» Admitted Exchange Students

Congratulations on your preliminary acceptance to Chapman’s Student Exchange Program! We are thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant community in Orange County, California. 

This page provides the next steps and resources, including additional application requirements, details on the visa application process, and how to get involved to help you prepare for your experience at Chapman University.

Chapman application requirements

As an admitted exchange student, you need to complete Chapman’s application requirements to finalize your admission. These requirements include:

• Personal information and contact details.
• Academic history and transcripts.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
• Financial documentation.

Once admitted, you were sent instructions and a link to complete these requirements. Make sure to follow these instructions thoroughly. 

Chapman student ID and email address

Once your home university's nomination is approved by the Chapman Exchange Coordinator, an account is created for you in the application portal with account setup instructions.

• You must log in to your application within 7 days to gain access. 
• You must complete the initial Chapman application requirements to obtain your official acceptance letter. 
• Acceptance letters are required for J-1 visa applications.

In addition to your new application portal account, we will also create a Chapman University Student account with your own Microsoft Outlook student email and official Chapman Student ID. Please keep an eye on your personal email inbox for these account setup instructions.

Course registration

One of your immediate application requirements is to submit your preferred course selection.

• The Exchange Coordinator will register you into your desired courses if they are available at the time of course registration. 
• If you do not submit your preferred courses on time, you will risk missing your opportunity to enroll in a course if its capacity fills quickly, which is common.
• Check your Chapman application for detailed course registration instructions. Some courses may have additional fees. 
• As an exchange student, you are required to enroll full-time, which means taking 12-18 credits for undergraduates.

Get involved

As an exchange student, you can begin building connections and planning your international experience even before you arrive! Below are some ideas and resources to help you get a head start on your Chapman experience.

International student clubs and organizations

Chapman has a wide breadth of student groups and organizations tailored to enrich your experience, whether aligned with your academic interests, hobbies, or personal passions.

We also have numerous international and cultural student clubs where you can connect with others, celebrate your heritage, and enrich your international experience as a Chapman student.

You can find a complete list of our active student organizations here, or visit our Clubs and Organizations page to explore clubs by category.

Panther Pals

All accepted exchange students will be paired with a Panther Pal, a current student who will assist you in the transition to life at Chapman and in Southern California. They can:

• Answer all of your questions about studying at Chapman and getting involved. 
• Pick you up from the airport upon your arrival.
• Help you navigate campus and the surrounding area.
• Connect you to fellow students and others a part of the Chapman community.
• Give you useful tips and tricks about college life.

The Exchange Coordinator will automatically pair accepted exchange students with Panther Pals during winter or summer break prior to your arrival.

If you have any questions or would like more details about Panther Pals, contact Henry Carey at exchange@chapman.edu.

Exchange Student Orientation

Exchange Student Orientation is mandatory and occurs one week before the first week of semester classes – check the Important Dates and Deadlines section for details. 

Orientation will be your primary chance to meet other exchange students participating in the program, as well as:

• Learn about different campus departments. 
• Go on a campus walking tour to get the lay of the land. 
• Go on a field trip to a Target store to purchase any additional items you need for your dorm. 
• Enjoy free breakfast and lunch with your fellow exchange students!

A detailed itinerary will be sent to students within two weeks of arrival. Students are encouraged to bring or wear walking shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

International Student Services

International Student Services can provide you with guidance and support while you study in the United States on a J-1 visa, including assistance with:

• Applying for your visa.
• Planning your arrival to Chapman.
• Maintaining your visa status.
• Staying in compliance when traveling outside of the U.S.

Applying for your visa

Your first step in preparing to study in the United States is obtaining your J-1 visa. 

Refer to Visa Steps for J-1 Students for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a J-1 visa.

Planning your arrival at Chapman

Immigration regulations allow you to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the program start date indicated on your DS-2019, but please note that you won’t be able to move into Chapman housing until your assigned move-in date.

Visit our Applying for Visa and Arrival page for helpful tips to plan your arrival in the U.S., including securing airport transportation to Chapman.

Maintaining your visa status

As an exchange student, you must follow immigration regulations to maintain your international student status and avoid any violation while studying at Chapman.

Visit the Maintaining Visa Status page to find guidelines for maintaining your visa status, along with further information to consider during your time as a Chapman student.