MAYS BUSINESS SCHOOL AT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

INCOMING EXCHANGE FACT SHEET2020-2021

APPLICATION PROCESS

Students must be nominated by their home university to study on a reciprocal exchange at Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. Nominations for fall semester and academic-year exchanges are due from the host university by February 15 and for spring semester exchanges by September 1.

Texas A&M application instructions will be emailed to students by Texas A&M Education Abroad after they are nominated. Students will complete 2 online applications–one with Education Abroad and another with International Student Services. Applications for fall semester and academic-year exchanges are due from the student by March 1 and for spring semester exchanges by September 15.

Students must upload the following documents in PDF format to their online application before submitting:• Color Copy of Passport• Incoming Exchange Application• Official Academic Transcript• Courses in Progress• Course Selection Form• English Verification Document*• Bacterial Meningitis Vaccination Report• Tuberculosis (TB) Form• Emergency Contact Form• Acknowledgment of Insurance Requirement• Immigration Information Questionnaire

*While there is no formal English language proficiency requirement for Mays incoming exchange students, English language proficiency is expected. A TOEFL score of 550 for paper-based testing (p-BT) or 80 internet-based (i-BT) or an IELTS overall band score of 6.0 is generally required and should be taken into consideration when applying. An English verification document must be signed by the student’s home university and uploaded to the online exchange application.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

FALL 2020 SEMESTERTAMU Incoming Exchange Orientation August 17Mays Business School Academic Orientation August 18Fall Semester Classes Begin August 19Last Day to Add/Drop Courses August 25Thanksgiving Holiday (No Classes) November 26-27Last Day of Final Exams December 9

SPRING 2021 SEMESTERTAMU Incoming Exchange Orientation January 13Mays Business School Academic Orientation January 14 or 15Spring Semester Classes Begin January 19Last Day to Add/Drop Courses January 25Spring Break (No Classes) March 15-19Last Day of Final Exams May 11

ACADEMIC CALENDARhttp://registrar.tamu.edu/Academic-Calendar

Gig ‘em!

ADDRESS

Center for International Business Studies (CIBS) Mays Business School, Texas A&M University4116 TAMU230 Wehner BuildingCollege Station, TX 77843-4116USA

CONTACT INFORMATION

TELEPHONE+1 (979) 845-5234

FAX+1 (979) 845-1710

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY WEBSITEhttps://tamu.edu/

MAYS BUSINESS SCHOOL WEBSITEhttps://mays.tamu.edu/

CONTACT PERSON

MAYS EXCHANGE COORDINATORMs. Natsuki HaraAssistant Program DirectorCenter for International Business Studiesnhara@mays.tamu.edu+1 (979) 845-5234

A&M INCOMING EXCHANGE STUDENT CONTACTMs. Trisha WinkleProgram CoordinatorEducation Abroadincoming@tamu.edu+1 (979) 845-0544

CIBS SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK@MaysCIBS

INSTAGRAM@MaysCIBS

TWITTER@MaysCIBS

YOUTUBECIBS TAMU

PINTERESTMays CIBS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Texas A&M Incoming Exchange Student HandbookMays Business School Incoming Exchange Student WebsiteMays Business School Incoming Exchange Student Brochure

CONTACT INFORMATION

COURSE CATALOG

All courses are taught in English. Students coming to Mays Business School on exchange should be business majors who intend to take mostly business courses. The Economics (ECON) department at Texas A&M is not housed in the business school. The enrollment of an exchange student in an ECON course is up to the discretion of the ECON department.

The full course listing for Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 can be found at: https://compass-ssb.tamu.edu/pls/PROD/bwckschd.p_disp_dyn_sched.The Spring 2021 course schedule will not be available until October 2020.

Courses offered can change every semester.

All Mays Business School courses are listed using the following abbreviations:• ACCT - Accounting• BUSN - Business Administration• FINC - Finance• IBUS - International Business• ISTM - Management Information Systems• MGMT - Management• MKTG - Marketing• SCMT - Supply Chain Management

If no syllabus for the coming semester is available, email Ms. Hara at nhara@mays.tamu.edu to request further

information on the course.

COURSE REGISTRATIONIncoming exchange students cannot enroll themselves into courses through the online course registration system. Mays academic advisors will register students for courses in the months of May (for fall semester) and December (for spring semester) based on the Course Request Form the student provides in their online application. Students can make updates to their course schedules upon arrival at Texas A&M.

COURSE NUMBERING

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES100 to 400 numbered courses, eg. FINC 445 or ISTM 210

GRADUATE COURSES600 numbered courses, eg. ACCT 645 or MGMT 680

300 and 400 undergraduate level courses are also open to graduate exchange students if approved by home university.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

COURSE LOAD

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTSUndergraduate students must take a minimum of 12 credit hours.

GRADUATE STUDENTSGraduate students must take a minimum of 9 credit hours.

1 credit hour = 15 contact hours

GRADING SYSTEM

PERCENTAGE-BASED GRADINGGrade (%) Description90-100% A = Excellent80-90% B = Good70-80% C = Satisfactory60-70% D = Pass< 60% F = Fail

Please note that while a D is usually considered passing, certain classes require a C or better to gain course credit.

CLASS SIZE

Class size varies anywhere from around 20 students to upwards of 450 students in the largest of classes. Generally, upper level and major-specific classes tend to be smaller, while lower-level classes that are required by multiple majors tend to be larger. The capacity of each class is listed in the course schedule.

CLASS MEETING TIMES

Most classes meet either on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (MWF) for 50 minutes each day, on Monday and Wednesday (MW) for 1 hour and 15 minutes each day, or on Tuesday and Thursday (TR) for 1 hour and 15 minutes each day. Some graduate courses meet once a week for up to 3 hours. See the course schedule for specific class times.

CLASS ATTENDANCE

Attendance policies are determined by the instructor of each course. See course syllabus for specific policy.

EXAMS

Course exams are typically written with a combination of multiple choice, true or false, matching, short answer and essay questions. In larger classes, exams are most often entirely multiple choice to facilitate easier and faster grading. Most courses have around 1 to 4 exams scheduled throughout the semester and also a final exam during specified final exam times at the end of the semester. Structure varies by class and is determined by the course professor.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

HOUSING

It is the student’s responsibility to secure housing for the duration of their studies. Housing is available, but it is not guaranteed. Prospective students must adhere to all university housing deadlines regarding housing applications and fees. Texas A&M is divided into Main campus and West campus. Mays Business School (Wehner building) is located on West campus.

ON-CAMPUS HOUSINGFor on-campus residence hall options and costs, review the following website: http://reslife.tamu.edu. Students on exchange during the fall semester only will have to enter a contract for the academic year (fall and spring). They will be released from the spring obligation if their exchange term is only for the fall semester.

Apply early. Students must be admitted to the University and have an assigned University Identification Number (UIN) before applying for on-campus housing. There are different options and price-categories, but first-choice housing is not guaranteed.

The following locations were recommended by previous students:• The Gardens: Graduate and senior students over 21• Hullabaloo Hall: Located on Northside and includes many amenities• Modular Halls: Undergraduate students; located on Northside• White Creek Apartments: Located on west campus and just a short walk from Mays Business School; fully furnished

apartments

Most on-campus housing are double rooms. A select number of single rooms are available depending on the residence hall selected. Some residence halls include shared kitchen facilities. Some residence halls have shared bathrooms for two (2) or four (4) students, or community bathrooms shared by a floor, depending on the residence hall selected.

Students have the option to select and purchase a meal plan from a variety of meal plans available at http://dining.tamu.edu.

OFF-CAMPUS HOUSINGExchange students can elect to live off-campus, but are responsible for locating off-campus housing themselves. Do not sign a lease that is longer than the exchange term. Please note that many apartment managers will require financial proof of ability to pay rent. Explore off-campus housing options through the Offices of the Dean of Student Life at https://aggiesearch.tamu.edu/.

The following locations were recommended by previous students: • The Stack & The Rise: Located near Northgate; includes pool and gym• Reveille Ranch: Located south of campus• Pearl Apartments: Temporary and last-minute housing• Park West: Utilities included

The exchange student’s International Business Association (IBA) buddy can also assist with finding off-campus housing.

ACCOMMODATION

TRANSPORTATION

Most students walk, ride a bike, or use the A&M shuttle bus system to get to and around the Texas A&M campus.

BUSESTexas A&M provides free bus transportation within the A&M campus and to housing locations surrounding the University. Buses run less frequently after 6PM and on weekends. All on-campus and off-campus bus routes are available at https://transport.tamu.edu/busroutes/.

There are also off-campus bus transportation options for students that want to travel within or outside of the Bryan/College Station area. Options include the Bryan Greyhound, CoachUSA College Transport & Shuttle and the Brazos Transit District system. Consult individual companies for pricing and bus schedules.

BIKESBikes are a good transportation alternative if students do not have a car. Students can purchase new bikes from nearby department stores, such as Walmart, or used bikes from Craigslist or the campus bike rental and sale.

Bike-sharing is another option available to students that prefer to temporarily rent a bike instead of purchasing one. VeoRide currently operates within the Texas A&M campus community.

CARSCar rentals can be useful to get around nearby cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and more. Check with the rental company if the student’s driver’s license is adequate (e.g. international license). The traffic is right-handed. Popular options for car rentals are ZipCar, Hertz, and Enterprise.

Ride-sharing is another option available to students that want to travel within the Bryan/College Station area.Taxi services, Uber and Lyft are most commonly used.

ACCOMMODATION

J-1 VISA

All international exchange students must secure a visa prior to arriving in the United States. Exchange students will apply for a J-1 visa. Students will receive an email with application instructions for visa processing through International Student Services (ISS).

PROOF OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT

International students must show financial support according to the following US Immigration regulations. These costs are for 2020-2021 and are subject to change for future years.

Fall or Spring Semester Full Academic YearUSD $8,000 USD $16,000

The J-1 visa application will require the following documents:1. Declaration of Financial Support (form confirming

financial support; must be signed by student or person financially supporting student)

2. Proof of Financial Support (bank letter or statement)

HEALTH INSURANCE

All international students are required to purchase the approved Texas A&M University student health insurance for international students in compliance with Texas A&M University and United States federal regulations governing the J-1 visa for the duration of their stay.

International exchange students are automatically charged the insurance premium per semester, which is posted directly to the student’s account. Payment is due upon arrival when registration of courses is completed. Students can submit a waiver but will have to pay the insurance cost while the waiver request is reviewed; they will be reimbursed if the waiver is granted.

Refer to the ISS website for insurance information and requirements and costs: http://iss.tamu.edu/Health-In-surance.

OTHER REQUIRED EXPENSES

PRIOR TO ARRIVALStudents must pay to express mail their DS-2019 (or I-20) document to their personal address. Cost varies based on location.

UPON ARRIVAL (IF APPLICABLE)On-campus housing, meal plans, sports pass

VISA & HEALTH INSURANCE

College Station

NEAREST AIRPORTS

College Station Easterwood Airport (CLL)Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

GETTING TO COLLEGE STATION

CONNECTING FLIGHTSConnecting flights are available from Houston or Dallas airports to the College Station airport. This may cost around $100 if purchased ahead.

GROUND SHUTTLEGround shuttle service is available from the Houston and Austin airports: http://groundshuttle.com.

TAXITaxi service is available from the College Station airport.

ALTERNATIVE METHODSThe student’s International Business Association (IBA) buddy can also assist with airport pickup.

ONLINE CHECK-IN

All incoming exchange students are required to complete the online New International Student Check-In upon arrival. The student will be blocked from course registration until the online check-in is completed. More information about student check-in can be found at http://iss.tamu.edu/Prospective-Students/Check-In.

INCOMING ORIENTATIONS

EDUCATION ABROAD ORIENTATIONThe Education Abroad office will hold a mandatory orientation for all incoming exchange students that will take place approximately 1 week before the start of the semester.

MAYS BUSINESS SCHOOL ORIENTATIONThe Center for International Business Studies (CIBS) at Mays Business School will also hold a mandatory academic orientation for all incoming business exchange students that will take place 1-2 days after the Education Abroad incoming exchange student orientation. Course registration and academic advising will take place at the orientation.

ARRIVAL INFORMATION

ACADEMIC AND HEALTH SERVICES

UNIVERSITY LIBRARIESLibraries serve both the research and study needs of students across campus. Online research collections and services include thousands of books and journals, subject guides and more. Study space and additional research help can be found in any of the libraries that are located across campus.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTERThe ASC provides comprehensive resources that help all students achieve their academic goals and realize their academic potential. Programs include tutoring, peer mentors, supplemental instruction, academic coaching, workshops, and more.

UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTERThe Writing Center provides the tools students need to become a better writer and public speaker. Students can make an appointment for a one-to-one writing or speaking consultation (online or face-to-face), or submit work online and receive tailored feedback from a trained consultant.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICESStudents can receive personalized and evidence-based healthcare on a walk-in basis or by appointment at the Beutel Health Center. Health services include unlimited visits during regular business hours, urgent-care calls to on-duty evening and night doctors, ultrasounds and X-rays, routine laboratory tests, physical therapy and more. Extra charges apply for prescription medications, immunizations, copies of outside lab-work, radiology services, orthopedic appliances and physical exams among others.

COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICESCAPS provides exceptional services and programming focused on student mental health and wellbeing. CAPS services are provided by appointment.

INTERNATIONAL-FOCUSED ACTIVITIES

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONIBA is a student organization at Mays Business School which seeks to enhance the understanding of different cultures and business around the world as well as encourage students to take part in international experiences.

The IBA Buddy Program will match international exchange students with a current A&M student to be their mentor for the semester. There is no fee to join and the student will be automatically enrolled unless stated otherwise by the student. Additional fees may apply for special events or trips. The Buddy Program provides a valuable resource to answer questions and assist with exchange students’ transitions before or after their arrival to A&M.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATIONISA is an A&M student organization whose mission is to promote cultural exchange between international and U.S. students, to promote good relations among students of all nations attending A&M, and to provide opportunities to learn about ourselves and others through multicultural experiences.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICESISS offers many services to international students including immigration services and advising, personal advising, community and campus outreach activities, and other special programs.

STUDENT SERVICES & ACTIVITIES

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Texas A&M University is home to more than 1000 student organizations, meaning there are more than 1000 opportunities for students to find other Aggies who share common interests and passions. There are many groups specific to international students.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

COLLEGE SPORTS GAMESTexas A&M Athletics is a nationally prominent force that is dedicated to building champions through academic achievement and athletic excellence. Many weekend activities at Texas A&M are centered around sports, especially football games in the fall semester. Students can purchase a sports pass that allows them to go to all home games. Purchasing a single ticket for football is possible but they are rare and expensive.

STUDENT RECREATION CENTERAlso known as “the Rec.” In addition to coordinating the intramural sports program, the Rec provides students with wonderful facilities for sports and exercise. It has a climbing wall, three swimming pools, an indoor track for walking and running, indoor and outdoor basketball and volleyball facilities, badminton, racquetball, squash, weights, workout equipment and more. Students taking one or more semester hours automatically become Rec members when they register.

Caneck,Caneck!

STUDENT SERVICES & ACTIVITIES

MAYS BUSINESS SCHOOL

Mays Business School’s vision is to advance the world’s prosperity. To advance the world’s prosperity means providing a better future for generations who follow, including quality of life, environment and economic systems. To fulfill this vision, Mays’ mission is to be a vibrant learning organization that creates impactful knowledge and develops transformational leaders. Mays Business School educates more than 6,400 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students in accounting, finance, management, management information systems, marketing, and supply chain management. Mays consistently ranks among the top public business schools. Mays partners with national and regional business executives to deliver relevant education shaped by industry expectations and insights. Mays’ home in the Wehner Building offers a dynamic learning environment for faculty and students, featuring interactive teaching tools, wireless Internet throughout the building and multiple computer labs. Mays is accredited by AACSB international, the premier accrediting agency and service organization for business schools.

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDIES (CIBS)

The Center for International Business Studies (CIBS) was created in 1985 and is responsible for internationalizing the business programs in Mays Business School and the international business dimension of the University’s other programs. Within the CIBS framework, a U.S. Department of Education designated Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) has been in operation since 1990. CIBERs are established at selected universities to promote the nation’s capacity for international understanding and economic enterprise. The CIBS office facilitates education abroad programs for business students as well as all incoming and outgoing student exchanges through Mays Business School.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMSMays Business School offers students Bachelor of Business Administration programs in seven (7) majors: • Accounting• Business Honors• Finance• Management• Management Information Systems• Marketing• Supply Chain Management

In addition to these B.B.A. degree programs, students may also pursue certificates in five (5) areas including International Business. Students from other colleges within Texas A&M also have the option of pursuing a minor in Business, which includes 18 hours of business coursework.

MBA PROGRAMSThe Mays Business School MBA Programs have quickly grown into one of the nation’s best, being ranked in the Top 10 in U.S. Public School MBA Programs by both Financial Times, Forbes Magazine, and U.S. News & World Report. Mays offers 3 types of MBA programs: • Full-time MBA Program students

attend classes in College Station and can complete the program within 18 months.

• Professional MBA Program students attend evening and weekend classes in Houston.

• Executive MBA Program students attend evening and weekend classes in Houston. It is designed for students with 10 years of professional work experience.

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMSMay’s Business School offers master’s degrees in the following: • MS Accounting• MS Analytics• MS Business• MS Finance• MS Human Resource Management• MS Human Resource

Management for Professionals• MS Management Information

Systems• MS Marketing• Master of Real Estate

The various programs require a total of 36-39 hours of coursework, which can be completed in about 18 months. Some programs, including the Real Estate program may require more hours depending on prior coursework and career aspirations.Exchange students may not enroll in MBA

coursework.

MAYS BUSINESS SCHOOL