Affiliate Provider Programs
Affiliate providers are third party organizations that offer a wide range of study abroad programs as well as experiential learning opportunity abroad (e.g. internships, service-learning, etc.). EA recommends an affiliate provider program for students who are looking to have additional support prior to departure and upon arrival, but are looking to then have their independence while abroad after they are acclimated to their new host city.
Affiliate Program Types
The role of the affiliate provider is to provide support to students throughout the pre-departure process and while on site. The majority of affiliate programs offer a mix of study center, local university, and internship courses.
Affiliate
Study Abroad Programs
Affiliate providers offer courses abroad at a host university or study center. The provider assists the student throughout the pre-departure process, arranges housing, and offers cultural activities and excursions throughout the semester.
Affiliate
Internship Programs
Interning abroad is a great way to receive some professional experience within a given career field. The affiliate provider will work with the students to arrange an internship overseas. Internships can be offered credit or non-credit.
Learn About Internships Abroad
Cost structure
Before reviewing the costs specifically associated with Affiliate programs, students should familiarize themselves with the Costs to Consider and Financial Planning sections of EA website. Students are encouraged to complete a Cost Estimate Worksheet for their chosen affiliate program. Cost Estimate Worksheets are provided in EA application and provide a list all of the expenses paid to EA along with estimated costs for anticipated expenses not billed by EA.
Affiliate Program Cost Structure
Affiliate Program Costs
| Payable to: | Expense |
|---|---|
| Paid to EA |
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| Paid to the Affiliate Provider |
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| Other Costs to Consider |
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Affiliate Program Costs
| Payable to: | Expense |
|---|---|
| Paid to the OEA |
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| Paid to the Affiliate Provider |
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| Other Costs to Consider |
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Academic Credit
Students should reference the Can I Get Credit? and Earning Credit Abroad sections of EA website to understand how credit works on study abroad programs and academic policies.
Reviewing Course Lists and Descriptions
Each program brochure will have an “Academics” or “Courses” section where students can access a list of courses offered at that institution. Students may find it helpful to first find out what UNC Charlotte courses they will need to take in the upcoming semesters to complete graduation requirements by meeting with their academic adviser. It is then recommended you search for the UNC Charlotte course descriptions on the academic department’s websites, if possible. By having a list of courses and course descriptions you need to take here at UNC Charlotte in front of you while researching courses on programs abroad you will be better prepared to determine whether or not a course may satisfy a curriculum requirement.
Tips for Researching Courses:
- Keep in mind that areas of study may be called something different by the provider or host institution
- Ultimately the Department Chair of the corresponding academic department or Graduate Program Director here at UNC Charlotte will have the final say on what UNC Charlotte equivalent courses can be assigned to any courses taken abroad
- The course description or syllabus is most important when the Department Chair/Graduate Program Director determines the UNC Charlotte equivalent course.
Application Process
First visit the How to Apply section of EA website to learn more about the steps to applying for a study abroad program. The first step to applying is completing the Study Abroad 101 requirement. After completing the 101 students should request access to an application by filling out EA Application Request form. Students applying for an affiliate program will need to complete two or more applications. The first step will be to complete EA application in order to receive approval to go abroad. The second step will be to complete a supplemental application for the provider in order to receive official acceptance into the program.
EA Application Review and Approval Process
First, EA will determine if the student meets the general eligibility requirements for study abroad as well as any program specific eligibility requirements. After the application deadline passes, EA will review and evaluate all application components to see if the student can be approved to participate in the program. If the application has been approved by EA, the student will then be notified via email 2-3 weeks after submission.
Provider Application
Students should begin their provider application after meeting with an EA adviser and beginning their EA Application. It is the student’s responsibility to go to the affiliate provider’s website and follow the applicable application instructions in order to complete the required application.
Please note: approval by EA and acceptance by the Provider is not guaranteed. The provider application will likely require a non-refundable application fee so students should ensure they meet EA eligibility requirements before finalizing an application or submitting any fees to the provider.