Frequently Asked Questions for Students
Click on the topics below to see the questions and answers to our most frequently-asked questions from parents.Contact us if you have any other questions or concerns.
Deciding on a Program
Financial Aid
On site-support
Refund Policy
Travel and Visitors
Will I get full college course credit for studying abroad? How will credits be transferred?
Yes, you will receive credit for courses taken on AHA programs. All of AHA International’s programs are sponsored in partnership with colleges and universities throughout the nation. AHA International has partnerships with the Midwest Consortium for Study Abroad (MCSA), the Northwest Council on Study abroad (NCSA), the Independent Liberal Arts College Association (ILACA), and Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne (PCIC). Students currently attending irected to an enrolling institution and credit will be transferred to their home campus. Transferring credits is a process that is handled through the enrolling institution.
What if I want to study abroad for more than one semester?
You may choose to participate in a program for fall, winter, or spring term, or any combination of terms and program locations you wish. There are also internships available in some locations.
What if I don’t speak the native language of the place I want to study?
It is not necessary to have any foreign language skills prior to studying abroad on some programs. Site directors speak English, as do many of the professors. Additionally, some programs are offered in English-speaking locations. Generally, most students studying abroad have taken some courses in the native language of the place they want to study.
Can AHA International provide special accommodations if I have a disability and want to participate in a study abroad program?
Yes. AHA International is pleased to have students from diverse backgrounds participating in our study abroad programs. With advance notice, we can make arrangements for most situations.
Does AHA offer internships abroad?
AHA International offers internship opportunities in Segovia, Spain and London, England. Students may have the opportunity to work in private-sector companies, governmental agencies, schools, social service programs, and nongovernmental organizations – many academic majors can be accommodated. International internships provide students with opportunities to enhance professional skills, perfect language proficiency, and gain cross-cultural experience
How will study abroad better prepare me for success in my field of work?
Studying abroad offers a variety of experiences that students tend to carry with them long after they have graduated from college. Studying abroad strengthens independence, increases cultural awareness, improves problem solving skills, and gives students a new global perspective. Statistics have shown that students tend to become more focused and engaged in the classroom after studying abroad. Studying abroad improves resumes, because many employers recognize international experience as a valuable asset.
When should I apply?
Specific application deadlines are listed per program on our website. However, we recommend applying well before application deadlines. Many programs fill before the deadline so it is best to plan ahead. You can reserve a space in a program by submitting your application plus deposit. To check on program availability, or for more information, contact AHA.
Studying abroad seems more expensive. What am I paying for?
Prices vary depending on the enrolling institution’s fees and the length of the semester or term. AHA International program fees include tuition, housing, course materials, program excursions, and some sites include meals, a pass for local transportation, medical insurance, and on-site orientation. This is comparable to spending a semester or term studying in the United States. Studying abroad is a great investment when you consider the life skills your student will improve upon or develop and the career opportunities that will be available to you partly because of studying abroad.
Can I use financial aid for a study abroad program?
Most forms of financial aid that you may be eligible for, such as grants and loans, can be applied toward the cost of a program. You will need to consult with a financial aid counselor on your home campus for more specific information.
Are there scholarships available for study abroad?
Yes, scholarships are available to students for study abroad. For more information, you should contact your home campus study abroad office to inquire about the opportunities available.
I currently have a job. Will I be able to work while studying abroad?
AHA does not recommend that students work while participating in a study abroad program. Any person planning to work in another country must obtain a work visa, and the application process is very difficult and strict. It is best for you to be focused on during your study abroad experience, and although work is not an option, you may have the opportunity to participate in local community activities or volunteer work.
What if something happens and I cannot study abroad as planned. Does AHA International give refunds?
AHA International understands that sometimes unavoidable events occur. Refunds are available, if you cancel within the perimeters of the AHA cancellation policy. All cancellations must be sent by you in writing to AHA International. For more information regarding a specific program cancellation policy, contact AHA.
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ON-SITE SUPPORT
What type of on-site support is available?
All program locations have site directors who are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to answer any questions a student may have. The site directors have years of experience with studying abroad, as well as health and homestay issues, and have lived in the country for many years—making them an excellent resource for all students.
Who will be teaching classes during the program?
At most sites, a visiting American university professor teaches one or two courses. Additional courses are taught by local faculty members who have been teaching AHA students for many years.
Where am I going to live?
Living accommodations vary from site to site. Depending on the location, students could share an apartment with other students, live with a host family and have one to three meals per day provided, stay as a “paying guest” in a private home, or live in a boarding house or dormitory that includes three meals per day. A more detailed description of student accommodation is described on each site-specific page.
What if I get sick while overseas?
Our program site directors are on hand and accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. If you happen to require medical attention, our site directors are equipped to handle emergency situations. Students participating in AHA-sponsored programs are insured with a comprehensive health insurance policy through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). For specific coverage details, contact AHA.
What if I get homesick?
There is a good chance that at least once during the program, you will feel homesick. No doubt, other students will be feeling the same way on occasion. That is just one of the reasons there are regularly scheduled meetings where you will gather with your peers and site director and have the opportunity to talk and share experiences. Students can ask questions about anything relating to their study abroad experiences. Students also have access to computers and telephones—you can contact family members and friends when you want to.
Can I visit other areas while abroad?
Excursions to exciting cultural and historical sites in and around the program locations are an integral part of the coursework and are carefully planned to take advantage of the unique experiences found in each locale. Excursions are included in the total cost of each program and are a great way to become immersed in different cultures. Personal travel is encouraged before or after the program or during program breaks. You should not plan travel that will interfere with the program schedule.
Can my friends and family visit me while I am studying abroad?
You will have academic study related excursions that are built into the program on the weekends, which leaves very little free time for hosting guests. Visits from family or friends are welcome; however, we recommend that your visitors plan trips before the program starts or after it ends.
• Apply to study abroad with AHA
• Hear from students currently abroad on AHA programs
"Study abroad has been one of the most liberating, exciting, daring things I have ever experienced. I recommend it to anyone who loves adventure and wants to expand their horizons!"
Elizabeth Bundsen,
Washington State University
“I loved it here—I don’t want to leave!”
Kimberly Reick,
Indiana State University
“My host family really felt like family. The parents were attentive yet allowed my personal freedom.”
Jason Lewis-Berry,
University of Oregon
"I loved it! I encourage anyone who is even considering study abroad to DO it! It was the most mind-opening, greatest experience of my life—definitely life-changing! I would do it again in a heartbeat! Why isn’t study abroad a requirement?"
Stephanie Gruszecki,
Oregon State University
“I had an amazing time. It was the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Sarah Whitler,
Northern Michigan University
