Questions
Financial Questions
Admissions Questions
Application Questions
Miscellaneous Questions
FINANCIAL QUESTIONS
How much do students have to pay?
Program Fee - The cost of the ILA program is $2500 on or before December 1, 2009 (includes hotel, breakfast and lunch, all classes, extracurricular activities, and program materials). Scholarships are available to cover much of the cost for those in need and who apply in a timely manner.
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.
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 additional time to your payment deadline if you need it.
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 TFAS 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 Chile. What other costs are involved? Dinners, entertainment (movies, bars, nightclubs, etc) and personal expenses.
Is there a chance to pay the program fees in installments?
You can pay your amount due in installments. All of your payment must be received by 1 December preceeding the upcoming Institute.
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.
back to top
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 December. 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.
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.
back to top
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. 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 (CLICK "SUBMIT") all required application materials. Click here for application requirements.
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 Brigit Moore at bmoore@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 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 and an updated CV.
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.
back to top
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Can I receive credit for attending the Institute?
Yes, but you must arrange and approve the transfer of credit from Catholic University to your university ahead of time. TFAS does not guarantee that the credits will transfer to your university, as each university has its own policy of credit transfers.
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 email to every student upon acceptance.
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.
back to top
|
