GETTING STARTED
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we often receive from students, scholars, and even family members of participants. We welcome you to contact us with any additional questions, concerns, or inquiries you may have.
Study Abroad Questions
Am I eligible to study abroad with American Councils?
As a study abroad provider, American Councils requires that all participants be at least 18 years of age. While participants do not need to be enrolled in a U.S. university or a degree-granting higher education program, those that are should hold a minimum 2.7 GPA. Language immersion and funded research programs may specify additional eligibility requirements; further information can be found on each program’s web page.
Is prior language study required on all American Councils Study Abroad Programs?
Many of our language immersion programs require two semesters of college-level instruction (or the equivalent) in the target language, a related language, or the equivalent. Specific information on language prerequisites can be found on each program page. Regional studies and internship programs, such as the Tradition and Modernity in Taiwan Program and Overseas Professional and Intercultural Training Program, do not require any prior study of a foreign language.
How do I know which program is right for me?
Is there a language you’ve been studying for years, or a new one you’ve been dying to pick up? Perhaps you’re eager to gain experience in the global workplace or conduct field research. Whatever your interest is, American Councils has a program for you! If you are having trouble deciding which program may be the best fit for you, our knowledgeable staff are always happy to answer your questions. Contact us
What elements make up the program application?
Our online program applications require the following elements:
biographical information (citizenship, passport, emergency contact information)
academic background and information, including prior experience abroad
personal statement (in English)
language essay (for language immersion programs)
a copy of your official transcripts and resume
financial aid application
2 letters of recommendation
$45 application fee
Is financial aid available on American Councils Study Abroad Programs?
Yes, financial aid is available on all American Councils Study Abroad Programs. Learn more about financial aid and scholarship offerings.
What’s included in the program cost?
Tuition and fees
Academic credit through Bryn Mawr College
Visa and visa fees
Housing with a local host family or housing in a university dormitory (double occupancy, not available on all programs)
Some meals - host families are required to provide 2 meals per day; participants that opt to live in the dormitories will receive a monthly stipend or meal plan
Pre-departure and in-country orientations
Excursions and cultural activities
Overseas health, accident, and evacuation insurance
Logistical and emergency support
International airfare is not included in the program cost.
Who should I select as my recommenders?
Letters of recommendation help our selection committees understand an applicant’s potential for success on a cross-cultural program. Recommenders can be supervisors, colleagues, advisors, or teachers, and should be able to speak to your academic or professional performance and motivation for participating in the program.
If you’re applying to a language immersion program, at least one recommender should be familiar with your study/skills in the target language. Applicants with prior study abroad experience should include a recommendation from a staff member or faculty of that program as part of their American Councils Study Abroad application.
How can I pay my application or program fees?
American Councils accepts multiple forms of payment. Please refer to the program invoice located within your online application to find your outstanding program balance.
Money orders and checks should be made out to American Councils and mailed to:
AC Study Abroad | 1828 L Street NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20036
Credit/debit card payments can be made over the phone by calling American Councils during normal business hours at 202.833.7522. Please note that there is currently a 3% transaction fee added to all payments made by credit/debit card.
Payments can also be made by wire or electronic transfer. Please contact us to receive banking information for payment remittance.
If applying for two different programs, do I need to pay application fees for each application?
It depends. Each program cycle, there are several selection committees that meet to review applications and determine eligibility. If you are submitting two applications that will both be reviewed by the same committee, then you will not be required to pay two application fees. To better understand this requirement, please contact us and let us know which programs you plan to apply to so we can provide further information.
Do I need a visa for my program, and if so, how do I obtain one?
Depending on the host country and duration of your program, you may need a visa for your study abroad program. American Councils will provide program-specific visa information to all participants upon admittance to the program, and will walk you through the visa application process. American Councils will also work with Embassy and Consular partners in Washington, DC to submit a visa application on your behalf. Please ensure that your passport is up-to-date, signed, and valid for several months after the end of your anticipated program.
Will the academic credit I earn on an AC Study Abroad program be accepted by my school?
Academic credit for work completed on American Councils programs is issued by Bryn Mawr College, an institutional member of American Councils. Program participants are responsible for arranging credit transfer to their home institution in compliance with their home institution’s regulations. These arrangements should be made with study abroad or registrar offices before the program start date to ensure timely transfer of academic credit at the end of program. American Councils can provide course information and syllabi in support of a student’s home institution credit transfer process. Learn more about academic credit on American Councils Study Abroad Programs.
Research Program Questions
Who is eligible to participate in American Councils Research Abroad Programs?
American Councils requires that all scholars be at least 18 years of age. Scholars should be graduate students, Ph.D. candidates, faculty members, or post-doctoral scholars. Due to funder requirements, applicants to American Councils Research Abroad Programs should also be U.S. citizens. Further information can be found on each program’s web page.
What is the difference between the Title VIIII Research Scholar Program and the Title VIII Combined Research and Language Training Program?
The Title VIII Research Scholar Program provides support for scholars seeking to conduct in-country, independent research for three to nine consecutive months throughout Russia, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe. Scholars are expected to possess sufficient language skills to carry out the proposed work outlined in the research synopsis.
The Title VIII Combined Research and Language Training Program provides up to ten hours per week of advanced language instruction in addition to the award components that the Title VIII Research Scholar Program provides. While applicants to this program are also expected to possess sufficient language skills to carry out their proposed projects, CRLT provides support to continue language study, or introduce another language that may be relevant to the proposed project.
Do I need a visa for my program, and if so, how do I obtain one?
Depending on the host country and duration of your project, you may need a visa for your research abroad program. American Councils will provide program-specific visa information to all scholars following receipt of a research fellowship, and will walk you through the visa application process. American Councils will also work with Embassy and Consular partners in Washington, DC to submit a visa application on your behalf. Please ensure that your passport is up-to-date, signed, and valid for several months after the end of your anticipated project.
Are research programs fully funded?
Thanks to generous support from the U.S. Department of State and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, American Councils Research Abroad Programs are fully funded. The total value of each fellowship ranges, with actual levels of support depending on the duration of the proposed overseas research project. Typical awards include:
International airfare and visa fees
Academic affiliation fees
Housing and living stipends
Overseas health, accident, and evacuation insurance coverage
Logistical and emergency support from American Councils