Questions
Financial Questions
Admissions Questions
Application Questions
Miscellaneous Questions
FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
How much do students have to pay?
Nearly all students admitted to the Institute receive a substantial scholarship to attend, and the amount students pay depends on the scholarship they receive. These scholarships are provided by donors to The Fund for American Studies, and have been designated for students from various countries. Students will be required to pay at least $600 USD towards the total cost of the program. All scholarships and program fees will go towards tuition, meal expenses, housing, reading materials and special events. The total cost of the Institute is $3,500.
If I apply after the 31st of January, will I be still eligible for the scholarship?
Yes, you will be eligible for a scholarship. All international students attending the Institute receive a scholarship.
For American students who have not attended one of The Fund for American Studies' summer Institutes in Washington, DC or Indianapolis, however, scholarships are given on a rolling basis, and the amount awarded may depend on when an admissions decision is made.
Is additional funding available? Where can students find any additional funding?
There are many organizations and government agencies willing to provide additional funding to our students. In fact, most students who attend do find additional financial aid. The Institute's admissions staff will do their best to help students who cannot pay for their fees find the additional funding, but it sometimes requires a lot of investigative work by the students. If accepted, you are encouraged to explore additional funding opportunities within your university, government, businesses or other non-governmental organizations within your community and your country.
The Soros Foundation and Public Affairs Offices at U.S. Embassies have been particularly supportive of our students. Their policies differ in each country as they have their own budget and policies, but they tend to be a good resource for other opportunities if they do not award additional financial aid.
If you are admitted into the Institute and are having difficulties finding additional support or are unable to pay your program fees, you are encouraged to contact the Institute's staff.
How do you assist in finding additional funding for program fees and travel expenses?
We can only do so much since we are often looking for funding ourselves to support our programs, but we can provide any references or letters of support should you need it. We would also consider granting any additional time to your payment deadline if you need it. Sometimes students find organizations that grant scholarships at a later date, such us in April or May, and in that case we can work directly with that organization if you let us know.*
*This does not apply to students requiring a student visa to enter the Czech Republic. The Czech Foreign Ministry requires that all payments be made before granting a visa. Thus, payment deadlines are strictly enforced.
We sometimes hear from organizations or individuals willing to sponsor students from a particular region, yet prefer to remain anonymous or not listed publicly. In addition, students or AIPES alumni may inform us about other scholarship opportunities which we do not have listed on this website. However, we can pass this information on to students privately as it becomes available. We also periodically make announcements by email to all students selected to attend the Institute when scholarship opportunities become available.
Do you cover travel expenses?
No. Students will have to cover their travel costs to and from Prague. What other costs are involved? Lunches, some dinners, entertainment (movies, bars, nightclubs, etc) and personal expenses. Meals in the Czech Republic generally cost around $3 USD in Czech restaurants, or $10-15 in more touristy locations.
Is there a chance to pay the program fees in installments?
You can pay your amount due in two installments. However, a non-refundable $250 USD must be paid by your payment deadline to confirm your attendance and guarantee your spot in the Institute. If you are required to obtain a student visa to enter the Czech Republic, all payments must be finalized before your payment deadline.
Do you offer a refund if I pay my dues but cannot attend the Institute, or if I have to leave during the Institute?
Refunds are only granted prior to a student's arrival, and only if they cannot attend due to an emergency. No refunds are given after your arrival and registration.
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ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS
What is Rolling Admissions?
Rolling Admissions means that your application will be reviewed as soon as your application is completed. The earlier you apply, the more likely your application will be accepted. If you wait to apply until or near the application deadline, your application may not be accepted because of space limitations. Each year, we decline a number of highly qualified applicants because they waited too long. With rolling admissions, it is possible that admissions for some countries will be suspended before the final application deadline.
Most often, a final decision will be made once an application is reviewed. If a decision cannot be made, it will be placed on "hold." (see below)
I applied early and I've been placed on "hold , " why? When will a final decision be made?
Sometimes students are placed on "hold" for a variety of reasons, often not related to their qualifications. Since we try to establish a student body representative of all countries involved, and representative of students from a variety of backgrounds and academic majors, there are many factors we must consider. Even if the admissions committee does not immediately make a final decision, students on "hold" who apply early will receive priority over other equally qualified candidates who apply at a later date. If you are still placed on hold at the final application deadline, a final decision will be made no later than middle of April. If you are placed on hold and admission from your country has been suspended, you will be considered as an alternate in the event space becomes available.
What are the eligibility requirements for the participants?
Students must be currently enrolled in university in either an undergraduate or graduate level of study. Students must also be citizens of the United States, Europe and/or former states of the Soviet Union. For international students, priority is given to students living and studying in their native countries. Priority for scholarships for American students is given to alumni of The Fund for American Studies' Institutes in Washington, DC.
How many students of each nationality will be accepted?
Every year the admissions committee establishes a target number of students by country, and according to the average number of applications we typically receive proportional to the distribution of nations in the Institute. The demographics of the applicant pool tend to change each year, so these target numbers often change before admissions are completed.
When will final decisions be made?
Final admissions decisions will be made shortly after the extended final deadline of 15 March 2008.
Why was my application declined?
There can be a variety of reasons why your application was not accepted. The application process is very competitive; therefore, we look at a number of factors that contribute to our decision, and we are often forced to decline a large number of successful students. In accepting students, the admissions committee pays a lot of attention to areas of the application that help communicate various characteristics of an applicant and how that student could contribute to the nature of our program. Thus, the resume, essay and recommendations hold a lot of weight.
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APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Do I have to complete and submit the online application form?
To be considered for admission, you must submit the Online Application Form. You can also complete and submit the application form if you have received one of our brochures; however, that will delay your application. Applying on-line is a more efficient and speedier process. We get your data in our records as soon the on-line application is downloaded into our database (usually no later than the next business day). After completing the online application, you need to submit all required application materials. Click here for application requirements.
Do I have to put my passport number in the online application?
Yes. The passport number in the on-line application is extremely important and serves as your reference though the application procedure. If you don't have a passport, then type in a password. You can use this password for referencing your application status on our Application Status webpage.
What do I do if I am unable to submit the online application form?
First - try again. Depending on the speed of your Internet connection, it might take several moments for your application to submit. In case you cannot submit the online application, you can print out the completed application and send it to us along with other application materials by fax or mail.
Do I have to submit all required application documents at once?
No, but it is recommended. The sooner we receive all documents, the sooner your application will be reviewed. If any items are missing, you should mention that in a cover letter. Many schools and professors will only send transcripts and recommendations to us directly. Once we have your online application, we will place all materials you submit in a file until it is completed.
My application status is "incomplete"? What does it mean?
Your application status is "incomplete" when we do not have one or more of the required materials. You application will not be reviewed until all materials are submitted. If you do not know which items you are missing, contact Institute staff at international@tfas.org. Please note that it sometimes takes 2-3 weeks (if not more) before we receive application materials in the mail.
If I fax my application requirements, do I have to send the originals?
No, however we prefer originals. We are not responsible for faxes that cannot be read. If we can read your fax, there is no need to send the originals by mail, but faxes can often be difficult to read if not transmitted properly. All faxed materials, such as reference letters and transcripts, are also subject to verification.
I have applied to the program last year, was accepted, but could not come. Do I have to submit all the additional documents again when applying this year?
You have to submit new transcripts, an updated CV, and a statement-of-purpose.
I was declined last year. Do I have to submit new application materials for this year?
At the very least, you need to submit new transcripts, an updated CV and a statement-of-purpose. But since your application was declined last year, submitting new and improved materials will increase your chances of being accepted this year. We will likely not consider your application if you submit the same materials once again.
Do I have to rewrite my essay?
No, however, a new essay with a different subject might improve your chances.
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MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Can I receive credit for attending the Institute?
Three undergraduate or graduate credit hours are available from Georgetown University (Catalog listing:Political and Economic Systems of Organization, Georgetown University Course # LSHS 48030) after students complete and pass a comprehensive written exam at the end of the Institute. Undergraduate credit can be applied to a Bachelor degree. Graduate credit can be applied to a Master's degree or PhD. Graduate students will have to take a more complex exam.
Is there any deadline for sending the photographs, Attendance Agreement, Payment and Travel forms?
The deadline for the Attendance Agreement, Payment Form and photographs varies depending on when the admissions decision was made. This deadline is stated in the official letter sent by mail to every student upon acceptance. A travel information form should be submitted no later then 1 May 2008.
Is your summer school program covering the costs of accommodation or in any way assist students with accommodation facilities in Prague?
Students will be housed in a Charles University operated dormitory. Rooms are suites of two bedrooms sharing one bathroom. Each bedroom contains 2 single beds. Maid service is provided at least once a week. Each student will be assigned one roommate. Costs of accommodations and a meal plan are included in your scholarship and program fees.
For additional information about the Institute's location, housing and travel, you can review information on logistics for the program. If you would like to contact us with a question, please feel free to email us at: international@tfas.org.
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