FAQ’s
CHOOSE A QUESTION
- WHY GO WITH CSA?
- HOW DO I REGISTER?
- DOES CSA HAVE A CATALOG?
- WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH CSA?
- HOW EARLY SHOULD I REGISTER?
- WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO ARRIVE AND DEPART?
- ARE STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD?
- IS MEDICAL INSURANCE REQUIRED?
- CAN I EARN ACADEMIC (COLLEGE) CREDIT?
- WHY IS GPA NOT REQUIRED? (GRADE POINT AVERAGE)
- HOW CREDIBLE IS CSA?
- WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM OVER THERE?
- DOES CSA PROVIDE REFERENCES?
- WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I REGISTER WITH CSA?
- FACTS AND MYTHS ABOUT STUDY ABROAD
- IS CSA ON FACEBOOK OR TWITTER?
- EXCHANGE RATES
1) WHY GO WITH CSA?
- Confirmed Quickly, Low Cost, Flexibility, Fast Docs, Payment Options, Earn Credit.
- Open to all students, adults, and groups worldwide. Admission guaranteed.
- Programs are held at major Universities, Colleges, and Institutes worldwide.
- Tuition discounts of up to 20% given for some programs.
- Safety concerns are taken seriously: location, facility, and among local staff.
- Can pay total by credit card if desired. Deposits online. Balance by card checks.
- Cancellation refunds available for program balance payments – refund security.
- Transcript (certificate) issued by each school directly to student. Earn credit.
- Easy, auto registration – confirmation system online. Documents sent quickly.
- Payment plans available for balance if needed.
- Counseling support prior to…and during program dates.
- Financial Aid assistance – process Consortium Agreements.
- Visa document assistance – confirmation documents.
- Join fellow students upon arrival check-in (on site).
- Communicate with fellow-students by e-mail prior to start date.
- Airport pick-up available for several locations.
- CSA has over 20 years of international education experience.
- Credibility – Since 1990 (over 20 yrs). UBI #602 292 407. Member of orgs.
- Overall, CSA offers a better value at non-profit prices – Join us!
2) HOW DO I REGISTER?
The details for the registration process is outlined on our Register page.
3) DOES CSA HAVE A CATALOG?
We used to print a catalog with all the program information, but now our website serves as the “online” catalog. Available 24 hours per day, to review and print all program information and recent updates, our online catalog is much more convenient and more easily updated than a printed version. E-mail is also the most preferred mode of communication with CSA counselors, for we can quickly respond to your questions and concerns. Overall, we will continue to send program confirmations and materials by regular postal mail, as well as communicate by e-mail, so please check your e-mail account frequently. With over 20 years of study abroad experience, CSA staff are committed to assist you in a courteous and professional manner.
4) WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT CSA?
E-mail is the quickest and most efficient way to communicate with CSA counselors. E-mail allows staff to respond promptly to the many questions we receive about the various programs, and helps keep us from playing “phone-tag”. E-mail also provides us with written documentation that we need to verify information and any changes. Thus, please check your e-mail account frequently. Allow extra time during our peak season of April thru August.
Of course, you can telephone our office at: 206-583-8191. CSA counselors are often very busy processing registrations or answering numerous questions via e-mail. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause you, and we encourage you to send your questions and concerns by e-mail. Thank you for your interest in CSA!
CSA uses AOL for convenience. Many companies use additional email addresses such as AOL, Gmail. Hotmail, or Yahoo….for convenience in communicating with customers. Common nowadays.
5) HOW EARLY SHOULD I REGISTER?
Early registration advised, especially when you are staying a Semester or full year, for you will need a Visa. Allow at least 45 – 60 days to obtain a Visa. The Consulates of Spain, France and Italy are taking extra time to obtain Visa’s due to new security measures…….so give yourself extra time and apply as soon as you receive your confirmations.
In general, we ask that you try to follow these guidelines:
- a) Monthly and Weekly Programs, please register at least 4 – 6 weeks prior to the starting date. Earlier is preferred, especially for China, Vietnam, and Russia where you will need a Visa.
- b) Summer Programs, register at least 2 – 3 months prior to the starting date. Earlier is preferred to avoid the “summer rush”.
- c) Semester / Quarter / Academic Year, register at least 2 – 3 months prior to the starting date. Earlier is preferred, especially if you will need a Visa.
- d) China, Vietnam, Russia, please register 2 – 3 months in advance for the Summer dates, and at least 3 months prior for the Semester, Quarter and academic year terms. Earlier is much preferred, for you will need a Visa on these programs. Allow 45 – 60 days to obtain a Visa when you apply at the nearest Consulate.
* NOTE: CSA has an open door, rolling admission policy for all programs…..until filled. If you register close to the starting date, please contact CSA. Space may be available! Call or e-mail if you want to register at the last minute!!
6) WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE AND DEPART?
Please review the program description, for some programs vary. But in general, plan on arriving the day before the starting date and depart on the day after the program ends. CSA will also mention these dates in your receipt letters.
7) ARE STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD?
Yes, students from all over the world participate in these programs. Therefore, it becomes a true “international” studies program. CSA students join other students upon arrival and soon are making friends and socializing with students from several countries. CSA students are not alone, and the on-site Director is there to assist them during the entire period. Programs are open to all adults from all countries.
8) IS MEDICAL INSURANCE REQUIRED?
Yes. CSA requires all applicants to have or obtain adequate medical and accidental insurance before starting the program. Please be sure to send CSA a copy of your insurance card, and if you already have insurance then double check with your current insurance company to find out if you will be covered while overseas and how claims are processed.
Overall, it is for your own protection to have such insurance.
9) CAN I EARN ACADEMIC (COLLEGE) CREDIT?
Yes, CSA students do earn college credit for completing these programs. If college credit is desired, then upon request, you will receive an official transcript (certificate) from the school involved. For example, if you attend the “University of Paris-Sorbonne” program, then you can request an official transcript (certificate) from the “University”. Please review the “Academic Credit” section of the site.
Most colleges and universities allow students to earn academic credit on off-campus programs including study abroad. But some schools are not familiar with foreign study programs, or they have their own programs that they prefer you go on. If the study abroad office says you can not earn credit for your study abroad with CSA, this is usually not true. You may need to take your case to “higher-ups at your school, such as the Dean of Admissions, Registrars Office, Foreign Language Chair Person, or even the legal counsel department for students on campus. Be sure to emphasize that you will receive an official transcript (certificate) from the school directly, not from CSA. Do not give up so easily, and you will get the credit you deserve.
10) WHY IS G.P.A. NOT REQUIRED (GRADE POINT AVERAGE)?
Also a frequent question, for so many college students assume that a minimum GPA is required to apply and participate in study abroad programs. CSA programs are open to all students, and we do not discriminate on the basis of grade point average – GPA. The reason for this is simple, G.P.A requirements by other program providers are primarily done for the purpose of limiting the size of the group as well as to imply that the program is only for college students who have above average G.P.A. This is a “myth”, and only serves the private purposes of the program provider, and has really nothing to do with the program itself overseas.
CSA has always believed that studying abroad is for all adults. Since CSA started over 20 years ago, we have never required a G.P.A. This does not imply that the program is not of high quality, it only reflects that the “admissions policy” of CSA is open to everyone and not discriminatory. All the programs are of high quality, fully accredited, and are open to all adults from all countries.
Every year, some CSA college students tell us about meeting up with friends who signed up with other, more expensive program providers who had a GPA requirement. They tell us how their friends are surprised to see them there at the same university overseas….participating in very much the same program…….but did not have to show any minimum GPA…..nor pay as much as they did….and still earn college credit.
11) HOW CREDIBLE IS CSA?
CSA staff are members of NAFSA (National Association of International Educators), as well as the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Feel free to verify CSA’s legitimacy with the City of Seattle, Secretary of State office, Department of Licensing, Attorney General Office in Seattle. CSA is also a member of Dun & Bradstreet Credibility. CSA has been through a few changes over the past 20 years, all very positive as we continue to grow and expand the services and programs we offer. For additional information about CSA, please review the “About Us” section of the Main Menu.
WA UBI # 602 292 407
CSA has been around for over 20 years (since 1990). If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us directly. Do not easily believe what you read or hear online in blogs or review websites. It is estimated by experts that over 40% of travel program reviews are fake..both positive and negative postings are often false. Best to contact the company directly, and not quickly judge a program based on somebody’s review.
CSA uses AOL for convenience. Many companies use additional email addresses such as AOL, Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo….for convenience in communicating with customers. Common nowadays.
View Past Student Testimonials
12) WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM OVER THERE WHILE ON THE PROGRAM?
The on-site Director and staff there on campus will assist you. Upon arrival and check-in, you will meet the office staff who will be assisting you during your stay. They are there to help you, so you can go to the student office for any assistance you need. Also, CSA staff back in the USA can assist if needed, but its better to first talk to the staff at the student office. In addition, you will be meeting other students right away, and consulting with each other is often most helpful.
To communicate with friends and relatives back home, we suggest you keep your e-mail account open, and sign up for an e-mail account when you get to the program location…either on campus or a nearby internet cafe. See CSA “Important Links” section for web-links to cyberspace (internet) cafes worldwide.
13) DOES CSA PROVIDE STUDENT REFERENCES?
We used to provide contact information of past students who gave us permission to refer them to potential applicants. But every time we did this, they would receive numerous phone calls and e-mails asking them about the program. They soon got very tired of this, and asked us to take their names off the reference list. Some of them even threatened legal action. This got even worse with the use of e-mail….for they would receive so many. Another problem we ran into was keeping track of past students whereabouts. Students are very mobile, and they move often…changing their addresses, phone #, and e-mail.
Due to issues of privacy and legal reasons, as well as the difficult task of keeping track of past students, CSA no longer provides references from past students. Since 1990, CSA has been a fully licensed organization in the state of Washington and city of Seattle. We are members of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. CSA staff are members of NAFSA, the National Association of International Education based in Washington DC. CSA is also a member of Dun & Bradstreet Credibility.
Another issue with using “student references” is their credibility! Every student has a different experience abroad, and some are more adaptable to a different culture than others. Thus, some students will have a difficult experience purely because they are not mentally prepared to adjust to a new cultural setting, and it has nothing to do with the program itself. International travel is a “personal” adventure, and ones success depends largely on how adaptive the person is to the new culture.
click here to read student testimonials – references
14) WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I REGISTER WITH CSA?
Overall, you should expect prompt courteous responses from the CSA counselors. Upon receiving your online registration, you will receive an email letter providing additional information and instructions. Please do not expect to receive any brochures by regular mail. The CSA website is our online catalog, and we encourage you to review all the sections of the main menu and print off the program description. If you have any questions or concerns, please send them to us by e-mail. CSA will be sending all the receipt letters by e-mail, so please check your e-mail regularly for CSA’s responses. Actual confirmations and final arrival information will be sent by regular postal mail or possibly by e-mail. Eventually, all documents and confirmations will be sent to CSA applicants via e-mail. Even course descriptions will be available online soon. So keep us updated on any changes in your e-mail address….as well as your phone number and postal mailing address.
For detailed instructions on “How to Register” and the “Payment Procedures”, please review Q/A # 2 above. Also, it is reviewed in the “Apply” section.
15) FACTS AND MYTHS ABOUT STUDY ABROAD
Myth: Registering for a program is a big hassle !
Fact: Not with CSA ! We offer an easy, auto registration and confirmation system that saves you time and money. Register on our website to get started, and you can pay the deposit online by credit card if you prefer. CSA provides you with a convenient and smooth registration process, as well as quick admission documents. Overall, we provide a very easy, direct enrollment process whereby admission is guaranteed !
Myth: If I study abroad, will I be alone and sad, far away from family and friends back home ?
Fact: Not really ! CSA students meet new friends as soon as they get settled into housing and going to classes. Everyone stays in touch with Facebook, email, and global cell phones….so communicating with family and friends back home is easy and done frequently. School staff keep students actively involved with their study program and new friendships are quickly made with other international students. Of course, everyone experiences some anxiety and misses home, but the wide variety of experiences in other countries definitely make it very worthwhile to “study-abroad”. Chances are you will return someday……
Myth: Expensive packaged programs are better than lower cost programs.
Fact: Wrong. Lower cost does not mean lower quality. CSA students save a lot of money, for they are not over paying for frivolous “packaged items”. For example, paying for an additional “Resident Director” to monitor students is very over-rated and not needed. CSA students are assisted by the on-site Director at the student office, or in the residence halls, and therefore do not pay for a separate “group Resident Director”. Another example is “housing”, CSA students are offered flexibility and can arrange their own housing if they prefer, as well as pay for their housing upon arrival check-in, or in advance. Another example is “travel”, CSA students book their own airfare online and save $$$. They meet up with the other students upon arrival. Overall, CSA students have more independence and control over their study-abroad experience.
Why would you join a very expensive, packaged program….when you can easily go direct with CSA, saving you much money. With CSA, you attend a high quality academic program, have an active social life on campus, earn college credit, have more flexibility with housing and travel, receive your confirmation documents quickly, spend much less money, and get a refund if you cancel. For over 20 years, since 1990, CSA has offered a better deal ! Join us!
Myth: I can’t get credit for studying overseas.
Fact: Many students receive academic credit for all the courses taken overseas. They receive an official transcript upon completing the program, and transfer their credit hours back to their home school. Often students are able to satisfy some of their general education requirements by studying abroad.
Most colleges and universities allow students to earn academic credit on off-campus programs including study abroad. But some schools are not familiar with foreign study programs, or they have their own programs that they prefer you go on. If the study abroad office says you can not earn credit for your study abroad with CSA, this is usually not true. You may need to take your case to “higher-ups at your school, such as the Dean of Admissions, Registrars Office, Foreign Language Chair Person, or even the legal counsel department for students on campus. Be sure to emphasize that you will receive an official transcript (certificate) from the school directly, not from CSA. Do not give up so easily, and you will get the credit you deserve.
Myth: I can’t afford to study abroad.
Fact: CSA is a leader in low cost programs abroad. Since 1990, CSA has helped thousands of students achieve their dream of studying abroad at a lower cost than many other providers. There are also many scholarships and financial aid packages that can be used. See the “Important Links (Resources)” section of the CSA website for some Scholarship listings to inquire about. If you are on financial aid, you can use your aid for off-campus programs with other colleges, including studying abroad. Ask your aid office for details, and have them provide you with a Consortium Agreement for study abroad.
Myth: Only Juniors or Seniors can study abroad.
Fact: CSA programs are open to all students. Even beginning college students can join on these programs. CSA does not discriminate based on your year in college.
Myth: Only currently enrolled college students can study abroad.
Fact: CSA programs are open to all students. Even if you are not currently enrolled in a college or university, you can join CSA programs and still earn credit.
Myth: Study abroad is a waste of time, and will not help me find a job.
Fact: The opposite is true. Employers in todays global environment value overseas experience. It also shows that you can cope with cultural differences and adapt well in new and challenging environments as well as competent in another language.
Myth: My G.P.A. is not high enough to qualify.
Fact: CSA programs are open to all students, and we do not discriminate based on GPA. GPA does not determine how well you will do on the program.
Myth: There are too many requirements to apply.
Fact: It’s easy to apply with CSA. Simply register online, and send the deposit. Programs are open to all students and adults, from all countries. CSA does not require a GPA, nor written essays or letters of recommendation. CSA makes it very simple and convenient to apply and be confirmed. Review our website, and register online to get started.
Myth: It is better to stay with a host family while in Europe….than a student residence.
Fact: Wrong. In Europe, most host family arrangements are with widows and divorced women. They rent rooms in their home to students for commercial reasons. They expect the student to spend most of their time out with other student friends. The idea of staying with a host family is going to greatly increase your experience in Europe is often more “false hope” than reality. Staying in a student type residence is where most students prefer to live while studying in Europe…..for they are centrally located, they provide a “social environment” whereby students make new friends easily, students have more control over their “meals” and “free-time”. Student type residences are also often less expensive.
Myth: It is strange that CSA uses an additional email address with AOL.
Fact: Wrong. Many companies use additional email addresses with AOL, Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo for convenience as well as making sure (verify) their customers receive the needed info (confirmations) by email.
Note: Please read all sections in the “Menu” on the home page, as well as the program description. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed on the website. Thank you.
Click here to read past student comments.
Myth: Reviews posted online about programs are all true.
Fact: False. Experts estimate over 40% reviews posted on blogs or review websites are “FAKE”…both positive and negative (complaints) are often posted by competitors wanting to discredit another company. Many travel related reviews (hotels, etc) are often fake….in order to help drive more bookings. Overall, it is best to contact the company directly, and not easily believe what you read or hear on some blog or review website. Also, travel experiences vary per person, and some people do not want to accept personal responsibility for their own mistakes….so they blame the airline, hotel, or school…for not having a good experience.
16) IS CSA ON FACEBOOK OR TWITTER?
Yes….CSA will soon be on Facebook and Twitter. But please send all important messages by email.
17) EXCHANGE RATES
Foreign exchange rates vary daily, and what you see online is the “wholesale rate” only…..not what you get when you buy the currency. When you buy a foreign currency, the rate you pay depends on when, where and who you are buying the currency from….you pay their “retail rate” which is higher, for their “margin” and service fees are included in the exchange. Overall, you get a better rate in the country of the currency.
Once you arrive at your destination country, you can usually buy the local currency at the airport banks or foreign exchange service providers. Again, rates change daily…can even change several times during the day. Overall, money is a commodity that is bought and sold by currency traders (investors) daily worldwide.
Foreign Exchange Rates (base rate only – does not include margins):
www.xe.com
Program Director
Center For Study Abroad
325 Washington Ave. S. #93
Kent, WA 98032 USA
Tel #206 583 8191
- Since 1990 -
License UBI # 602 292 407
Member of:
