This program is currently on hold. We are not accepting applications until further notice.
DATES: Email Daria Stepanova or call (703) 993-2154
Fall:
August - December
Spring: January - May
PROGRAM FEE:
Paid to Mason:
--
$125 Application Fee
--
$350 Administrative Fee ($550 for year long)
-- George Mason Tuition
Paid to AUN:
-- Housing (~$2400)
Not Included:
-- International Airfare
-- Passport Fees
-- Visa Fees (~$115)
-- Personal Expenses
Financial aid should apply, but you are recommended to discuss aid with your financial aid counselor when planning your study abroad.
NOTE:
If a student applies and is accepted into a direct exchange program and then drops out of the program,the $350 administrative fee is non-refundable. In addition, program fees are subject to change.
ELIGIBILITY:
This program is open to Mason students ONLY. Students must have completed at least 45 credits at the time of departure and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students should not study abroad the last semester of senior year if they plan to graduate on time.
CREDITS:
Students may enroll in a variety of courses and may transfer between 12-16 credits per semester back to Mason, provided the letter grade received is equivalent to a "C" or above. The courses are transfer credit, and therefore will not factor into the GPA of the participant.
Students can choose from a wide range of courses offered at AUN including:
-- Arts & Sciences
-- Business & Entrepreneurship
-- Communication
-- Economics
-- Information Technology
-- Social Sciences
HOUSING:
Students will reside on campus and will be coordinated directly with the AUN housing office.
Contact
The American University of Nigeria allows its students to receive an excellent education and the opportunity conduct research and make a difference in the local community. Students can also embark on a safari adventure!

AUN students mix cement by hand for a local building project
The American University of Nigeria was established in 2005 in partnership with American University in Washington, D.C. It is structured like an American university and is perfect for students seeking an international experience, while enjoying the comfort and familiarity of a U.S. institution. At AUN exchange students will experience small class sizes that are student-centered. They will also have the constant support from the Director of Study Abroad to ensure a smooth transition and a positive experience.
Students at AUN are all dressed up for the campus geek party
AUN provides a unique service learning opportunity for its students and incorporates field experience into your education. As an exchange student, you can choose to participate in rural development, international education, environmental issues, literacy, entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, public health or agriculture. Through the service learning programs you will be able to experience a different culture while making a difference in the lives of others and in the local community.

AUN students working with kids at a local school

Typical dorm room at AUN
Courses are taught in English and focus on the Arts & Sciences, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Information Technology and Communications. AUN students will enjoy close faculty-student contact and will be able to collaborate regularly with their peers. The campus is also modern and new. AUN hosts students from all around the world, which enables them to have many opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges and the development of international relationships.

Students performing in a dance battle at AUN
Yola is a port city located in the eastern part of Nigeria and is mainly an agricultural and fishing community. Although Yola is the capital city of the Adamawa State in Nigeria, it is a serene and quiet town that doesn’t have the distractions of a major city. However, there is still a lot to do in the area. AUN provides its students with many extracurricular activities, such as academic clubs, traditional arts and crafts, and intramural sports. Yola adjoins with the neighboring city of Jimenta and students are just a taxi ride away from local culture, cuisine and community life. Yola is also the access point for Gashaka Gumti National Park, which is the country's largest park in Nigeria, where students can view wildlife and visit native villages that still reside within the park's boundaries.

AUN students dressed up for the spring fling carnival

AUN polo game
VISA INFORMATION:
Once accepted into a program, it will be your responsibility to apply for a student visa and/or residence permit (if required, based on your citizenship). You will receive details on this with your acceptance letter. Do not apply for a visa until after you have been officially accepted. Visit the Embassy of Nigeria's website for further information.
MORE HELPFUL LINKS:
Visiting Nigeria
Gashaka Gumti National Park
U.S. State Department Travel Information
AUN Facebook Page
Follow AUN on Twitter @aunigeria

Mandara Mountains in the distance from campus
HOW TO APPLY:
Consult the How to Apply section first and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for a direct exchange program. Next, attend a Direct Exchange program information session. Do this prior to starting an application to ensure that you understand how to choose the right program and what is expected of you during the application process.
Check the course offerings at the school you are interested in applying to and check to ensure that they match your course requirements. See “Choosing Courses Abroad” section below.
Once you’ve selected an appropriate program that offers courses that match your major, complete the online application and pay the $125 application fee. Please note that all supplemental documents are also required by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please contact the program officer for further application forms and instructions specific to your program.
CHOOSING COURSES ABROAD:
There is no list of pre-approved classes for you to take on a direct exchange program. It is your responsibility to select courses and get them approved for transfer credit. Please refer to the “Departments and Courses” link on the left-hand side of this page for a list of course options on this program. You must then complete a Petition for Transfer of Credits Form to ensure that your courses will transfer back to Mason. Download a petition form here.
Download petition form instructions for AUN here.
You can fill out the petition form prior to acceptance into a specific study abroad program and in fact, you should begin this process when you first consider applying. Identify courses at the host institution that are similar to those at Mason that you need to take. This will increase your chances of receiving transfer credit approval from the Departmental Advisors who must sign your petition form. Follow complete instructions from the link above and contact your program officer if you have questions.
*CGE reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances.


