Students' Frequently
Asked Questions

Students, please contact ACCENT if you have any additional questions.

  • Who is ACCENT?

    ACCENT is a study abroad organization working with U.S. colleges and universities to coordinate study abroad programs in Paris, Florence, London, Madrid and Rome. While the sponsoring school is responsible for the academic portion of the program and for granting credit, ACCENT arranges housing, excursions, activities and travel. The ACCENT San Francisco Center provides students with information about the programs we offer, and assists students throughout the pre-departure phase of the program. The ACCENT Centers in Paris, Florence, London, Madrid and Rome serve as a home base for students on the programs, with staff available to assist with cross-cultural issues, living abroad and all aspects of the programs.

  • Can students from any college or university attend programs through ACCENT?

    Yes, students from colleges and universities around the country participate in open-enrollment programs offered through ACCENT. The Upcoming Programs section of this site will specify which programs are available for open-enrollment. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate on programs through ACCENT, other eligibility requirements vary by program; please consult each individual program page.

  • Do I have to speak the local foreign language in order to participate in programs through ACCENT?

    No, many programs offered through ACCENT accommodate beginners of a foreign language or have no language requirement at all. Please consult individual program information.

  • How will the credit transfer to my home college or university?

    You should always check with your home institution before enrolling in a program to ensure that the classes will transfer. All academic credit on ACCENT programs is awarded by the American school sponsoring the program. You will enroll as a student of the sponsoring school for the length of the program, and at the end of the program you will receive a transcript for the courses you complete overseas. You will need to request that a transcript be sent directly to your advisor or registrar.

  • What schools will I attend overseas?

    Each program is unique, and the course selection and affiliated overseas schools vary. Some ACCENT students attend the University of Paris - Sorbonne and Institut Catholique in Paris, the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci in Florence and Rome, the University of London, or the Don Quijote language school, the Universidad Complutense, or Carlos III in Madrid. Other classes are taught by visiting faculty from the sponsoring school or local faculty in classrooms provided by ACCENT.

  • If my program includes language how can I be sure that I am placed in a language class at the right level?

    You will register for language classes before you depart for your program based on your previous language experience. Once overseas, you will take a placement exam as part of the on-site orientation to ensure that you are at the proper level.

  • Can I use Financial Aid to pay for my program?

    If you are paying your program fees directly to ACCENT you may be able to use Financial Aid. Students who currently receive Financial Aid can apply for the ACCENT Deferred Payment Plan. Once you are accepted, the Deferred Payment Plan allows you to defer up to 40% of your program payment until a later date, allowing more time for your financial aid disbursement to arrive. However, you must apply for Financial Aid through your home institution or the school sponsoring the program. We recommend that you apply for financial aid at least 2 semesters before your program. Contact your home institution's Financial Aid office for more information.

    If you are paying your program fees directly to your school please contact your school's study abroad office for information about using Financial Aid.

  • How do I apply for an open-enrollment program through ACCENT? How do I know if I'm accepted?

    Brochures and applications are downloadable from the ACCENT website. Students submit completed applications with a non-refundable first payment as directed on the application page. Students will then receive an acceptance letter from ACCENT and/or the sponsoring school.

  • What happens after I am accepted to an open-enrollment program through ACCENT?

    Your acceptance letter will be followed by additional application and enrollment forms sent by email for students to complete and sign, usually consisting of items such as a student agreement, housing form, alcohol policy and an attendance and tardiness policy.
    To view generic samples of the forms please click on the following links (please note: these are samples NOT actual forms, each program will have its own specific forms): Student Contract - Housing Form - Policy on Absence and Tardiness - Alcohol Agreement

  • How far in advance should I apply? When do I have to pay my program fees?

    Most students apply for the program 8-10 months before departure. Students paying ACCENT directly must be paid in full approximately three months before departure. Students paying their school directly should consult their study abroad office for information about payment deadlines. After the final payment date, new applicants are accepted only when space is available.

  • How do I make a payment directly to ACCENT?

    ACCENT accepts credit cards, checks and money orders. Credit card payments can be processed here or phoned in at 1.800.869.9291. Please make checks payable to ACCENT and mail to: ACCENT, 870 Market Street, Suite 1026, San Francisco, CA 94102.

  • What housing options does ACCENT offer?

    ACCENT housing options vary depending on the destination city. In Paris, students can live in a student residence, apartments or with a host family. In Madrid, participants live in shared students apartments, or can choose the option of a homestay. In Florence, students live in shared apartments or homestays throughout the city. In Rome, participants live in student residences, homestays or in scattered apartments in the heart of the city and in London students live in apartments also in the heart of the city.

  • Can I arrange my own housing?

    Depending on the program, ACCENT housing may not be mandatory. Please contact the sponsoring school's study abroad office or ACCENT for more information.

  • Can I arrive early for my program?

    ACCENT is not able to accommodate early arrivals or late departures. If you will be arriving early, you must provide your own accommodations prior to the program start date and must check in at the designated spot on the first day of the program, refer to your pre-departure handbook for check-in information. Please consult the Local Resources link on each city's main page of this website for hotel suggestions.

  • Why does my program require a refundable security deposit?

    The security deposit will be used to pay for any housing damage, excess utilities costs, lost keys and any books or other property not returned in proper order to the ACCENT Center overseas. Security deposits are normally returned within three months after the program returns, less any deductions if paid directly to ACCENT.

  • Does ACCENT arrange air travel?

    Depending on the program, ACCENT may work with a travel agency to arrange optional group flights from various departure cities. Prices and itineraries vary with the time of year and destination.

  • What is included in the program price? Is airfare included in the program price?

    See individual program information for a detailed list of what is included in the program price. Airfare is never included in ACCENT program prices.

  • How much free time will I have? Are there extracurricular activities?

    All ACCENT programs allow for some free time. If your program offers language classes they are are held four or five days a week, while other courses are usually held twice a week. Excursions outside of the city take place on Fridays or weekends. Each ACCENT Center also organizes optional cultural activities for semester-long programs that allow students to discover the city and meet local residents. Activities often include free concerts, dinners, tours of neighborhoods, and other activities that are "off the beaten path."

  • Do I need a visa to participate on a program?

    Certain programs do require that participants obtain a visa from the host country consulate in the U.S. serving your area. Please review individual program information.

  • What emergency procedures/safety plans does ACCENT have in place?

    Safety is ACCENT's highest priority. Students are given 24-hour emergency contact information for ACCENT staff, and for their program leaders. Our overseas staff have contingency plans in each Center to ensure student safety. Please see the Safety & Security section of this site for more information.

  • Should I purchase travel and/or personal property insurance?

    Yes, ACCENT does recommend that you purchase travel and personal property insurance for your travel overseas. Travel insurance is to protect your airfare investment and program fees and personal property insurance is to protect your belongings while overseas. Please see the Study Abroad Resources page for suggestions.

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