<Return to Top>

GENERAL INCLUSIONS

SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

• Information on available scholarships
• Financial advising and resources
• Customized billing options to ease the use of financial aid

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

• Because academic planning and focus are always #1 for us, personal counseling will be available to help determine the best short-term program for you
• Credit transfer assistance and course approval by your home university

PRE-DEPARTURE SUPPORT AND ORIENTATION

• Student visa assistance
• Complete enrollment process support and processing
• Online Participant Guide, including extensive program and pre-departure information
• Informative online pre-departure webinars
• Pre-departure package
• Health and safety guidelines and resources
• Regular communication with advisors at your home university
• Counseling and support for parents and family

SUPPORT UPON ARRIVAL

• Orientation
• Airport pick-up and reception

SUPPORT DURING PROGRAM

• Emergency support 24 hours a day
• Continued correspondence and support from the U.S. office
• Resources and support available for minorities, GBLT, first generation students, and students with disabilities

ALUMNI BENEFITS

• Official transcripts or certificate from the sponsoring university and re-order assistance
• Professional Resume Consultant services- students are encouraged to build then submit their resumes for review
• Alumni Handbook and Newsletter, valuable resources that includes information on reverse culture shock, incorporating study abroad into their career search, ideas for sharing their experience, and ideas for how to go abroad again
• enCompass Alumni Program, offering a variety of activities to help you share your adventures and advice with others and make the most of your abroad experience upon return
  

ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?    

<Return to Top>

Yes. Begin by checking with your study abroad office, your financial aid office, or the organization granting your scholarship to determine which awards will transfer to your study abroad program. Additionally, you can apply for scholarships from other sources like the Foundation for Asia Pacific Education. Details and applications will be provided once you have been accepted into your program of choice.

You may be able to use the current financial aid or scholarships you receive at your home university—be sure to check with your university’s financial aid and study abroad offices for their policies.

WHAT KIND OF ACADEMIC CREDIT WILL I RECEIVE?

<Return to Top>   

All short courses are offered for academic credit with a transcript issued from an overseas or U.S. university. Check the individual program listings for credit details.

CAN I EXTEND MY TIME OVERSEAS AND TRAVEL AFTER THE PROGRAM?  

<Return to Top>

Yes, we encourage this! The group flights have flexible return dates that you will self-select. Many students choose to extend their time overseas and travel independently after the program’s end. We can provide you with useful travel resources and advice, as well as refer you to travel opportunities that can be pre-booked.

CAN I DO A SUMMER/JANUARY COURSE BEFORE OR AFTER MY SEMESTER PROGRAM?   

<Return to Top>

Yes, many of the short courses can be added on to a fall or spring semester abroad experience. If you are thinking about a semester or year abroad, be sure to check the start and end dates of both programs to make sure they do not overlap.

WILL I NEED A VISA OR A PASSPORT?

<Return to Top>

Yes, a valid passport is required for study overseas, and a valid immigration visa must be issued prior to your departure. If you don’t have a passport, apply for one as soon as possible. In the U.S., you can do this through your local post office. In Canada, you can obtain the application online through Passport Canada. We will assist you with your visa during the application and enrollment process.

HOW WILL MY FLIGHT AND TRAVEL ARRANGMENTS BE MADE?

<Return to Top>

We will handle all of this. In-country travel and transfers are usually included in the course price (international airfare is not). We work with STA Travel’s group ticket office to arrange group flights for all short course students. This insures that students can travel as a cohesive group to the program destination. Fares are secured at a student rate which will be shared with you once your flight is ready for booking. If you wish to stay in the country after your program is finished, or visit other nearby destinations, we can help you arrange low-cost stopovers and can provide referrals to reputable tour companies in each country.

IS ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED?

<Return to Top>

Yes, all short courses include housing in the fees. Housing varies widely from program to program, but typically would be on-campus university dormitories, flats (apartments), motels/hotels, hostels, or some combination of each. You can feel certain that your housing is safe, secure, and clean, and that you will be satisfied with your program choice.

WHAT MEALS WILL BE INCLUDED?

<Return to Top>

Provision of meals varies by the program you choose. Some programs include all or most meals; for others, only some are included, and you will be responsible for eating on your own or with the group.

WILL I HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE WHEN OVERSEAS?

<Return to Top>

Yes, health insurance and a Basic International Student Identity Card (ISIC) are included with all short-term programs. Students are also given HTH Health Insurance through their program fees. In addition to these insurance policies, you may want to consider taking out additional supplemental travel insurance, including extended medical, for lost baggage and trip cancelation. We can make suggestions for companies who offer this type of insurance.