Summer Exchange - Doha to Pittsburgh

Summer Dates 2013

  • Session I: May 20-June 28

  • Session II: July 1-August 9

  • On Campus Housing Move-In: To be determined

  • Mandatory International Student Orientation in Pittsburgh

    • Approximate: May 17, 2013

  • Recommended date to be in Pittsburgh for Session I: No later than May 16

  • Recommended date to be in Pittsburgh for Session II: No later than June 29,

Application Procedure

  • Attend an information session and/or visit the Office of International Education.

    • Info Session: January 16:12:00pm - 12:45pm, CMUQ 1106

    • Info Table: January 21: 11:30-1:00 pm, Food Court
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  • Meet with your academic advisor(s) regarding your course plan--make sure their approve of your participation in campus exchange.

  • Get approval for courses from your advisor

  • Submit all application materials on or before the deadline(s).

Application Deadlines

All applications and documents should be submitted to the Office of International Education (OIE) Qatar, unless otherwise indicated.

NOTE:  There is financial assistance available for students who wish to study in Pittsburgh during the summer terms.

Stage One:

  • OIE-Qatar Application Form, copies of passport and residency permit will be uploaded:

    • Deadline:  Thursday, February 9, 2013 (11:59pm)

  • Take the time to work on your essay and short answers!  The prompt questions are:

    • Why are you interested in participating in the campus exchange program?

    • What do you hope to gain or achieve from this experience?

    • What will you contribute?

  • Remember that your essays are the sole criteria which the committee reviews for financial assistance.  Make every word count.

Stage Two:

NOTE: If you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you do not need to submit these documents.

Deadline: UPDATED Wednesday, February 27, 2013

  • Information Form

  • Affidavit 

  • Supporting Financial Documents

    • Depending on each student's individual situation, these documents could include, but are not limited to: ORIGINAL bank statements, letters of sponsorship from government offices or businesses, and/or letters confirming financial aid or scholarship packages.

  • Copy of TOEFL scores

    • You can obtain a copy from Enrollment Services.  Please allow at least 2 business days for processing. Te request, send an email to    enrollment[at]qatar.cmu.edu.  

Stage Three:

These applications and forms have separate instructions for submission and deadlines.  Please read below for the specific directions.

  • Health History

    • You should obtain a copy of your health history and immunization records from the Office of Health & Wellness.  Send requests via email to ymalek[at]qatar.cmu.edu, and please allow at least 2 business days for processing.

    • You will need this information to complete CMU-Pittsburgh's health history forms online.  This information must be submitted by the first day of your summer session.

  • Housing Application [link updated after spring break]

    • We strongly recommend CMU-affiliated housing for your exchange. However, you may choose to secure your own accommodations. You will need to provide us with the details once you have other arrangements made.

    • Take a look at CMU housing options online.  Most CMUQ students studying in Pittsburgh for the summer choose the Oakland option, and are usually assigned to Fairfax or Residence on 5th.

    • This form can be submitted via email by sending the application to plaid[at]andrew.cmu.edu.

    • Historically, on campus housing for summer sessions has been available for students to move in starting the second day of  classes for Session I. However, OIE-Qatar will work with the housing department to try to arrange earlier move in dates.  Please do plan to stay in a hotel for a few days upon your arrival, just in case.

  • Medical Insurance

    • Download the summer insurance application here. [link updated after spring break]

      • Health insurance is mandatory for enrollment at CMU-Pittsburgh, just as it is for enrollment at CMUQ.  However, the insurance you use to meet CMUQ's requirements is not approved by CMU-Pittsburgh.  Therefore you will need to show proof of insurance that meets their requirements or--most likely--purchase the university recommended insurance.  

      • Most students choose the Standard Individual Plan.  If you are receiving financial assistance from OIE to cover your insurance costs, this is the plan you must choose.

    • If your financial sponsor (employer/government) provides you with insurance while abroad, please visit the Insurance Waiver page. You will need to check with your sponsor and/or the insurance provider to make sure that your policy meets all the requirements listed on this page, in order to NOT purchase the CMU insurance policy.  Follow all directions on this page carefully.

    • These documents should be delivered in person to Health Services upon arrival in Pittsburgh.

Stage Four:

Once you have received your I-20 document from the Office of International, you need to apply for your student exchange visa.  This involves several steps, which is outlined on the U.S. Embassy of Doha website.  An overview of the steps is offered below, but you must follow the directions stated on the U. S. Embassy website.

  • Pay the SEVIS fee online (if you are awarded financial assistance from OIE-Qatar, we will pay this fee and provide you with the receipt)

  • Complete the visa application online.

  • Pay the visa application fee at a Commercial Bank location.

  • Go to U.S. Embassy for visa interview.  

Once your student exchange visa has been placed in your passport, please provide a scanned color copy to the Office of International Education-Qatar.

Final Preparations:

Before you leave, you must be sure to have attended a Pre-Departure Orientation, submitted a signed waiver and a completed registration request form with the appropriate signatures approving your courses.

When you finalize your travel plans, you must provide the flight details to OIE Qatar. We will coordinate with Pittsburgh and arrange for airport greeters when you arrive.

If you are on facebook, we generally create a facebook group for those students that are in Pittsburgh on exchange and include other students who can provide advice, suggestions and help orient you to campus and the surrounding area.

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