Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the deadline for application?

  The Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL) accepts applications at any time during the year for subsequent semester programs. We do, however, urge students to apply well in advance of a semester program they would like to attend. This will enable you to fully prepare for the program and will ensure that you have a reserved spot in the program of your choice. For more details on our application process, please see our How to Apply page.

• What about costs?

  The cost of study-abroad programs varies from program to program. In many cases, our semester-abroad costs are about the same or even less than the costs of attending many colleges and universities in the U.S. For specific costs, please see our program pages.

• What about financial aid?

  Federal aid is the largest and most available form of assistance for study abroad. If you are taking a full course load in a study-abroad program approved by your home institution and you are earning credit toward your degree, Title IV of the Higher Education Act states that you are eligible for the same amount of federal aid for which you would be eligible if you were studying in the U.S. Some of the additional costs associated with studying abroad can also be taken into account. All course work to be taken on a study abroad must be pre-approved for direct or transfer credit if it is to be eligible for financial aid.

  Students interested in participating in a study-abroad program who need financial assistance should contact their campus financial aid office and/or their study-abroad adviser. These folks are well-versed in the types of aid available and what you need to do to apply for financial aid. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

• What level of language preparation do I need?

  No language preparation is required. We offer language instruction as part of the cultural-immersion experience. Some previous Spanish-language exposure will naturally enhance your ability to communicate with your host-country contacts during the semester program.

• Are CELL’s programs for any major?

  Yes! CELL’s semester programs are interdisciplinary, and our courses are designed to be as flexible as possible for transferring credit back to your college or university of attendance.

• What are the selection criteria?

  To be eligible for a CELL semester-abroad program, students – typically in their junior or senior year – must demonstrate personal and academic preparation for the program and demonstrate a sincere interest in being of service. Students submit written responses to several essay questions and two references, as well as a personal or telephone interview with CELL staff. See our How to Apply page for more detail.

• How does academic credit work on a CELL semester program?

  Students receive 15 college semester-hour credits for our study abroad programs. Students have the option of receiving credit directly from their college or university or from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more details on academic credit, please see our College Credit page.

• How many students participate in a CELL semester program?

  CELL wants to provide each participant with a meaningful, life-changing, semester-abroad experience. We, therefore, limit the number of students in each program to 15.

• How rigorous are the courses?

  While we hold a high academic standard, we also recognize the importance of accommodating different learning styles. The student’s commitment and motivation is key to success. Our programs also have strong experiential and service-learning components. In terms of physical rigor, students should be in good health.