I recently got an offer to do a year abroad in America, specifically in Washington DC at the catholic university of America.
Just wondering if anyone has any insight into what it’s like being from the U.K.?
I am not Catholic and not really religious, so will this be a problem?
I am also quite an outdoorsy person, I enjoy sailing, surfing, rock climbing, skiing, travelling etc.
Would this uni suit me?
If anyone knows what the uni is like for engineering and what the student life is like any insight would be much appreciated!
Thanks!
Surfing? You realize it’s in the middle of Washington, DC.
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yeh, yeh, yeh, I realise this. But have you got any insight into what the uni is like?
To be honest, I think you will need to ask more specific questions if you want good answers. Surfing the Potomac is not a common activity.
It is THE Catholic University of America, so it is unapologetically very Catholic. Although their official policy is to welcome students of all faiths, their appeal is primarily to students who identify as Catholics, who are 80% of their students. The current president has led the university in a more conservative direction, which has led to conflicts with a faculty that would prefer to be more inclusive.
Having said all this, I can’t imagine that this has much of an effect on the School of Engineering. Engineering is engineering. The university itself is large (176 acres) for an urban college - especially for one with a total enrollment of 7000 students - and is located in a residential neighborhood which feels more suburban than urban. It is not located downtown but tourist sites are readily accessible. Washington DC has lots of parks with several near CUA. One of the largest, Rock Creek Park is only 2+ miles away. You could ride a bike or jog over. Sailing is very popular on Chesapeake Bay, which is 30 miles away and is an easy drive. There are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities in the mountains of Virginia which are within a 2 hour drive.
Hope this helps.
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It is a very beautiful area and school. There are subway (Metro) stops at the campus so very easy to get all around the city and to suburban Maryland. No one will make you participate in any religious activities but you must be respectful of them. There will be a lot of religious people on campus, visiting and teaching, attending classes, speakers, events. The academic schedule will be based on the religious calendar (Easter, breaks). If that doesn’t bother you you’ll have no issues.
I think it would be exciting to do a study abroad year in DC. Lots to do in the city and lots to do in the outside areas too.
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