Welcome recently admitted CASA Fellows! Check out the information below as you prepare to live and study in Cairo and Amman.
Passports
Fellows will be asked to scan the first page of their passport (which includes birth date, expiration date, photo, signature, etc.). The expiration date should be 6 months after the end of the program. If you need to renew your passport, it is best to have it completed by June if possible.
- Traveling to Amman – if you have an Israel stamp on your passport, with no previous security issues with travel to Jordan, then all should be fine.
Student Loan Deferral
Under certain circumstances, you can receive a deferment or forbearance that allows you to temporarily stop making your federal student loan payments or to temporarily reduce the amount of your federal student loan payments. Check what options may be available for your specific type of loan with your loan company.
If you have a federal student loan: Select graduate fellowship deferment request for the proper form, complete the form and send it to CASA to complete the final section before you submit it. This should allow you to defer payments during the months of the program.
Housing
The CASA program is not responsible for making housing arrangements. However, we will connect you with a Cultural Assistant, usually a former CASA Fellow, who can help advise you on neighborhoods and the best resources for finding a comfortable residence while you are in the program. Typically, it is best to plan to find temporary housing for the first week (give or take). There are usually several days between Orientation and the start of classes that work well for a housing search. We advise that you not sign a lease until you have seen the property in person.
Cultural Assistant (CA)
Each year we connect a Cultural Assistant or two with each cohort of incoming fellows in late July/early August. The CAs are usually former CASA fellows themselves and can help answer many of your questions about living in Amman.
Insurance
You are required to purchase the University of Arizona insurance plan for the program. This will include both health care coverage and staff support from the University who will coordinate with local officials on any potential safety/security incidents (including political and natural disasters) and make sure to get you the support you need. Fees will vary based on the length of the program and will be provided in your Admissions Packet materials. The insurance will only cover you during the program dates. If you plan to extend your stay, you may contact GeoBlue to extend the health insurance portion for yourself.