We welcome you to contact us with any additional questions, concerns, or inquiries you may have.
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. Specific programs may have 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?
No. Many of our language immersion programs require two semesters of college-level instruction or the equivalent in the target language or a related language. Culture, area studies, and entrepreneurship programs do not have a language requirement. Specific information on language prerequisites can be found on each program page.
How do I know which program is right for me?
Is there a language you have been studying for years, or a new one that you are eager to pick up? Perhaps you are looking to gain experience in the global workplace or conduct field research. 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.
What is included in the program application?
Our program applications require the following:
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 official transcripts and resume
Financial aid application, if applicable
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 is included in the program cost?
Tuition and fees
Academic credit through Bryn Mawr College
Housing with a local host family or housing in a university dormitory
Cultural activities and excursions
Extended group travel
Local conversation partners
Program materials
Pre- and post-program language assessments, if applicable
Pre-departure and in-country orientations
Visa support, including invitations, processing, and on-site registration
Comprehensive 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 selection committees understand an applicant’s potential for success on an overseas program. Recommenders can be faculty, advisors, colleagues, and supervisors and should be able to speak to your academic or professional performance and motivation for participating in the program.
If you are applying to a language immersion program, at least one recommender should be familiar with your proficiency 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.
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 online or 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?
Yes. If you are applying for separate programs, you should pay an application fee for each application.
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 support you through the visa application process, including invitation, processing, and local registration. 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 U.S. 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.
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 VIII Research Scholar Program and the Title VIII Combined Research and Language Training Program (CRLT)?
The Title VIII Research Scholar Program provides support for scholars seeking to conduct in-country, independent research for three to nine consecutive months throughout 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 support you through the visa application process, including invitation, processing, and local registration. 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, 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
