Some of your Questions:
- Do I have to be from one of the CCSA schools to attend?
- Can I join a course without registering for credit?
- My parents are concerned about me studying abroad by myself. How can I speak with them about this?
- Can I use financial aid?
- Are there any scholarships?
- What does the base price cover?
- Is there any fee in addition to the base cost?
- Can I fly independently?
- Can I stay longer at the host country/ Will I be able to travel before, during or after the program?
- When can I study abroad?
- Do I need a visa?
- What do I need to pack?
- Can I apply for more than one program at the same time?
- When can I apply?
- What happen if I get sick abroad?
- Does the base price covers insurance?
- Are flights included in the base price?
- Do I need a certain GPA to apply?
Q. Do I have to be from one of the CCSA schools to attend?
CCSA requires that each student earning credit attend an accredited US institution. Students from non-member schools will be registered for credit with CCSA's home institution of Western Kentucky University with the option to transfer the credit at the end of the program.
Q. Can I join a course without registering for credit?
Anyone under 26-years-of-age is required to participate for credit. Those 26 years of age or over may apply as a ‘non-credit participant' at the discretion of the CCSA Executive Director and will be bound by the Western Kentucky University student code of conduct.
Q. My parents are concerned about me studying abroad by myself. How can I speak with them about this?
CCSA programs are specifically designed for first-time study abroad students. We maintain a low student-to-faculty ratio and offer comprehensive assistance through on-site program directors and assistant directors, ensuring 24/7 support for students while abroad. For more details, please visit the Parents section of the CCSA website.
Q. Can I use financial aid?
Yes! CCSA programs are part of the regular course offerings of member institutions; therefore, students may apply for any student loans or grants for which they would normally have eligibility. The campus representative will assist students needing information about financial aid. The CCSA Central Office notifies financial aid offices at member institutions of program prices. It is imperative that students applying for financial aid apply well before the application deadline dates in order to facilitate the financial aid process.
Q. Are there any scholarships?
CCSA offers a limited number of scholarships each year. As a non-profit consortium of schools, we encourage students to also consult their local study abroad office for additional scholarship opportunities at their home institutions. For more information, please visit the scholarships and financial aid page.
Q. What does the base price cover?
Items in the base price vary by program. However, all programs provide the following:
Refer to the individual program page for more details.
Feel free to contact the CCSA staff with questions.
Q. Is there any fee in addition to the base cost?
The Program Base Cost does not include the following:
Q. Can I fly independently?
Yes, for most UK and EU programs. You may choose “Independent Travel” on your CCSA application. CCSA will provide directions and a date/time for independent travelers to meet the program in the destination country. See our departures page for more details.
Q. Can I stay longer in the destination country? Will I be able to travel before, during or after the program?
If your program allows for indpenedent travel, you may choose to travel outside the program dates. If you choose "Independent Travel” on your CCSA application, you must arrange your own airfare and transfer from the airport to the group accommodations. CCSA cannot modify the group travel flights.
Q. When can I study abroad?
CCSA offers programs each winter (2 weeks) and summer (2 or 3 weeks). Summer location and dates may vary. Please see the individual program pages for more detail.
Q. Do I need a visa?
U.S. Citizens should check the US Dept of State Website (Link) for the country or countries they intend to visit. As of July 2017, a visa is issued to U.S. Citizens upon arrival in destinations such as The United Kingdom and Ireland. A visa is required before entry to Australia, and for U.S. citizens CCSA will automatically arrange a travel visa for Australia if on our group travel.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should immediately contact your home-country embassy in the United States, as well as the embassy or consulate of the country to which you are traveling, to ascertain which documents are needed to enter that country. You must also contact the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis) to determine which documents are needed to re-enter the United States and whether your leaving the United States is likely to have an adverse effect upon your U.S. residence.
Q. What do I need to pack?
Once you have been approved please see the Participant Handbook attached to your CCSA application account.
Q. Can I apply for more than one program at the same time?
Participants are limited to 1 course/program during the winter programs. Those looking to study abroad during the summer session may apply for more than one program as long as they do not take place concurrently.
Q. When can I apply?
Applications for the next winter programs open around February. Applications for the summer programs open around the previous August.
Q. What happens if I get sick abroad?
CCSA provides medical insurance while abroad for all participants. CCSA program directors and assistant directors are available on-site to assist and care for students who become ill. We maintain excellent relationships with the local clinics, pharmacies and hospitals. If you have concerns please consult the CCSA medical advisor (contact for more information).
Q. Does the base price cover insurance?
The base price includes basic medical and evacuation insurance. Please see the full terms and conditions of the included insurance in the link included in your online application. All travelers are recommended to get additional trip insurance to cover pre-existing conditions and luggage. Click here for more information: Travel Insurance
Q. Are flights included in the base price?
No, the flight cost is not included in the base price. Some programs require participants to choose group travel. The cost of the group flight is separate. Please refer to each individual program page for more flight details.
Q. Do I need a certain GPA to apply?
CCSA, as a non-profit consortium of schools, adheres to the educations standards of the member institutions. Participants must be in ‘good academic' and 'good disciplinary' standing to attend. Non-consortium applicants must adhere to the Western Kentucky University education guidelines, code of conduct, and must have a 2.0 GPA to apply.