CHOOSE A QUESTION

:: WHY GO WITH CSA? ::
:: WHY ARE CSA PRICES SO AFFORDABLE? ::
:: HOW DO I REGISTER AND WHAT IS THE PAYMENT PROCESS? ::
:: 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 AND ACCIDENTAL INSURANCE MANDATORY? ::
:: CAN I EARN ACADEMIC (COLLEGE) CREDIT? ::
:: WHY DOES CSA NOT ACCEPT PERSONAL CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS? ::
:: WHY DOES CSA NOT REQUIRE A GPA? (GRADE POINT AVERAGE) ::
:: HOW CREDIBLE IS CSA? ::
:: WHAT IF I HAVE A PROBLEM OVER THERE WHILE ON A PROGRAM? ::
:: DOES CSA PROVIDE "REFERENCES" FROM PAST STUDENTS? ::
:: WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I REGISTER WITH CSA? ::
:: FACTS AND MYTHS ABOUT STUDY ABROAD ::

1) Why go with CSA?

Since 1990, participants have selected CSA for the following reasons:

* High quality programs. Fully accredited. Safe locations.
* Only $45 (U.S) to register and be confirmed in the program.
* Program prices are some of the lowest in the field.
* Since 1990, CSA has been a fully licensed, educational exchange company.
* CSA staff have over 14 years of study abroad programming experience.
* CSA staff are very caring and provide prompt, professional assistance.
* CSA responds quickly by e-mail. Register online to get started.
* CSA programs are open to all adults. No GPA required - simply not needed.
* CSA does not pay commissions to past student references
* College credit is earned. Transcripts provided by the University or school.
* On-site Director and staff there on campus to assist the CSA students.
* CSA provides flexibility with housing, travel, and program arrangements.
* Airport pick-up service provided if desired.
* CSA sends confirmations quickly by e-mail, fax or express mail.
* CSA does not pay commissions for recruiting students.
* CSA does not engage in "Scholarship" gimmicks to attract students.
* CSA's mission is to provide a better value.
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2) Why are CSA prices so affordable?

For over 14 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 or professors to accompany students.
* 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, thus we avoid the fees that are charged.
* 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 and what is the payment process?

a) Please register online on the CSA website. The "Register online" section is on the Main Menu of the CSA website (click here). Be sure to click "Submit" when completed. You will receive an e-mail confirmation when done correctly. Try again if you do not receive an e-mail confirmation. You can also print out the CSA Registration Form and mail it in with the deposit, but CSA prefers if you register online for we can respond to you quicker. Please check your e-mail on a regular basis, and let us know of any changes.

Upon receiving your online registration, or mailed-in copy, CSA will send you an e-mail confirmation. Please do not expect to receive any brochures in the mail. The CSA brochure (catalog) is our website, and you can print off the program description and other sections at anytime. When available, CSA will mail out our general pamphlet which is a review of general information that is already on the website.

Four (4) step registration process:

1) Register online and pay $45 deposit.
2) CSA sends "Confirmation Notice" by e-mail.
3) Send balance payment to CSA.
4) CSA sends confirmations and arrival documents.

After you have paid the $45 registration deposit, CSA will send you an e-mail receipt letter and confirmation notice. You will be "confirmed" in the program, unless otherwise notified. Please include an e-mail address and Fax #(if available) on your registration form. All CSA applicants are required to provide a valid e-mail address, for we will send letters and other info via e-mail. After you send your payment balance, CSA will send your actual confirmations and arrival documents quickly.

Overall, CSA has a 2 payment system. First the $45 registration deposit, then the balance payment. The $45 will "confirm" you in the program, but actual confirmations and arrival documents are sent only after the total payment has been received. This new system makes it easier and more convenient to register, and you will receive your confirmation documents quicker.

b) Next, send your $45 U.S. dollar deposit by wire transfer, direct deposit, or money order to "activate" your enrollment. CSA can not fully process your registration without receiving the payment. Wire transfers are fast and can be done from any bank, or various financial service centers. Direct deposit can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank branch. Money orders can be bought at post offices, banks, and at a variety of stores. The $45 deposit is part of the total cost and deducted from the program fee. It is not extra. Also, the $45 is non-refundable.

If you live outside the United States or Canada, you must send payment by wire transfer. CSA does not accept drafts from outside the USA or Canada. Thus, all international applicants must send payment by wire transfer. Canadian citizens can still send payment by money order or draft in U.S. dollars, but it is faster and more secure to just send a wire transfer.

CSA bank information is as follows:

CSA Bank Name: Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, N.A.
Bank Address: 204 West Meeker, Kent, Washington 98032 (USA)
Bank Telephone: 253-854-3930 (USA)
Bank Routing Number: 121000248
Bank Account Number: 1091310530
SWIFT Code: W F B I U S 6 S
Beneficiary: CSA International, Center For Study Abroad
Amount: $45 U.S. dollars (registration deposit)

NOTE: Include your full name with all payments.

NOTE: Make all payments payable to: CSA International, Center For Study Abroad

NOTE: Send all mail to:
CSA International
Center For Study Abroad
325 Washington Ave. S. # 93
Kent, Washington 98032 (USA)

c) Upon receiving this $45 deposit, CSA will send you an e-mail confirmation. Please do not expect any brochures. Review the CSA website and print off any information you need. This e-mail letter will be your receipt of payment, and we will inlcude important information such as your next deposit due date, arrival and departure dates, as well as your remaining total balance. This e-mail letter will be your receipt payment, and "confirmation" notice. We will also include important information such as your arrival and departure dates, current balance and due date for the final payment. Check your e-mail !

d) Actual confirmations and arrival documents are not sent out until after the balance payment has been received by CSA. Even though you are "confirmed" in the program after the $45 deposit, you will not receive the actual enrollment documents or housing info until the balance payment is received. Thus, send the balance payment by the due date (or before) as mentioned in the receipt e-letter you will receive. $45 late fee will apply if balance payment is not received by the stated due date in your receipt e-letter. If you want your confirmation documents sooner, then send in your balance payment and we will send the confirmations as soon as possible."

This new system makes the registration process easier and more convenient for everyone. If you plan to leave earlier, then you only need to send your balance payment, and CSA will send your confirmation and arrival documents quicker. Also, we only require $45 deposit to get started and be "confirmed" in the program, and you will receive your confirmations and arrival documents all at once after the balance payment is received. Easier process and less confusing.

e) If you are registering within 3 weeks of the starting date, CSA requires the total program fee, plus $95 "rush fee". Wire transfer, direct deposit, or money order. If paying by money order or cashiers check, please send by express mail. Also, provide us with a Fax # if available, for we may need to fax some documents quickly to you.

f) If you want to arrange "airport pick-up" service, please request this at least 2 weeks in advance or your arrival date. Not available for all locations, so ask CSA about it first. Provide us with flight or train arrival information in detail.

g) CSA reserves the right to cancel any registration if payments are not received in a timely manner !

h) This information on how to register and the payment procedures is repeated in the "Register Online" section of the main menu. Please review all the sections of the "main menu", and print a copy of the program description.

i) Please review your e-mail account on a regular basis. CSA will be sending receipt letters and other info via e-mail. Please keep us informed of any changes in your e-mail address, phone #, and postal address.

j ) Due to the popularity of these programs, CSA staff focuses on thoses applicants who have registered and paid the $45 deposit.

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 14 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 du ring 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 14 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!

6) How early should I register?

As soon as you know which program and dates you want, we suggest you "Register Online" and send in your deposit. 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 obtaina Visa 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.

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.
Join us.....

(CLICK HERE TO SEE A SAMPLE LIST OF CSA ALUMNI SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS)

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9) Is medical and accidental insurance mandatory?

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 info" and "important links" 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 "important links" 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 Main Menu for further details.

Most colleges and universities allow students to earn academic credit on off-campus programs including study abroad overseas.  But some schools are not familiar with foreign study programs, or they have their own programs that they prefer you to go on.  If the study abroad office says you can not earn credit for your overseas study 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.

Having said this, there are many colleges and universities nationwide who are not intimidated by off campus competition. They welcome it, and do not prevent students from earning "academic credit" for attending an institution of higher education overseas....as long as it is a fully accredited College or University, and they will receive an official transcript from the school.

Overall, keep in mind that those schools that have their own campus study abroad programs are usually very expensive due to the high administrative costs of the campus office, having to pay tuition at your home school and also paying the foreign program fee, plus any extras included such as insurance, transportation, etc. It can all really add up!

Since 1990, CSA has been offering students a better option. Plus, CSA allows students the flexibility to shop around for airfare, insurance, and even arrange their own housing if they prefer. In addition, CSA provides students with additional information and web-links about various topics related to their trip abroad. Simply, we offer a better value and many colleges and universities nationwide (USA) really like what we are doing for students and actively refer students to CSA. At the same time, other's find us a threat to their own ability to recruit students for their own campus programs.

Again, if you run into any "administrative barriers" that say you can not earn credit, simply take your case to "higher-ups" such as the Dean of Admissions, the Department of Foreign Language Chair Person, or even the legal counsel department for students on campus. Be sure to emphasize that you will be attending a college or University overseas, and will receive an official transcript upon completing the program.

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11) Why does CSA not accept personal checks or credit cards?

We used to accept personal checks, but we simply received too many bad checks over the years. Also, CSA does nto accept credit cards, for the credit card companies charge CSA for each transaction. Thus, we now only accept payment by wire transfer, direct deposit, money orders or cashiers checks. You can a wire transfer from any bank, or other financial service center. Direct deposits can be made at any Wells Fargo bank branch in any state. Money orders can be bought at any post office, bank, and at a variety of stores. Cashiers checks are usually only bought at a bank. Upon receiving payment, CSA will send a receipt e-mail (Confirmation Notice) as soon as it is processed. Please allow 3 - 5 business days to receive a e-mail receipt from CSA. If you mailed it in, then it can take longer to be received and processed. Please do not send us any personal checks. Thank you.
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12) 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.

13) 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 fourteen (14) 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. Our new office is located at: 1819 Central Avenue South, South Central Complex Four, Suite # 135, in Kent, Washington. 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. In addition, CSA will be opening an international branch office in Hawaii in 2005. 

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 14 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" (click here) section of the Main Menu. Join us!
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14) 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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15) Does CSA provide "references" from past students ?

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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16) 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 "Register Online" section.
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17) 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 overseas.  But some schools are not familiar with foreign study programs, or they have their own programs that they prefer you to go on.  If the study abroad office says you can not earn credit for your overseas study 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.
Having said this, there are many colleges and universities nationwide who are not intimidated by off campus competition. They welcome it, and do not prevent students from earning "academic credit" for attending an institution of higher education overseas....as long as it is a fully accredited College or University, and they will receive an official transcript from the school.

Overall, keep in mind that those schools that have their own campus study abroad programs are usually very expensive due to the high administrative costs of the campus office, having to pay tuition at your home school and also paying the foreign program fee, plus any extras included such as insurance, transportation, etc. It can all really add up!

Since 1990, CSA has been offering students a better option. Plus, CSA allows students the flexibility to shop around for airfare, insurance, and even arrange their own housing if they prefer. In addition, CSA provides students with additional information and web-links about various topics related to their trip abroad. Simply, we offer a better value and many colleges and universities nationwide (USA) really like what we are doing for students and actively refer students to CSA. At the same time, other's find us a threat to their own ability to recruit students for their own campus programs.

Again, if you run into any "administrative barriers" that say you can not earn credit, simply take your case to "higher-ups" such as the Dean of Admissions, the Department of Foreign Language Chair Person, or even the legal counsel department for students on campus. Be sure to emphasize that you will be attending a college or University overseas, and will receive an official transcript upon completing the program.

Myth: I can't afford to study abroad.
Fact: CSA is a leader in low cost programs abroad. For over 14 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" 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!

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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