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Frequently Asked Questions

Financial Matters

Housing

Life Abroad

Preparing to Study Abroad

Programs & Courses


If something happens and I can’t go on my program, can I get my money back?
If you choose the optional CEASecure™ plan, you may receive a refund under eligible circumstances. Visit our Policies for more information.

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What’s included in the program price?
CEA offers all-inclusive programs! Housing, tuition, meal options, transfer credit, pre-departure and on-site support, airport pick-up, orientation, city tour, excursions (summer internship programs excluded), cultural/social activities, health insurance, and more are included in your program’s price.

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Do you offer scholarships?
We offer merit, need, and diversity scholarships to students who are enrolled in CEA programs. Eligibility requirements and award amounts vary.  Learn more about CEA Scholarships.

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How do I pay for my experience abroad?
There are many different funding options for study and intern abroad programs. In many cases, you can use financial aid to pay for your experience abroad; speak with your home school’s financial aid officeto determine whether financial aid can be used to help fund your program. We also offer an interest-free payment plan to help you pay for studying and interning abroad. To learn more, contact the CEA Financial Services Team.

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Can I room with my friend who is registered for the same program?
Before your program’s application closure date, you’ll fill out a housing application form that includes your roommate requests. We’ll do our best to fulfill your request, but housing is assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis… that means the sooner you submit your housing form, the better!

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Where will I live?
Program prices include standard CEA housing options. Depending on your specific destination and session, these may include apartments, residence halls, or homestays. In many destinations, we offer alternate housing options for an additional fee, such as a homestay with meals included.

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What about a cell phone?
As stated in the Program Participation Agreement, all students must have a working cell phone that can receive calls while abroad, regardless of Wi-Fi availability. This allows CEA to contact with you in case of an emergency, and will help you stay in touch with those who may want to contact you.

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What if I have special dietary, medical, religious, or academic accommodation needs?
We encourage you to share any medical conditions, dietary types, religious preferences, or academic accommodation needs on your Health & Wellness Profile and with your Site Specialist. This will help us identify appropriate support for your concern.

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What if I need medical care?
CEA on-site staff can help you find a doctor or pharmacy if you don’t feel well, help you make appointments, go with you to assist with language barriers, and help you file claims for any medical expenses.

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Can I go abroad before my program starts or stay after my program ends?
We expect that you’ll arrive on your program’s designated start date (remember, on-site orientation meetings are mandatory). If you choose to arrive early, you’ll be responsible for your own lodging and airport pick-up. As indicated in our Policies, you are required to stay until the end of your program; early departure isn’t permitted. If you choose to extend your stay in your host country for personal travel, you will be responsible for your own lodging.

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Can I travel in my spare time?
Definitely! In fact, we encourage you to get out there and explore the country and region surrounding your host city. To ensure that your dates don’t conflict with planned CEA excursions, activities, and course commitments, we suggest you wait to make travel plans until after you arrive on-site and encourage friends and family who want to visit to come at the end of your program.

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How do I get to class and around the city?
CEA Study Centers and offices are centrally located, while CEA housing and partner institutions are conveniently located throughout our host cities. All offer easy access to public transportation. In most cases, it takes from 20 to 50 minutes to get to class or your internship using public transportation.

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Do I need a passport or visa to study abroad?
You do need a passport to study or intern abroad. The application process can take a few weeks—and some of our partner institutions require your passport info at least 45 days before classes start—so apply for/renew your passport ASAP. Depending on where you study or intern abroad, you may also need a visa. While it’s your responsibility to research and obtain the documentation you need for your passport and visa, your CEA Site Specialist will help you through the process.

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Will my credits transfer?
It’s completely up to your home institution to decide whether credits earned abroad will transfer to your degree program. Before your program’s start date, we ask that you complete an Advisor Approval Form and work with your advisor to determine how credits taken abroad will transfer to your degree program. (We’ll help by providing detailed course descriptions, contact hours, syllabi, and recommended credits for individual courses.) We’ve worked with more than 1,000 universities and colleges to successfully transfer and translate credit for coursework completed in CEA programs; our Site Specialists are here to answer any questions you or your advisor may have.

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What are CEA’s GPA requirements? If I don’t have the minimum required GPA, can I still apply?
GPA requirements vary by program, and are set by CEA and our partner institutions. Program minimums typically fall between 2.5 and 3.0; if your GPA doesn’t meet the minimum for your program, you may still be eligible. Discuss your options with your CEA Admissions Counselor.

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How do I choose a program?
Need guidance? Reach out to your school’s Study Abroad Office and your CEA Admissions Counselor; they’ll help you choose a program that meets your academic, career, and personal interests; answer your questions; and guide you through the application process.

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I’m doing an internship. Where will I be placed and will I be with other students?
Our internships are primarily with small- to medium-size companies and organizations based in our CEA study center city locations. Working with smaller organizations provides you with the opportunity to integrate and gain deeper experience than what you would likely get at a large multi-national. You’ll probably be the only student at your organization, which opens the door for you to truly become part of the team with whom you’ll work. Learn more about what to expect from your internship…

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Can I volunteer abroad?
Yes! In most of our locations, we offer non-credit-bearing volunteer opportunities that allow you to give back to your host community while engaging with local culture.

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Are internships available?
We offer credit-bearing internships in cities around the globe. Our partnerships with local businesses and organizations help us find the right placement for your interests and goals, while academic components enhance your global competence. An international internship is a great way to build your résumé, gain marketable skills, and advance your future career while studying abroad. Explore your internship options...

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Where will I take classes, and who will I attend class with?
Depending on the program you choose, you may take classes at a CEA Study Center, one of our local partner institutions, or both. At CEA Study Centers, you’ll attend class with other CEA students. At our partner institutions, you’ll learn alongside other CEA students, other international students, and in some cases, local students. Your Site Specialist will tell you more about your program’s specifics.

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Do CEA programs have language requirements?
Programs with a foreign language component may have a language requirement, but CEA also offers programs for complete beginners. If your program includes a language requirement, you’ll take a placement exam before your program starts or shortly after arriving on-site to determine your language level. Check the Eligibility Requirements section of your program to determine if language proficiency is required.

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