Pre-Departure Services
Advising
Aspire staff members guide students and parents through the administrative process of preparing for a travel or study abroad program. Students and parents may contact Aspire staff as often as they desire with questions about pre-departure preparations, group flights, academics, transfer credits, on-site logistics, special needs, visa procedures, and more. Aspire staff members, in turn, are frequently in touch with students and parents regarding program updates, essential travel tips, and recommendations for having a successful experience abroad.
Pre-departure Orientation
All Aspire students and their parents receive an orientation handbook containing practical information to help students prepare for their study abroad session. Aspire also holds regional pre-departure orientations that both students and parents can attend together. This way Aspire program participants can meet each other and Aspire staff members prior to the program and have your questions answered in person.
Group Flights
Aspire provides the option of a group flight so that students can travel together with Aspire staff, reducing anxiety that students may feel about traveling overseas on their own. If students have alternate travel plans, or if parents prefer to use miles or award points to purchase airfare for their student, Aspire can help arrange a transfer service so that independent travelers can meet up with the group on-site.
Mobile Phone
All Aspire students in Europe can receive a free phone (only the SIM card has to be returned upon completion of the session abroad) with discounted calling packages. With these cell phones, parents, Aspire on-site directors, family and friends at home and abroad can communicate with students and more easily contact them in the event of an emergency. Students order their cell phone online prior to departure, providing a credit card for billing purposes. If ordered at least two weeks before departure, Aspire pays for the shipping and handling fees. The phones are mailed to students in the U.S. so that they have the phone and phone number before arriving in the host country. When in the host country, incoming calls are free for students. Outgoing calls incur a per minute charge, and text messages also carry a fee per text. Unfortunately, this option is not yet available for Costa Rica.
Social Networking
Aspire has created social networks for students to connect with each other and learn about Aspire program offerings, including a Facebook page (xxxx) and a profile on Twitter (AspireAbroad). These networks provide students with the opportunity to communicate informally with other outbound students and Aspire staff members, as well as to be notified of upcoming events and program developments.
Scholarships
Each year Aspire awards partial scholarships in the amount of $250-1000 to high-achieving students. Students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA, submit an accompanying essay, and must demonstrate financial hardship as well as extraordinary academic merit. The scholarship application can be downloaded here. [scholarship application]
On-Site Services
On-site Staff
Aspire has highly qualified, trained, and experienced English-speaking on-site staff available to students throughout their program abroad. All programs are staffed by one U.S. based Aspire staff member and local on-site staff who work together to provide students with constant support throughout their stay, as well as practical information and insight about the new culture. They are available in case of any personal emergency and are ready to implement the Aspire emergency response plans if needed.
On-site Orientation
The on-site orientation takes place upon arrival in the host city. Aspire orientations include tours of the host-city as well as practical information about life in the host city, including health, safety, and local culture. The orientation is designed to minimize adjustment difficulties upon arrival and gives students a chance to get to know other participants in the program.
Housing, Meals & Laundry
Housing and most meals are included in the Aspire program fee. Depending on the program, students are housed with host families, in residence halls, or in some special cases, in hotels. Host families have been carefully screened by Aspire staff and provide laundry service and three meals per day (except for when on excursion). Residence halls provide 2-3 meals per day and access to coin-operated washing machines. Breakfasts at the hotels are provided when on overnight excursions. In the case of hotels and residence hall accommodation, Aspire on-site staff will reside with the students.
Tuition
Some Aspire programs include a fixed number of U.S. college credits that a student can earn per session while other offer multiple course options. If the program is for U.S. college credit, the amount of credit to be earned will be indicated on the program information page.
Tutoring
Language tutoring is available free of charge for all Aspire students (approximately one hour per week for each student). Arrangements can be made with the Aspire on-site director. Should additional assistance be required, aspire on-site directors can help students arrange additional tutoring for an additional fee.
Community Involvement and Volunteer Opportunities
In many Aspire locations, there are organized community involvement and volunteer opportunities available. Gap year and gap semester students have expanded service opportunities, and should contact the Aspire office to explore opportunities available in different locations.
Medical and Life Insurance
Medical and life insurance is provided for all students during the program term. This insurance coverage includes medical evacuation and repatriation, as well as 24-hour support services for medical issues.
Overnight Excursions and Day Trips
During the program students have the opportunity to broaden their classroom education through organized excursions, which are included in the program price. Overnight lodging, breakfast, entrance fees, and transportation to and from the excursion locations are included. To find out which excursions are included in the program and review their descriptions, visit the specific program page in this catalog. Although excursions are subject to change depending on availability, weather and other factors, students are provided with an itinerary, including the program excursions, prior to departure.
Social, Recreational and Cultural Activities
Aspire programs are fun as well as enriching! Students are offered several Aspire-sponsored social, recreational and cultural activities per week, including outings to movies, sports activities, concerts, theater performances, museums, cultural tours, visits to local attractions and more. All entrance and transportation fees are included in the Aspire program price, reducing the amount of out-of-pocket money needed by students on-site. Students also enjoy welcome and farewell group meals.
Post-Program Services
Post-Program Evaluation
Aspire places great value on post-program evaluation from students. At the end of each session, students are asked to complete a confidential (if desired) evaluation of their program. These evaluations are submitted directly to the Aspire Texas office and ensure that students receive the best service possible.
Alumni Network
Returning students have the opportunity to join the Aspire alumni network. The Aspire alumni network helps students stay in touch with their newfound friends and stay informed about the latest program developments. Aspire alumni will receive Aspire newsletters, and often serve as a resource for future Aspire students and Aspire staff, helping to keep our pre-departure information relevant and student-focused.
Transcript Services
Many Aspire programs offer students the opportunity to earn U.S. college credits. Upon completion of the program session, an official transcript from the foreign university documenting these studies will be sent to the Aspire office. While a copy will be sent to each student, the official transcript will be kept on file at the Aspire office. When students have determined which university they will attend, we will send the official transcript to your university along with a latter of translation (if necessary). Aspire encourages students to discuss their academic choices with your guidance counselor or advisors at your future university to determine how credits reflected on the transcript might be transferred toward their degree plan.
