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Prospective Students: FAQs and Resources
Resources for Prospective students
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Center for Cross-Cultural Study?
The Center for Cross-Cultural Study is an educational organization dedicated to promoting in-depth understanding of Spanish-speaking countries for our students, through specifically designed academically rigorous university-level study abroad and cultural travel programs. CC-CS has academic university-level programs in Seville and Alicante, Spain, Córdoba, Argentina and Havana, Cuba.*
For program and course information, you can surf our University Programs web pages or download the CC-CS Information Bulletin and Course Catalog.
*Please note that current U.S. Government policies have forced the temporary suspension of our Academic Programs in Havana, Cuba.
Why CC-CS?
At CC-CS, we anchor our programs in academic excellence and cultural authenticity, with a strong focus on Spanish-language acquisition. We offer two program models, designed to fit almost any student's academic needs while studying abroad. In all our programs, we offer a broad curriculum over many disciplines. We also offer professional development courses in various fields including education, business, and health care.
Students who study abroad with CC-CS also benefit from a higher level of support throughout the study abroad process, including: application and pre-departure support, on-site Resident Directors and support staff, and individual assistance with academic, homestay, and cultural issues.
When are the program dates and application deadlines?
You can find the most up-to-date information on CC-CS program dates and application deadlines at the Dates and Fees page.
What type of funding is available for study abroad? Does CC-CS offer scholarships?
There are many scholarships and grants available to students who wish to study abroad. Check with your Study Abroad Office or your advisor to see what resources are available to you. All prospective students applying to a CC-CS program are eligible to apply for a CC-CS Merit-Based or Diversity Scholarship. Please see Funding Study Abroad for more information.
Who can apply to study abroad with CC-CS?
Our programs are designed for students who will apply the credit earned in Spain, Argentina, or Cuba towards a degree in an American or Canadian college or university. Short-term courses in Seville are especially open to a wide variety of students, and several summer courses can be applied towards graduate credit. We also offer a summer seminar for teachers of Spanish called Culture in the Classroom. Contact CC-CS at info[at]spanishstudies.org or 413-256-0011 if you have any questions about which program is right for you.
Can high school students attend CC-CS programs?
Yes. While our programs are generally designed for students who are currently enrolled in a college or university and are seeking to obtain undergraduate credit, high school students may also attend our programs, as long as they meet admission requirements/pre-requisites. A student should be at least 16 years of age to enroll in a CC-CS program independently. For more information, please see Academic Opportunities for High School Students.
Are there CC-CS study abroad programs designed for graduate students? Can credit I receive studying abroad be used for graduate credits?
In order to receive the stipulation “Graduate Credit” on the CC-CS transcript, students must be currently enrolled in a graduate program, which must approve the transfer of graduate credit. Students must complete all coursework at a distinguished level, and submit a research paper of 12-20 pages on a topic selected in consultation with the professor of the course. There is an additional fee of $60 per credit, to be paid to the U.S. office of CC-CS by the final payment deadline. The request for graduate credit must be received and approved in the U.S. office of CC-CS before the student attends the program. Graduate credit is available ONLY during our Seville Summer Program for specific courses annotated on the summer course list.
Can I study in Spain or Argentina if I am not a student?
Yes. In addition to our broad curriculum, we have several Professional Development courses, which may be of special interest to professionals looking to develop their Spanish and intercultural skills. While our programs are generally designed for students who are currently enrolled in a college or university and are seeking to obtain undergraduate credit, non-students do attend our programs. For those who are not currently students, but wish to gain transferable credit for their studies abroad, the option to do so is available through one of our affiliated degree-granting institutions.
I haven’t taken Spanish since high school; can I still apply?
Yes. CC-CS will need to receive a copy of your high school transcript and AP Spanish scores (if applicable) in addition to the other required application documents. You will also need to find an academic contact who can assess your current Spanish language skills and complete the Spanish Language Evaluation Form for you . The combination of your goals essay, Spanish Language Evaluation, high school transcript, and AP Spanish scores will help CC-CS assess your current Spanish level.
What are the prerequisites to attend a CC-CS program?
In reflection of CC-CS’s dedication to academic excellence, we require that students have a minimum 3.0 for overall GPA and in Spanish coursework. Other pre-requisites (i.e previous coursework, required credits) differ according to each program and course level to which you are applying.
Specific pre-requisites for each program can be found online through the following links:
If my overall and/or Spanish GPA is lower than the requirement, can I still apply?
Although we require an overall GPA of 3.0 or above, we focus more closely on your Spanish GPA. Please keep in mind that other portions of the application are taken into consideration when reviewing an application for acceptance, so a GPA slightly below a 3.0 does not exclude you from consideration.
If you are concerned about your grades and/or GPA, it may be advisable to have a teacher write a specific recommendation regarding your academic promise. It is also helpful to send an email or include a paragraph in your Goals Essay with an explanation of your lower grades.
Will I need a passport or a visa to attend a CC-CS program?
To travel abroad, you need a passport valid for six months after your program end date. If you do not have a valid passport, you must apply for one immediately. It can take up to eight weeks to receive your passport, so apply for it right away. If the start of your program is less than 90 days away, you will have to pay for expedited service.
If you are abroad for more than three months, you are REQUIRED by Spanish and Argentine law to obtain a student visa. Semester and Academic Year students are required to obtain a student visa; January and Summer Term students do not need a visa. Make sure that you follow the visa instructions from CC-CS and your local Spanish or Argentine consulate carefully.
I want to do an internship. Are there any offered?
CC-CS offers a limited number of opportunities to undertake a combined internship and study program. This option provides you with an excellent opportunity to take advantage of your stay by accepting a unique learning challenge. You gain work experience and explore a particular field from the viewpoint of another culture. See Internships for details.
Other FAQ Pages:
Application Process
Post-Acceptance Process
Preparation for Living Abroad
Financial Matters
For Parents and Guardians
CC-CS Published Resources:
CC-CS Information Bulletin and Course Catalog
CC-CS Handbooks and Contracts |
