FAQs

I am a high school student taking dual credit classes at ACC? Can I still study abroad?

Students must be 18 years of age or older to be eligible to participate in ACC’s study abroad programs.

I attend another university and am not taking any classes at ACC. Can I study abroad with one of your programs?

Anyone can enroll at ACC for the sole purpose of participating in a study abroad program. However, be sure to check if there are prerequisites for the program in which you are interested. Prerequisites must be completed by the start of the study abroad program.

Do I have to speak the language of the destination country?

Study abroad programs that focus on a foreign language do require that you speak the language; other programs do not.

I want to apply in the fall semester, but I will not be enrolled in the study abroad program’s prerequisite course until the spring semester. Can I still apply?

Yes. Students will have until the program begins to complete any course prerequisites. However, students must successfully complete the course prerequisites with a passing grade. A failing grade in a prerequisite course would make a student ineligible to continue their participation.

PROGRAM APPLICATION

How do I apply for a study abroad program?

First, you should review program information at the International Programs Office or online at www.austincc.edu/intstudy. After deciding on a program, you must complete an advising appointment at the International Programs Office before submitting an application. The advisor will go over program details, the application process, and rules and procedures. You will be given all required application forms.

Is there an application fee?

The International Programs Office does not charge a fee for processing program applications.

COURSE AND CREDITS

Will I earn credit for a study abroad program?

Program participants will earn ACC credit for the courses associated with the study abroad program.

How do I register for my study abroad courses?

The International Programs Office will register study abroad participants for the actual courses late in the spring semester. Participants will be provided details at the pre-departure information session.

I have already taken a course that is being offered with a study abroad program. Can still I take the course again?

Yes, you may take the course again. ACC will take the higher grade from the two courses when calculating your final ACC GPA. However, if you are planning to transfer to another institution, please check with that institution regarding transfer credit eligibility.

I want to study abroad next summer and then transfer to a four-year university. Will the credits I earn through the ACC study abroad program transfer to my new school?

As with any ACC course, you will need to speak with an academic advisor regarding whether your ACC credit can be transferred.

PROGRAM LENGTH

How long are the study abroad programs?

ACC specializes in short-term study abroad programs. Currently, all programs take place during the first session of the summer semester, which is 5.5 weeks long. Programs generally divide time between Austin and the program country, with time abroad from 2 to 5 weeks.

Will I be abroad during the whole program?

While some study abroad programs take place entirely abroad, many are taught partially in Austin and partially abroad.

PROGRAM FEES

Is the program fee all-inclusive?

Program fees are not all-inclusive. Most program fees include:

• Group roundtrip airfare and airport transfers;
• Excursion, entrance fees, and ground transportation for scheduled activities and events;
• Accommodations;
• Meals listed on the itinerary; and
• Third-party provider health and accident insurance.

The program fee does not include:

• ACC tuition/fees/textbooks;
• Meals not indicated on itinerary;
• Personal expenses (shopping, entertainment, cell phone, etc.);
• Passport and visa fees (if applicable); and
• Medical/insurance expenses.

Each program fee is different, so please refer to the specific program information packet. Program fees are non-refundable except for special circumstances that would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis or if the International Programs Office cancels the program due to low enrollment or other force majeure circumstances.

Why are program fees non-refundable?

TUITION AND FEES

Since I am taking a course in a foreign country, will I be charged the international rate for tuition/fees?

You will be charged for ACC tuition/fees based on your Texas residency status:

• ACC in-district tuition costs $73 per credit hour;
• ACC out-of-district tuition costs $215 per credit hour; and,
• ACC international student tuition costs $319 per credit hour.

Please note that ACC tuition/fees are subject to change.

PROGRAM CANCELLATION

What are some of the reasons a program can be cancelled?

Some examples include, but are not limited to:

• A program may be cancelled up to the time students are boarding the program group flight if there has been a significant deterioration in health, safety, and security conditions affecting the program travel arrangements or in the sector of the program country where travel is to occur. Examples include acts of war, terrorism, or widespread civil unrest; an outbreak of a severe or infectious disease; or natural disasters such as hurricane or flood. The decision to cancel the program will take into consideration health, safety, and security information received by the International Programs Office, including the travel warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State.
• If health, safety, or security conditions deteriorate while the study abroad group is in the program country and the U.S. Embassy issues travel warnings or evacuation orders for U.S. citizens.
• A study abroad faculty leader does not fulfill mandatory training and other duties as established by the International Programs Office.
• A program does not meet the minimum number of student participants to cover program costs.

FUNDING

I receive financial aid. Can I use it to pay for study abroad?

For students receiving financial aid, the College will deduct any tuition and fees from your financial aid balance and the remaining financial aid balance will released to your ACC OneCard. Financial aid funds are applied to student accounts the week classes begin. For most study abroad students, financial aid will be applied and refunded after the student is abroad.

Study abroad students seeking financial aid must submit their summer ACC Financial Aid Application as well as the FAFSA for the academic year to the Financial Aid Office. This paperwork is NOT processed through the International Programs Office. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you have questions.

I would like to apply for the Board of Trustees’ Study Abroad Scholarship but am not sure if I’m eligible. What do I need to do?

If you would like to apply for the scholarship you need to meet the following criteria:

• Have at least a 2.0 GPA;
• Have at least 12 cumulative ACC college credit hours by the time the program starts; and
• Have completed at least 5 ACC credit hours by the end of the fall semester prior to your program start.

The International Programs Office awards fifty Boards of Trustees’ Study Abroad Scholarships for $1,000. The scholarship award is applied directly to your program fee balance. Applications are available at the International Programs Office or online.

PAYMENT

What if I don’t have enough money to pay the program fee in full when I apply?

Money is not due at the time of application. A $400 non-refundable deposit is due within one week of acceptance notifications. Study abroad program applicants will be sent acceptance notification on a rolling basis until the scheduled deadline.

When do I have to pay program fees and how can I pay?

After paying the $400 non-refundable deposit, you have 20 days to pay 50% of the outstanding program fee balance and 40 days to make final payment. Program fees are paid at the International Programs Office or by telephone (512.223.7114) and can be made with cash, check, money order, credit card, and debit card. Please make your check or money order to Austin Community College.

Program fees are non-refundable except for special circumstances that would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis or if the International Programs Office cancels the program due to low enrollment or other force majeure circumstances.

AIRFARE

Is airfare included in the program fee?

Yes. Currently, all study abroad program fees include a roundtrip group flight.

What is a group flight?

ACC study abroad students will travel to and from the program country on the same flight – the “group flight” – accompanied by the program faculty leader.

I have traveled abroad many times. Why can’t I make my own flight arrangements?

Group flights are currently a mandatory requirement for all ACC study abroad programs.

I have Frequent Flyer Miles that I want to use. I can even get on the same flight as the group. Can I use my miles instead of paying for the airfare in the program fee?

Group flights are currently a mandatory requirement for all ACC study abroad programs. The program fee includes group flight airfare that is based on a group discount. A group discount requires a minimum number of passengers. In order to qualify for the group discount and keep the program fee the same for all participants, the number of passengers cannot be reduced. Changing or reducing the number of passengers would result in a higher program fee for all students.

I want to stay abroad and travel after the program ends? Can I change the date of my ticket?

Yes. Study abroad program participants who would like to continue their international travels can submit a signed “No Show Return Flight Release from Liability” form available at the International Programs Office. You will be responsible for making changes to the return leg of your ticket and paying any change fees or fare increases.

Is my airfare refundable?

Airfare is non-refundable based on ticket class and industry rules. However, ACC will have cancellation insurance for each program in the event that a program is cancelled after fees have been paid or in the case of a special circumstance preventing you from participating.

One of my friends is also participating in the program. Can you make sure we get seated together on the group flight?

Seating assignments are made either when the ticket reservation is made or on check-in at the airport. You may contact the airline directly if you wish to make a request for seating assignments.

ACCOMMODATIONS

What kind of accommodations will I stay in?

Accommodations can include host families, apartments, dorms, hotels, and hostels. Rooms may be private (single occupancy) or shared (double or multiple occupancy). Rooms are not co-ed unless the program participants are married or already living together. Accommodations vary for each program varies. Please see the program information packet for details on accommodations.

Can I pick my roommate?

Roommate selection will take place at your program’s pre-departure information session.

I have been working hard to save money for this program, and I really want it to be a special experience. Can I upgrade my hotel room if I pay for the extra cost?

Accommodations for the study abroad program are arranged by the International Programs Office and cannot be changed before or during the program. Participants may not make their own arrangements or make changes to accommodations.

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL POLICY

Can I travel on my own when I’m in the program country?

If there is scheduled free time, meaning no mandatory program activities, students may travel on their own, but not outside the program country or a region in the program country that would hamper return for the next mandatory activity. The International Programs Office discourages solo independent travel during free time and strongly recommends traveling with another participant for safety and security reasons (“the buddy system”). Prior to travel, students must provide the faculty leader with information regarding their intended travel, a contact number, and arrival/departure times.

Independent travel that interferes or conflicts with mandatory program activities and events, transportation arrangements, or class is not allowed because students would miss activities that are part of the academic requirements, which would negatively impact the grade in each course they are taking. Students must be on time and present for all mandatory program activities.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Do I need a passport? How can I get a passport?

All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport for international travel. If you need a passport, you find all relevant information, forms, and the nearest passport acceptance facility at http://travel.state.gov. Additional information can be found on the passport page.

Do I need a visa?

Visa requirements vary depending on the destination country, your country of citizenship, and the length and reason for your stay. Currently for all ACC study abroad programs, participants who are U.S. citizens will be entering the program country as a “tourist” and will not require a visa.

INSURANCE

Do I need health insurance to participate in a program?

Insurance is a requirement of all ACC study abroad programs.

I do not have health insurance. Can you recommend any short-term health insurance plans for overseas coverage?

ACC offers students the option of purchasing health insurance from its preferred vendor United Healthcare. The plan is available on an annual, semester, or monthly basis. It is a PPO network plan with an in-network and out of network benefit level. For complete details please click on the United Healthcare link.

In addition, the International Programs Office offers additional sources of assistance for students on Study Abroad programs:

• Participants in ACC Study Abroad programs are required to purchase the International Student Identity Card, which provides health and accident insurance coverage The basic ISIC card insurance program is $25,000 benefit with no deductible for medical emergencies.
• The International Programs Office partners with third-party providers to deliver study abroad programs. The IP Office is currently working with CISabroad for the majority of its programs. Those programs include CISabroad provided health and accident insurance coverage as part of the program fee.

What do I do if I’m not sure if my insurance provider will cover me overseas?

Contact your insurance provider and ask them if they provide out-of-country coverage on your plan. Let the provider know where and when you will be traveling and request that they send you a letter or email confirming the out-of-area coverage.

NON-ACC STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

I am an ACC student, but I’m studying abroad through another provider organization. Will my credits transfer to ACC?

ACC does not pre-approve credits that are not earned through ACC study abroad. You must have your official transcript evaluated by ACC and transfer credit will be determined at that time.

Can I apply for the Board of Trustees’ Study Abroad Scholarship if I am participating in a non-ACC study abroad program?

You can apply for the Board of Trustees’ Study Abroad Scholarship. However, priority for scholarship awards will be given to applicants to ACC study abroad programs.

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