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Apply Now for Viaa Exchange

Step 1: Obtain internal approval from your college/university for a semester off-campus by April 1:

  • Dordt students: Complete the items assigned to you on Canvas for off-campus internal approval. The deadline for internal applications is April 1. Please contact David Lee if you have any questions.
  • Students from other colleges/universities: Visit your Off-Campus Studies Office or Registrar's Office to request approval for a semester on Viaa Exchange.
    • Official transcript: Request an official transcript (digital or hard copy) from your Registrar's Office to be sent to the following address:

David Lee
Global Studies Advisor
Dordt University
700 7th St NE
Sioux Center, IA 51250

Step 2: Complete the Viaa Exchange application. All program application materials are due May 1.

  1. Viaa Exchange Online Application: Preview the application, collect the required information, write your essay answers, then complete and submit the application online.
  2. Housing Form: Complete and submit this form online (this form is due with the online application so that the process of selecting host families can begin immediately after students are accepted).
  3. One Personal Recommendation Form: Please complete the top portion of the form, and send a recommendation form to a person who is someone not related to you who knows you on a more personal level, such as a student services staff member, an employer, or a pastor.

Email or hand these to: David.Lee@dordt.edu or David Lee - CA/Library 256H

Step 3: Submit the following fees to the Business Office:

  • $50 application fee – this charge will be added to your student account for the fall semester statement
  • $250 nonrefundable deposit – you must make a separate payment to the Business Office by September 15. This deposit will hold your place in the program and will be credited toward the total cost of the program in spring 2027 should you participate. If you withdraw from the program, the deposit will not be returned. You can make the payment using the following methods:
    1.  Check – send check payable to "Dordt University Viaa Exchange Program" using the address listed above.
    2.  ACI Payment – you can use this link to pay the deposit fee online through Dordt’s 3rd party servicing agent, ACI. This payment method comes with the following processing fees:
      • $0.50 for a direct payment from a U.S. bank account
      • 2.25% for debit card payments & 2.95% for credit card payments

Step 4: Interview with Viaa Representative in the summer or fall and attend mandatory Viaa Exchange information sessions.

The interview and info session may either be online or in-person on campus. Details will be sent out by David Lee.