Program Payment

Payment Options

There are several payment options for application fees, program deposits, and program payments.

Pay by Credit or Debit Card by Clicking Here

Choose Which Option is Best for you:

By Credit or Debit Card

Pay online by clicking the link above. Please note that all payments by credit/debit card will have a 3% transaction fee added to the total amount paid by card. Any refunds of credit card payments will not include the 3% transaction fee.

By Check or Money Order

Please make all checks or money orders payable to American Councils and mail to:

American Councils
AC Study & Research Abroad 1828 L Street NW, Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036

It is recommended that you send an email to your Program Manager or to outbound@americancouncils.org with tracking data when mailing a check or money order.

For wire or ACH transfers, please contact outbound@americancouncils.org

Program Costs, Payments & Refunds

We understand that circumstances can change after you apply or accept a position on a study abroad program. Because American Councils begins making program arrangements and incurring costs on a participant's behalf well before departure, the amount that can be refunded depends on when a participant withdraws.

Select For the Policy On...

Non-Refundable Deposit

A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your place on an American Councils program. Your acceptance letter will include the deadline for submitting your deposit. The deposit is part of the total program cost and will be applied to the amount due for the overall program cost.

Need additional flexibility? Participants may request a payment plan in writing.

Payment plans can offer flexibility in payment amounts and dates, but the full program cost must be paid by the end date of the program. Once a payment plan is approved, missed payment deadlines are subject to the standard late-payment fees. Academic-year participants may pay their program cost in two installments: the fall semester cost by the invoice due date and the remaining balance before the start of the spring semester.

Late Payment Policy:

Less than 14 days after the payment deadline $300

More than 14 days after the payment deadline $300 + 0.01% per day of the unpaid balance for each day after the 14th day

Credit Card Transaction Fee Policy:

Participants who pay by credit card are charged an additional non-refundable 3% transaction fee.

More than 30 days before your program start date:

$1,000 non-refundable deposit, no other program fees owed.

8–30 days before your program start date:

$1,000 non-refundable deposit + 50% of the total program cost

Less than 8 days before your program start date:

$1,000 non-refundable deposit + 100% of the total program cost

While on program:

$1,000 non-refundable deposit + 100% of the total program cost.

If I have to be medically evacuated while on program:

$1,000 non-refundable deposit + 100% of the total program cost. Accommodations will be made to help the student finish their courses online.

Important Notes:

Your official program start date is the date listed in your acceptance letter.

After the amount owed has been determined, American Councils will refund any remaining balance or issue an invoice for outstanding funds. When applicable, refunds will be processed according to billing agreements between American Councils and your home institution.

Please note: Your college or university may have its own withdrawal and refund policies in addition to American Councils policies.

Scholarships & Withdrawal

If you receive financial aid from American Councils and withdraw from your program, all scholarship funds received must be returned to American Councils within 14 days of your withdrawal notification.

Refer to your individual award documentation for information about returning scholarship funds and any circumstances under which an award may be prorated.

Withdrawal & Academic Credit

Students who withdraw before completing their program may also be ineligible to receive full or partial academic credit.

Questions?

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding making a payment, payment due dates, or billing in general, please contact Outbound or your Program Manager at outbound@americancouncils.org.

Download Program Payment Policies

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