Frequently Asked QuestionsContact UsEastern European Study AbroadP.O. Box 204Edwards, CO 81632 Phone:(970) 584-EESA E-mail: Login |
Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I afford to study abroad? Can I afford to study abroad?Yes! For most students, it costs less to study abroad with EESA, than to attend a semester at their home institution. Your financial aid may be allocated towards studying abroad and numerous scholarships both from EESA and outside sources are available. At Eastern European Study Abroad, we work hard to make studying abroad affordable for students regardless of their background. In 2011, EESA announced the new lower study abroad fee schedule. Students will save over $2,000 per semester with EESA – money that can be used to cover airfare and personal expenses. Today, the same comprehensive EESA program with utmost attention to the safety of students and highest quality of education, is offered at the lowest cost among similar study abroad providers. In addition to the price decrease, EESA is still offering various discounts and promotions, as well as scholarships up to $7,000. Read more Please contact us now to learn more about how to make studying abroad affordable! Do I have to major in Russian in order to participate in the EESA-Ukraine program?No! Anybody can participate in the EESA-Ukraine program and receive credits for taking classes in English. Credits from EESA classes can be counted towards economics, political science, cultural studies, any other major, or to fulfill general courses requirements. Russian and Ukrainian language courses are offered at any level for interested students. Intensive language program in available. Do I need to speak another language to study abroad?No. For some study abroad programs knowledge of a foreign language is mandatory. With EESA, you do not need to know another language in order to participate because classes are taught in English. However, students are required to enroll into a Russian or Ukrainian language course upon arrival, offered at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Most students are able to communicate in Russian or Ukrainian upon return to the United States. What is the minimum GPA requirement to study abroad?In order to participate in the EESA-Ukraine program, you must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students with slightly lower GPA may be considered if their academic references indicate they have potential to benefit from the program. Students with current GPA below 2.8 are required to submit a recommendation letter from their professor or advisor and a short essay detailing any academic and extracurricular challenges they have faced, why they want to study abroad, and their goals. Download application materials. When should I apply for the program?You should apply as early as possible as the admission process is competitive and the program may close before the deadline. You should contact your school’s study abroad office before applying to EESA. By applying early, you can qualify for the Early Confirmation Discount, Friend Discount, and much more! The earlier you apply, the more money you will save, and the more time you will have to get everything ready for the most exciting semester or year of your college career! Do I need a passport to study abroad, and when should I apply for one?Yes, you need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end date of the program. It is very important that you apply for a passport immediately. Passport applications may take up to three months to be processed. For information on applying for a U.S. passport, visit www.travel.state.gov/passport . EESA requires you to submit a photocopy of the front page of your passport no later than 30 days before the beginning of a semester. If you do not have a passport you will not be able to study abroad. Will I need a visa?A Ukrainian visa is required for U.S. citizens if they are staying in Ukraine for longer than 90 days. Students who are admitted into the program, will be mailed a visa application package along with an official invitation letter.U.S. citizens will need a Russian visa to participate in the academic field trip to Moscow . After students’ arrival to Kharkiv, EESA will arrange a mandatory students’ visit to the Consulate of Russian Federation in Kharkiv in order to obtain visas. Currently, the application fee for a Russian visa is $131 and is included in the total cost of the program. The trip to Moscow takes place approximately 2 months after beginning of a semester, which gives students plenty of time to obtain a Russian visa while in Kharkiv. Non-U.S. citizens should apply to EESA as soon as possible as they might need a visa to enter Ukraine and extra processing time will be necessary. Will my credits that I earned abroad transfer to my home institution?EESA students will be taking classes at the Karazin Kharkiv National University, which is a fully accredited university and one of the most prominent schools in Eastern Europe. All credits should be transferrable towards your degree in your domestic institution. Students need to check with their academic advisor and the registrar's office to ensure credit transferability. When will I receive my transcript?You should allow up to four weeks from the end of the program for the transcripts to be delivered. EESA will mail the transcripts as soon as they become available, but extra time should be allowed due to discrepancies in administrative procedures between the U.S. and Ukraine. Can I bring my American cell phone to use in Ukraine?Using a cell phone from an American provider will be extremely expensive in Europe because of the roaming fees. You may bring your own cell phone provided it will accept a Ukrainian sim card. You will have an option of renting or buying a cell phone upon your arrival to Kharkiv, Ukraine. EESA offers basic cell phones for rent at $50 for the entire semester. Students will choose their own provider and rates within one week after their arrival. Monthly cell phones costs in Ukraine are very low. Most students spend around $5 per month if they communicate mainly with other students on the program, other people in the network and don't use the cell phone for international calls. Should I bring my laptop?It is recommended to bring a laptop provided it accepts local electric currency (220V) and can be used in foreign countries. EESA Kharkiv office does not provide technical support with hardware or software malfunctions, but we will do our best to find a solution for you if such situation arises. Are meals provided?EESA does not provide daily meals as we recognize that each student prefers their own type of diet. Every student’s apartment has a fully equipped kitchen. Farmer’s markets and grocery stores are widespread throughout the city. In addition, students are encouraged to experience local cuisine at many inexpensive cafes and restaurants throughout the city. Kharkiv has a lot of dining options available with cuisine for every taste. Eating at a university cafeteria is an easy and affordable option as well. The university does not offer meal plans, and students pay individually for every meal. An average lunch at a student cafetria costs approximately $2-$4. What about my spending money?Students and their parents should decide on the personal spending budget. Ukraine is much more of a cash economy, than the United States. Credit and debit cards are not an accepted form of payment in most places. However, there are plenty of ATMs throughout the city and cash can be easily accessed that way. Students are encouraged to bring some cash (in US dollars) with them at least for the beginning of the semester. It is easy and safe to exchange US dollars into local hryvnyas in one of many local banks. Students, who plan on using American debit or credit cards while in Ukraine, should check with their bank on international cash withdrawal policies and associated fees. Will there be free time to travel?Attending classes and academic field trips is mandatory to receive a credit for your study abroad. Students may travel on their own during weekends or a midterm break – one week long for every semester. When can I study abroad in my college career?Once you have completed one semester/quarter at your academic institution, you may choose to study abroad any time. However, some schools have restrictions for freshmen and seniors. You should check with your academic advisor or the study abroad office at your university. Please email us first at apply@eesabroad.org if you are interested in the EESA-Ukraine program. EESA has affiliation agreements with many U.S. universities, which entitles you to additional grants. If your school is not on the list currently, EESA is often able to negotiate more favorable terms for you for the transfer of credits and financial aid with your university. Be sure to contact us with the name of your school to learn more! Will I graduate on time if I study abroad?Yes! By consulting your academic advisor and planning ahead, studying abroad for a semester should not delay your graduation in any way. On contrary, this experience will be a great addition to your degree and your resume. Can I volunteer while I am abroad?EESA encourages you to get involved in a local community. After you arrive to Kharkiv, the staff at the EESA center will be happy to arrange some volunteer opportunities for you.
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