Popular Study Abroad Questions

By Alexa Boyce
While we enjoy speaking directly with our clients, we do often answer the same few questions. I have decided to answer them here for those students who haven't asked them yet:
How do I get credit for an AmeriSpan program?
The easiest way to get college or high school credit for our programs is to receive it directly through your home institution. This avoids any problems in transferring credits. Upon request, we will send you a syllabus for the specific location you are interested in, as well as any other information your school requires. You simply take this to your study abroad office or academic advisor and inquire about the process for granting credits for off-campus programs.
We also offer credit through Brookhaven College and Seattle Central Community College. You can find out more information about which programs are eligible for this credit here.

Should I get a cell phone?
If you are traveling for less than 4 weeks, a calling card should be sufficient. The AmeriSpan phonecard can be used in over 130 countries. Please contact us and we will send you a card containing 10 bonus minutes. To get started right away, please visit ekit.
If you plan to be in country for a longer period of time, a cell phone might be a good idea. Beware of using your regular phone abroad, as international fees might apply. We recommend a Telestial cell phone, because all incoming calls are free and local calls are at local rates. Please visit our Staying in Touch page.
Do I need a visa?
In many countries, a tourist visa is granted automatically upon arrival to US citizens and is good for 90 days. Your participation in an AmeriSpan program does not require a student or work visa. Each student is responsible for ensuring their legal status in the country. Please check with your local embassy for information on entrance requirements. You may find contact information for embassies at here.
For help on obtaining visas, airfare and other helpful predeparture tips, check out our Get Ready page.
For more frequently asked questions, please see our FAQ list