroad for details.
Location
VCUQatar 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.
Student life
The student body at VCUQatar is very diverse, with many students coming from different countries. There are also international students studying at other universities in Education City. The official language of Qatar is Arabic, but students will find 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.
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 and sand dunning.
Orientation
Students enrolled at VCUQatar will be welcomed by the student services staff, which will arrange orientation for 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.
Travel information
Students should arrange to fly from Richmond to Doha, Qatar. Students will be met at the Doha airport by student services staff members.
