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CSA is an educational exchange org. and a member of:
Greater Seattle
Chamber of Commerce
NAFSA
Association of
International Educators
Member of Netcheck
Commerce Bureau
 
WA State License
#602-292-407
Seattle License # 188122
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Frequently Asked Questions
CHOOSE A
QUESTION
1) WHY GO WITH CSA?
2) WHY ARE CSA PRICES SO AFFORDABLE?
3) HOW DO I REGISTER?
4) DOES CSA HAVE A CATALOG?
5) WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH CSA?
6) HOW EARLY SHOULD I REGISTER?
7) WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO ARRIVE AND DEPART?
8) ARE STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD?
9) IS MEDICAL INSURANCE REQUIRED?
10) CAN I EARN ACADEMIC (COLLEGE) CREDIT?
11) WHY IS GPA NOT REQUIRED? (GRADE POINT AVERAGE)
12) HOW CREDIBLE IS CSA?
13) WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM OVER THERE?
14) DOES CSA PROVIDE REFERENCES?
15) WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I REGISTER WITH CSA?
16) FACTS AND MYTHS ABOUT STUDY ABROAD
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1) WHY GO WITH CENTER FOR STUDY ABROAD?
Since 1990, participants have selected CSA for the following reasons:
* High quality programs. Fully accredited. Safe locations.
* Only $50 registration fee to register and be confirmed.
* Low prices. Easy to register. No GPA required.
* Balance paid upon arrival check-in...or in advance.
* CSA programs are open to all students and adults.
* Program registration (admissions) is on-going year-around.
* CSA sends confirmations quickly by email, fax, or express mail.
* CSA has over 17 years experience in international education.
* College credit is earned. Transcripts provided.
* CSA offers flexibility with travel, housing, and program.
* CSA is a fully licensed educational company in the USA - since 1990.
* CSA staff are caring, professional, and respond quickly by email.
* On-site Director and staff there to assist.
* Airport pick-up service provided at most locations.
* CSA does not pay commissions to past student references
* CSA does not pay commissions for recruiting students.
* CSA does not engage in "Scholarship" gimmicks to attract students.
* CSA's overall mission is to provide a better value!
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2) WHY ARE CSA PRICES SO AFFORDABLE?
For over 17 years, CSA has been able to offer high quality programs at low cost because:
* CSA was a non-profit organization for over 12 years. Since 1990.
* CSA does not produce expensive, glossy brochures.
* CSA does not spend too much on advertising, or direct mail.
* CSA does not pay for teacher-escorts.
* CSA utilizes local faculty and staff that are there in the country.
* CSA utilizes the local facilities in each location.
* CSA does not pay commissions to past student references
* CSA negotiates "group discounts" that help keep costs down.
* CSA students arrange their own airfare and insurance.
* CSA offers flexibility with housing and program arrangements.
* CSA does not accept credit cards - avoids extra fees.
* CSA does not pay commissions for recruiting students.
* CSA does not engage in "Scholarship" gimmicks to attract students.
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3)
How do I register?
A)To register online, you must complete the CSA Registration Form in its entirety and click to submit it. To register via mail, click on the link for the printable form, print it, complete all questions, and mail (along with required $50 registration fee) to:
CSA International
Center For Study Abroad
325 Washington Avenue South # 93
Kent, Washington 98032 (USA)
Upon receiving your online registration, you will recieve an automatic notice, plus an e-mail confirmation letter from CSA within 2 - 3 days. $50 registration fee required to be confirmed.
B) Please provide CSA with a valid e-mail address, cell phone #, and Fax #, if available. All CSA students need to have a valid e-mail address in order to receive the receipt letters and other information from CSA. Also, a Fax # is very useful in sending the confirmations and arrival documents quickly. Also, please be sure to add CSA's e-mail addresses to your computer (internet provider) so our e-mails to you are not deleted as spam.
info@centerforstudyabroad.com and VirtueCSA@aol.com
C) For China, Vietnam, Russia, and Brazil programs, please send a clear copy of your passport, as well as any other documents mentioned in the program description. You can send later, but we will need them as soon as possible so we can send you the official "admission (confirmation) letter" to apply for your Visa. Please allow extra time for this document to arrive. Also, if you are only going over for a very short time ( 2 - 4 weeks), you may only need a "tourist visa" to enter the country.
D) Early registration is advised for all programs, especially those where you will need a visa. Deadlines are flexible date-ranges. See Question/Answer section of the Main Menu for program deadlines. CSA has an open-door, rolling admissions policy for all programs. We accept registrations up until the program is full. If close to the starting date, please contact CSA by e-mail or phone to ask if space is available. Many times, space is available.
E) If registering late, and the program starts within 3 weeks, then full payment is required in order to quickly finalize confirmations. Wait till you recieve an e-mail from CSA requesting payment.
NOTE: CSA has a open-door, rolling admissions policy for all programs...until filled. If close to the starting date, please contact CSA. Space may be available!
NOTE: Whiners and grumps need not apply. If you easily get upset and have difficulty adapting to new surroundings, then please do not apply. Going overseas requires the ability to adapt and be flexible.
PAYMENT PROCEDURE
1) CSA will send you an e-mail receipt confirmation notice upon recieving your registration and $50 registration fee. The $50 registration registration fee is required to be considered an applicant and be confirmed in the program. CSA staff can not fully process your registration without the $50 registration fee. All payments are in U.S. dollars $$.
2) We do not accept credit card payment option at this time, but we do accept credit card convenience checks issued by your card company (which is charged to your card).
Cashiers checks and money orders take less time to clear the bank, so they are preferred and you will receive your confirmation documents sooner when payment is received using cashier checks or money orders. Personal checks take longer to clear, at least 8 business days. All payments must clear the bank before confirmations are sent. Credit card convenience checks are obtained from your card company.
Cashiers checks are obtained at a bank. Money orders can be obtained at banks, post office, Western Union, and at a variety of stores.
If you live outside the USA or Canada, CSA only accepts international checks that are from a bank with a branch in the USA. These also take longer to clear, at least 2 weeks.
NOTE: Send all mail to:
CSA International
Center For Study Abroad
325 Washington Ave. S. # 93
Kent, Washington 98032 USA
NOTE: Please include your name with all payments, and also send us an e-mail when sent.
NOTE: Send payments by express mail for security and quicker delivery. Send by due date mentioned in CSA confirmation letter (e-mail).
NOTE: Make all payments payable to: CSA International, Center For Study Abroad.
NOTE: CSA can not send final documents (confirmations) until payment has cleared bank. CSA will send e-mail receipt notice when payment is received.
NOTE: Please inform CSA of any changes in your mailing address, phone #, or e-mail.
ADDITIONAL FEES
- $50 late fee for any payments received 10 days after due date. Will be added to balance.
- $50 for any payments that do not clear (bounce).
- $50 for "Rush Registration" processing if applying within 3 weeks of starting date. Will be added to balance.
- $50 change fee - for dates or program location changes after being confirmed. Will be added to balance.
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4) 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 17 years of study abroad experience, CSA staff are committed to assist you in a courteous and professional manner.
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5) What
is the best way to communicate with 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. info@centerforstudyabroad.com. Allow 3 - 5 days for response, especially during the peak season of April thru August.
Of course, you can telephone our office at: 206-583-8191, or our general information number at: 206-726-1498, but CSA uses "voice-mail" systems to be more efficient. Over the past 17 years, staff have found that voice mail systems allow them to provide the best service possible. CSA counselors are often very busy processing registrations or answering numerous questions via e-mail, but they will return your call in a timely manner if you leave your name and number. 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!
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6) How
early should I register?
As soon as you know which program and dates you want, we suggest you "Apply Online" and send in your registration fee. 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 from CSA.
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 a 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!!
* NOTE: Also, if you want to apply for your Visa as soon as possible, you will need the "Letter of Admission" from CSA. This is sent when the balance payment is received. Thus, you will need to send the toal program payment before you apply for your Visa. Many foreign Consulates want to see that you have "paid-in-full" for the program first before they grant you a Visa.
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7) When should I plan to 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.
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8) 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.
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9) Is medical insurance required?
Yes. CSA requires all applicants to have or obtain adequate medical and
accidental insurance before starting the program. We list a couple of
insurance companies for you to contact in the "travel information" and "resources" section of this website. 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. Also, review other
health-related web-links listed in our "resources" section.
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10) 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.
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11) Why does CSA
not require a G.P.A (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
12 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 discrimatory. 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.
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12) How credible is CSA?
Since 1990, CSA International has been
providing high quality opportunities to
study abroad. CSA is a fully licensed,
educational exchange company based in
Seattle, Washington. Seattle license #
188122. Washington State UBI # 602292407.
For over seventeen (17) years, CSA has
been assisting students, working adults,
and retirees with affordable and flexible
programs worldwide. After 13 years in
downtown Seattle, our office moved to
the nearby suburb of Kent. We also have the
CSA mailing center close by, making it
easier to receive and process all the
mail. Please continue to send mail to
the CSA mailing center address as listed
on the CSA website and materials.
CSA
is a member 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, or even the
Better Business Bureau(BBB). CSA has been
through a few changes over the past 17
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. Join
us!
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13) 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.
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14) Does CSA provide references?
We used to provide contact information of past students who gave us permission to refer them to potential applicants. But everytime 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. CSA can provide you with other references, such as organizations that have worked with us and can vouch for our credibility. 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, as well as the National Association of International Education (NAFSA) based in Washington DC.
Another issue with using "student references" is their credibility!
Every student has a different experience abroad, and some are more adapatable 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.
Some program providers will continue to provide student references.
But are these past students really "sincere" ? Are they getting any benefit from the organization for being a good reference and promoting the program ? If not, why would they take their time to answer e-mails from strangers or return phone calls ? Have you ever been given a bad reference who says negative things about the program ? Will they give you the e-mail and number of students who had a bad experience ? These are just some questions to ponder in regards to past student referrals.
CSA keeps all applicant information private. We do not release any persons name or contact information without the written permission of that person.
Also, CSA does not sell it's database of applicants contact information.
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15) What should I expect when I register with CSA ?
Overall, you should expect prompt courteous responses from the CSA counselors. Upon receiving your registration and deposit, CSA will send an e-mail receipt 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 # 3 above. Also, it is reviewed in the "Apply" section.
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16) Facts and Myths about study abroad:
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 satisy
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. For over 17 years, 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 doe snot 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: CSA's low program prices are just unbelievable.
Fact: They are believable...and for-real !!. Since 1990, CSA has been providing a better
value for students who study overseas. More and more students are selecting
CSA for the savings, flexibility, and convenience. Join us!
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.
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.
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