Join CCSA
The Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA) fosters international understanding and enhances student learning through affordable, high-quality study abroad programs.
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With more than 30 years of experience offering successful summer and winter programs in English-speaking countries, CCSA partners with innovative faculty and adventurous students to make global learning accessible across campuses of all sizes.
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As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CCSA supports member institutions by providing opportunities for students to enroll in - and faculty to teach - credit-bearing and continuing education courses that fit easily into the academic calendar.
Why Schools Partner with CCSA
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Expanded global reach - CCSA complements and enhances existing faculty-led programs.
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Transparent communication - member schools are kept fully informed about student participation and on-site experiences.
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Robust student safety - all programs and activities are reviewed by experienced faculty and staff, with emergency medical and evacuation procedures in place.
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Comprehensive insurance coverage - all participants are protected with medical and evacuation insurance.
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Enhanced academic support - faculty receive guidance to strengthen syllabi and achieve global learning outcomes.
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Efficient administration - full access to the CCSA application system allows schools to monitor student information and program status.
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Flexible credit options - credit can be awarded in ways that align with each institution’s policies.
Empower Faculty, Inspire Students, Expand Global Learning
For Faculty
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Course flexibility - faculty can design their own program or select from pre-designed syllabi.
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Broad student recruitment - member schools represent over 250,000 potential participants.
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Full logistical support - CCSA manages travel, bookings, insurance, applications, student payments, and risk management.
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Comprehensive benefits - faculty receive lodging, roundtrip airfare, per diem, local transportation cards (where available), and many meals.
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Marketing and recruitment support - digital and print materials plus outreach assistance beyond the home campus.
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Mentorship and collaboration - guidance from experienced faculty to develop course content.
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Professional development - training, orientation, and faculty development opportunities.
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On-site support - dedicated CCSA staff provide assistance throughout the program.
For Students
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Flexible scheduling - winter and summer term programs that fit academic calendars.
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Affordable experiences - programs include more activities and excursions in the base price than typical options.
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Support for first-time travelers - individualized pre-departure guidance, small group orientations, and cultural competency training.
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Travel options - fly with faculty-led group or travel independently to join the program on-site.
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Comprehensive support - trained CCSA staff available during travel and on-site.
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Earn academic credit - flexible registration through home institution or Western Kentucky University.
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Develop 21st-century workplace skills - strengthen resumes and prepare for careers in a connected world.
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Professional networking - connect with students from other colleges and universities across the U.S.
Tuition and Course Registration
Member institutions choose how students register and receive credit for CCSA courses:
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Home-School Credit: institution creates the course and registers the student for credit at home.
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WKU Credit: students receive credit and transcript from Western Kentucky University; CCSA manages registration, grading, and transcript delivery. Students pay a $100 registration and transcript fee; tuition is waived.
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Hybrid Model: students taking courses with their home faculty receive home-school credit; those taking courses taught by faculty from other CCSA institutions follow the WKU Credit option.
Each member also designates a Campus Representative, who serves as an advocate and point of contact for CCSA on campus.
Membership Levels
Regionally accredited U.S. colleges and universities may join CCSA at the level that best fits their goals and needs.
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Full Membership - one-time fee of $4,000; full access for students and faculty, plus Board of Trustees representation.
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Associate Membership - four-year term, $2,000; full access and Board representation at a discounted rate.
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Affiliate Membership - three-year term, no fee for the first 20 affiliates; full access for students and faculty.
