Frequently Asked Questions

Specific information about Forum-Nexus programs

Why should I study abroad?

Study abroad is an enriching and eye-opening adventure, where learning extends far beyond the classroom. The experience will expose you to new ways of thinking, living, and viewing the world. Benefits include the opportunity to learn firsthand about other cultures, improve your language skills, visiting amazing cities, develop friendships with students from around the world, fulfill major and minor coursework requirements, and develop new intellectual pursuits, skills, and perspectives.

Why Forum-Nexus?

Forum-Nexus has 22 years of experience specializing in intensive summer programs, taught in English, for undergraduate and graduate students. The programs are held in some of the most engaging and dynamic cities in the Europe. You will greatly improve your global awareness, cultural intelligence, and International-IQ. The distinctive aspect of Forum-Nexus is that you will have the opportunity to travel with college professors across Europe, visiting universities, companies, international organizations and more. You will go to class in the morning and visit companies and international organizations in the afternoon. You will still have abundant opportunities for cultural and touristic activities, shopping and nighttime entertainment.

How will a study abroad experience enhance my employability after I graduate?

Employers increasingly seek graduates who have international experience, and a study abroad experience will enhance your employability. International knowledge, cross-cultural communication skills, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances are skills enhanced through study abroad that are important to employers in most fields.

Who can participate in Forum-Nexus programs?

You have to be an undergraduate or graduate student or, if not a student now, be the holder of a college or university degree. Most undergraduate program participants are aged between 19 and 23 years old. Most graduate program participants are aged between 23 and 29 years old. Applicants should have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. Students not meeting the GPA requirement are encouraged to apply, but must submit a letter of recommendation and a letter of explanation for review by the Admissions Committee.

When should I apply?

Forum-Nexus programs fill up early, so the best time to apply is now. Early planning is the key to successful study abroad.

When should I study abroad?

It is advantageous to undertake study abroad in your freshman or sophomore years in order to complete general education requirements. However, it is also possible to study abroad in your junior or senior year with Forum-Nexus. We also offer graduate courses.

Which courses should I take?

The Study Abroad Office at you university can advise you on which courses you should take, taking into account the policies of your major and minor. You can take from one course (3 credits) up to four courses (12 credits). Credits for the Forum-Nexus programs are issued by either the IQS School of Management of the Ramon Llull University in Barcelona (which is fully accredited by AACSB) or by the Catholic University of Milan (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, member of the ISEP Network).

Can I afford to participate in Forum-Nexus?

Yes, you can! Generally, all financial aid awards, including loans, grants, and scholarships, are applicable to study abroad programs. Financial aid packages are reevaluated to consider the cost of a specific program, and aid packages may be adjusted (up to the maximum eligibility amount) according to the modified cost of the study abroad program.

Students may also be able to receive additional loans (available under the Stafford Student Loan program through private lenders - banks, savings and loan associations, or credit unions) to help finance their study abroad. Forum-Nexus is an experience of a lifetime! We would argue that you can’t afford not to participate. However, we know that times are tough and financial resources may be limited. Our tuition and fees are reasonable and include lodging and tuition. You will be responsible for most food costs and personal expenses, as well as the international travel to and from Europe. Forum-Nexus pays all transportation costs between countries while in Europe (the one exception is if you are traveling from Vienna to Barcelona). Forum-Nexus may be able to assist you in offsetting your program costs by reducing tuition and fees by $500 for every friend or classmate that enrolls in Forum-Nexus based on your referral.

See online study abroad financial aid information in our internships and financial aid section here.

Do I need to know a foreign language to study abroad?

No, all Forum-Nexus courses are taught in English. We do hope that you will make an effort to learn some important words in the languages of the countries we visit. International IQ is an important component of the Forum-Nexus programs.

Do I need to apply for a visa?

If you are a citizen of the U.S., Canada, Mexico or the European Union, you do not need any visas. Citizens of most other countries do need to apply for a Schengen visa, that is ONE visa for all the Forum-Nexus countries. Usually, you do not need a student visa, but just a tourist visa. After you get accepted and pay your deposit, Forum-Nexus will provide you with the necessary documents needed for the visa. You should not necessarily apply for a visa from the first country that you will visit; but rather from the country in which you will spend the most days.

Can I travel with Forum-Nexus even if I have already graduated from my university?

Yes, however, we recommend that you take at least one graduate course and receive a graduate transcript, which may be of value in the future if you decide to go into graduate school.

Can I travel without taking classes?

Students who do not want or need to earn credits for their courses may elect to register as Auditors. They sit in the class but are not required to take the exams or complete the course assignments. Auditors are expected to participate in one professional or cultural visit per city.

Can I take an independent study?

Students enrolled in an independent study choose a customized focus for their course (e.g. European NGO’s or Entrepreneurship in Europe or Integration and Marginalization of Immigrants or The European Fashion Industry) and submit a proposal to their Forum-Nexus faculty advisor. The students earn 3 credits once they satisfy the course requirements, which usually include the preparation of a creative portfolio. We encourage the submission of multimedia portfolios including audio and video materials. Students may attend any classes or professional visits that are deemed relevant to their research topic.

Can I travel with my spouse?

Yes, but subject to approval by the program director.

When will I know if I've been accepted to the program?

Within two weeks after you apply and submit the required essay, you will receive an email notification of acceptance (or rejection).

In Forum Europe 12 cities, how will I travel between Vienna and Barcelona?

The flight from Vienna to Barcelona on June 21 is not included in the cost of the program. We recommend flight # 8008 on Air Berlin departing Vienna at 8:30 am. The current price is about US$ 130. You are allowed to choose a different flight, as long as you arrive to Barcelona before 2 pm.

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