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Frequently Asked Questions

ACADEMIC

CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT

FUNDING

HEALTH & SAFETY

REGISTRATION


How does CEA ensure academic quality?

CEA Study Center programs are developed collaboratively with our School of Record, the regionally accredited University of New Haven (UNH). As part of the School of Record relationship, UNH ensures that all CEA facilities, faculty, staff, curriculum, and assessment uphold the same level of academic excellence practiced on the UNH campus. CEA chooses partner universities that reflect our own standards of academic excellence and integrity. To ensure academic quality, we only partner with academic universities that are recognized/accredited by their host country’s Ministry of Education and/or the U.S. The Forum on Education Abroad has granted CEA QUIP recognition for all programs, signifying our commitment to their Standards of Good Practice. The Forum on Education Abroad is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission as Standards Development Organization for the education abroad field. 

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How are your programs accredited?
All CEA Study Center facilities, faculty, staff, and curriculum are approved by CEA’s School of Record, UNH; UNH is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Our partner universities are recognized by their host country’s Ministry of Education and/or the U.S.

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What are CEA’s GPA requirements?
The minimum GPA for attending a CEA Study Centers is 2.5. Our partner universities’ GPA requirements vary.

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Can students get involved in student life at their host university?
Yes. We provide opportunities for a culturally and academically rich experience…it’s up to students to dive in!

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How well do CEA students assimilate into local culture?
While almost all CEA participants are from North America, students enjoy a multitude of opportunities to immerse in host culture and interact with locals. They’ll take classes with other international students at CEA Study Centers and at our partner universities. They’ll have the chance to get involved in activities ranging from cooking classes to university clubs to sports teams, as well as volunteer and service learning opportunities that help them engage with their host community.

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Does CEA offer immersion activities?
Our on-site staff organizes an extensive program of social and cultural engagement opportunities, including short excursions to nearby locations of interest and overnight trips to other regions of the host country. Culture clubs, activities, museum visits, and even native cuisine courses help students get involved in the community and extend awareness beyond the classroom.

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Can financial aid be used to pay for CEA programs?

Yes. Federal loans, scholarships and grants may be used to pay for a study abroad program.

  • Scholarships: Each year, we offer $2 million in CEA scholarships and grants, all designed to increase accessibility to study abroad.
  • Financial Aid: CEA has helped thousands of students use financial aid to study abroad. We work closely with your financial aid office to ensure a smooth process for the student.

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Can you provide an estimated cost breakdown?
We can provide a breakdown of costs for tuition, fees, housing, and meals for all programs, allowing your students to specify needs for financial aid. Costs vary by program.

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Where can I find a budget estimate?
Each program description on our website includes a sample budget.

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What does CEA do to ensure students' safety overseas?
Staff at the CEA Home Office communicate with CEA international staff, all of whom are familiar with our emergency procedures. On-site CEA staff present safety information at mandatory orientation, hold regular meetings with CEA students, remain in contact with local police agencies, assist in registering all CEA students with the local U.S. embassy or consulate, and provide 24/7 local contact information.

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CEA on-site staff members are available 24/7 to assist students with health or safety-related issues. CEA also maintains a 24/7 emergency phone in the U.S.

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Do CEA programs include health insurance?
All students are enrolled in an international health insurance plan as part of their program price.

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What actions do CEA on-site staff take in the event of an international emergency?
CEA has detailed Emergency Protocols and Evacuation Plans in place.

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Under what circumstances would CEA cancel a program?
In order for a program to be canceled, the U.S. Department of State would have to issue a travel warning stating that Americans should not travel to the host country.

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Can students withdraw from the program and be entitled to a refund?

CEA's Refund Policy states that once the program begins, refunds are not granted for meals, housing, tuition, CEA-sponsored excursions, or transportation unused by students due to absence or any other reason.

If CEA cancels a program due to a Travel Warning, accepted applicants are given the choice of (1) deferring to a future program session; (2) switching to a different CEA program site; or (3) a full refund of all recoverable fees less the $95 application fee.

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If a student must withdraw early from a program, will he/she receive a refund or receive academic credit?
Refunds are not offered to students who withdraw after the program withdrawal date. If a student must withdraw due to an illness, family emergency, or other similar circumstance, we will do our best to refund recoverable costs. Any academic credit awarded for incomplete work would be determined by the faculty at our partner university.

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Does CEA require students to have their program approved by their study abroad office?
Students may be accepted to CEA programs prior to receiving program approval from their study abroad office. However, CEA refers all students to their study abroad offices for program approval, transfer credit approval, and financial aid issues.

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Can I visit your international sites?
Yes. We lead Familiarization Trips to various destinations twice per year, and you’re always welcome to set up a site visit at any of our sites. Please contact your Regional Consultant for more information.

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Who is my CEA contact?
Your dedicated Regional Consultant is here to help you promote study abroad on your campus. They’ll answer your questions, visit your school, meet with interested faculty and staff, provide information sessions and tables for students, and meet with your study abroad office to support your campus efforts.

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