Program
Development FAQs
If you are unable to find an answer to a question please contact the ACCENT program development team at progdev@accentintl.com and we will answer your question as quickly as possible.
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How is ACCENT different from other study abroad providers?
ACCENT provides not only the seamless administrative and logistical support required to run a successful study abroad program, but also the high level of local engagement and creative ideas that define a truly special overseas experience.
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Where does ACCENT run study abroad programs, and where are its offices?
From our U.S. base in San Francisco, California, ACCENT coordinates study abroad programs in five leading European cities – Paris, Florence, London, Madrid, and Rome. We operate fully-staffed ACCENT Centers in each city.
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Does ACCENT design courses? Can ACCENT arrange language classes and local faculty?
ACCENT collaborates with colleges and universities to craft a total cross-cultural experience that includes compelling coursework and enrichment activities. Depending on the needs and size of your group, we can arrange courses in subjects ranging from art history to journalism, architecture to business, taught at a local institution or at an ACCENT Center by host country faculty. Similarly, ACCENT can arrange either for students to be integrated into a local language institution or for host country faculty to teach language classes.
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Who gives academic credit?
Academic credit is issued by the sponsoring U.S. college or university.
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Can ACCENT assist with excursions and plan extracurricular activities?
ACCENT works with you to identify excursions, private site visits, tours, and guest lectures to enhance your program both culturally and academically. Our overseas teams also use their extensive knowledge of each city and region to arrange extra cultural events and activities for your group. Examples include walking tours of neighborhoods, guided visits of museums and art galleries, cooking classes, participation in local festivals, concerts, theatre events, and sporting events. ACCENT can also arrange for your students to socialize with local university students.
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What facilities are available in each ACCENT Center?
Facilities at each ACCENT Center include classrooms to accommodate 5-50 students, a computer lab including WIFI throughout the center, a resource library, a faculty office, and a student study space/lounge. Classrooms are equipped with AV equipment.
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What support services does ACCENT offer pre-departure and abroad?
ACCENT San Francisco provides guidance and assistance throughout the development, recruitment, enrollment, and pre-departure stages of the program. Students and faculty receive pre-departure handbooks to prepare them for their time overseas. Once abroad, ACCENT holds an orientation and reviews safety and security protocols. Our ACCENT Centers abroad continue to assist students and faculty throughout their program.
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What type of student housing does ACCENT offer and where is it located?
Housing options vary by city and program and include student apartments, student residences, homestays, and hotels. In each city, ACCENT seeks out safe, centrally-located housing.
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What type of housing is available for faculty and their family/guests?
Most faculty members are housed in a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a conveniently located area of the city. ACCENT works with faculty to find the most suitable accommodations. If a member of the faculty plans to bring family or guests, ACCENT can arrange for larger apartments as needed. Please visit the faculty housing page for more information.
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Can classes or excursions be shared with another program to cut costs?
Yes, one way to minimize costs is to share classes or excursions with another sponsoring university. Not only does this help defray costs, but it also provides the opportunity for your students to interact with students and faculty from another school.
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Are there internships or service learning opportunities available?
Depending on the focus and length of your program and interests of your students, ACCENT can assist you in finding appropriate internships or service learning opportunities. In the past, ACCENT has arranged internships with local businesses and government agencies, and service learning opportunities with charitable organizations and non-profits.
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What is the maximum or minimum number of students required to run a program? What do we do if we cannot recruit enough students?
ACCENT will work with you to determine the ideal number of students for your program, based on your destination and program offerings. ACCENT will be in close communication with you during the recruitment and enrollment stage of the process, and in the case of low numbers, we will work with you to find the best solution.
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Can ACCENT fit our program budget? Does ACCENT require a deposit? How does ACCENT handle currency fluctuations?
ACCENT believes in developing programs that are high quality while being cost-effective. We will collaborate with you to design a program that fits the budget requirements of your institution. ACCENT does not require a deposit, and instead will work with you to put together an invoice and payment schedule that works with your timeline. ACCENT can either invoice for your program in local currency or U.S. dollars. If your program is invoiced in U.S. dollars, ACCENT will monitor currency fluctuations up until the moment your program contract is agreed upon and finalized. After it is finalized, the program price is guaranteed.