How to use the Frequently Asked Questions

This list comprises the questions most frequently asked about our programs. We have collected these questions and answers to help make it easier for you to find them. To use this FAQ, click on the questions to the left and the answer will appear in this space. The question you are currently on will be highlighted and underlined.

Why should I study abroad?

Why SIIP?

We will help to make your comfortable from the outset. We strive to help you develop confidence in your ability as an international travel through our study abroad programs. In addition, we will help you to plan carefully, by liaising with your school in North America so you can be sure you know how much transfer credit you will earn.

When you arrive overseas, we'll get you a cell phone, and even sheets for your room if you're staying in university accommodation that does not provide them. We will also provide you with an orientation that will help you to become independent quickly while in your destination country. One of our representatives will also call your periodically to check on your progress and well-being while participating in your program of choice.

We know you'll want to see more than just your host university while you're overseas, and that's why we offer SIIP Cultural Tours. You will qualify to attend three tours (unless your program lasts less than eight weeks), and at least one of them will be to a third country. For example, if you study for Fall or Spring semester in London, you'll qualify for one tour to Paris, one to another European city, and one local tour (for example, to Stonehenge).

By participating in our program, you will know that your choice was a good one for the planet. A commercial airplane emits about three-quarters of a ton of carbon dioxide per passenger each time it flies across the Atlantic. SIIP is the first study abroad agency to become a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange and has committed to offset the greenhouse emissions it produces through its own operations and the emissions that our representatives and students produce while traveling overseas.

Please explore our site. Our programs represent fantastic value, and in almost all cases, are cheaper than the average cost of studying for a semester at a private school in the US. When you’ve picked the program for you, give us a call and we’ll try help you to turn your dream into reality.

What is included?

All of our programs include the following.  Some include more, so be sure to read the descriptions online.

• Tuition and fees at Host School
• Transcript
• Accommodation
• Three SIIP Cultural Tours for full semester students (one SIIP Cultural Tour for programs that last less than 8 weeks)
• Orientation
• Overseas staff
• Pre-departure orientation
• Cell-phone and welcome packet
• Rental opportunities
• Financial aid assistance and scholarships
• Carbon offsets

Where can I go?

We run programs in the UK and Monaco. We will soon add programs in Morocco.

When can I go?

We recommend that you study for a whole semester, so that you can receive the maximum exposure to the overseas culture, and so that you can earn a large number of academic credits. Some of our students cannot travel during Fall or Spring semesters, and so we offer a number of excellent summer programs.

Is it safe to travel abroad?

Most trips abroad are trouble-free. The US State Department recommends that students become familiar with basic laws and customs so that they are less likely to meet trouble. Of course, SIIP's orientation will help here. The most common causes of injury overseas are swimming-related or vehicle-related. In most of our destination countries, the risk of murder (which includes death caused by terror attacks) is lower than in the US. Other risks -- for example, the risk of petty theft -- may be slightly higher, and so we will recommend appropriate precautions.

What can I do to improve my safety?

The key is to be familiar with local laws and customs. Learn your local area, just like you did when you were attending college in North America for the first time. Dress conservatively -- don't draw attention to yourself. Don't join any political rallies or demonstrations, because you may not understand how controversial the issue is. Don't carry large amounts of cash. SIIP recommends traveler's checks and credit cards, both of which are significantly more secure than cash. Finally, be prepared. Let your friends and your SIIP representative know if you will be travelling for a weekend. Leave a copy of your passport with a friend at home (SIIP will ask for a copy and will register you at your country's embassy).

How does SIIP help keep me safe?

We keep a copy of your passport in case you lose it. We will register you at your country's embassy. SIIP's orientation will help students to understand local laws and customs. We will help by comparing local crime figures to those in the US, and we will talk about the different regulations in place in your host country. We employ local representatives who have experienced the culture you are visiting. SIIP's Code of Respect was designed with your safety in mind. We will send you home if you are caught riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol -- this may sound draconian, but the aim here is to protect you from hurting yourself on roads you do not understand. SIIP insists that you buy emergency medical and evacuation insurance, which will help you if you are unexpectedly ill. We understand culture shock and will give you a 24-hour contact number in case you feel sick or worried about your future.

What do I do when I have a safety concern?

If nobody's health or safety is in danger, and there is no immediate threat of damage to property, we recommend you call SIIP's local representative first. If somebody is in danger or you believe there is an immediate threat to property, please call the local authorities first as instructed at orientation. Only then should you call SIIP's local representative. If you discover something has been stolen, file a police report and notify SIIP's local representative. You should also call the issuing authority -- if you lose a passport, call your Embassy; if you lose a credit card, call the bank that issued it.

Will my credits transfer?

Your home university will decide how many credits you will earn towards your degree. We insist that every student fills out a SIIP Credit Transfer Form. This form will help you and your home university understand what courses you will be taking, and your home university will document what credit you are expected to receive.

What classes will I take?

You will be referred to a complete university catalog once you have applied, so that you can choose the courses which are most likely to be applicable to your degree. In general, you will take classes with local students. Your orientation will include information on the ways in which academic expectations might be different from those you are used to at home. Most classes are offered in English.

Who will teach my classes?

In general, you will be taught by professors at the host university. You will be held to the same standard as local students, and will be expected to discuss course content with local students. We send students only to reputable universities, and so we are confident that you will be taught by well-qualified instructors. Very few classes, if any, are taught by graduate students.

Will my classes be with local students?

The majority of classes that are offered to SIIP students are classes specifically designed for local students. You'll be able to interact with these students -- you may not agree with them at the end, but you will both benefit from your different views of world affairs.

Can I use my financial aid?

You can use financial aid disbursed through your home university. If you wish to use financial aid, you will use a SIIP form and ask your financial aid office how much they will disburse -- this aid can be used to pay for the program.

How much does it really cost?

We expect most of your costs will be included in the headline cost of the program. In all cases, you will also be responsible for the cost of insurance, and for your flight from North America to the arrival airport listed. In some cases you will be responsible for all meals. We have estimated the complete cost of attending each program -- your actual cost may be higher or lower, depending on your lifestyle.

How should I pay?

You can pay by check, money order, or credit card. Cash payments can be made only in our Saint Petersburg, Florida office.

Do I need a local bank account?

We recommend that you establish a local bank account if you are travelling for a full semester. We will help you to do this.

Can you guarantee the exchange rate?

We cannot guarantee exchange rates in the future, but we do guarantee that the cost in US dollars, at www.siip.com on the day you are accepted into the program, is the price you will pay.