FAQs

Candles at a Temple in China

Application FAQs

What does the CET application form include?

The CET study abroad application asks for your name, major/minor, emergency contacts, and campus involvement and interests. It also includes an English-language essay. Are you currently studying the target language of the program? If so, you will be asked to complete an additional essay in the target language. Additional questionnaires could include a Course Request form and Transcript Mailing Instructions. Please complete all the items you see on your Applicant Homepage.

When is my application due?

Find more information about application deadlines here.

What CET programs have language prerequisites?

China	Harbin and all Middlebury	4 semesters college-level Chinese
China	Beijing January Term	3 semesters college-level Chinese
China	Kunming	2 semesters college-level Chinese
Japan	Osaka Summer Term	2 semesters college-level Japanese
Middle East	Jordan	2 semesters of college-level Arabic

Do I need three academic recommendations?

It depends. Have you studied the target language of the program to which you are applying ? If yes, then you will need three recommendations total. One of the three recommendations should come from your language professor. If you are an absolute beginner in the language, only two academic recommendations are required. If you graduated college several years ago, an academic recommendation may be difficult to obtain. In this instance, CET will consider recommendations from an employer.

The one exception to this is the History of Art & Italian Studies program in Florence. For this program, you need two academic recommendations if you have studied Italian language previously. You need one academic recommendation if you are an absolute beginner in the language.

What is a “passport photocopy”?

It is a photocopy of the information page of your passport. This is the page containing your picture, your passport number and expiration dates. Every student studying abroad with CET needs a valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of the program.

I do not have a passport yet. Can I still apply?

It depends on the program in which you are interested. Please contact CET for more information and apply for your passport immediately.

My passport expires less than six months after my program ends. Can I still apply?

Yes. Please begin the passport renewal process immediately. Submit a photocopy of the expired passport to CET for our records. If you are applying for a fall or spring semester in Japan or the Czech Republic, an expired passport could disqualify you from attending. Please contact CET for more information.

Where do I get an official transcript?

The registrar’s office on your home campus is your best bet. Please have the registrar mail your official transcript directly to CET. Faxed or scanned transcripts will not be reviewed.

Who should sign my Home Institution Approval Form?

Your study abroad advisor. You may also have to work with your academic advisor for course approval. If you are a graduate student, please check with your department for the proper procedure. Please make sure that the Home Institution Approval Form is filled out properly. Taking care of this now will help you receive credit for your overseas academic work later.

I transferred to my current school from another university. Do I need to get official transcripts from each college or university I attended?

Start with your current college or university transcripts. Did you take any courses in the target language of your program at another college or university? If yes, please request the official transcript showing those courses.

How will I know if my application is considered complete?

If you completed all the required materials on your Applicant Homepage, your application complete and will be reviewed by the CET Admissions Committee.

How many credits will I receive and will they transfer to my home school?

Click here for information on earning credit and transcripts.

Can I contact a student who has already studied abroad with CET?

Absolutely! Please visit the program of your choice and click “Alumni Reviews.”

Does CET provide scholarships?

Every year, CET awards more than $50,000 in scholarships. If you are admitted to a CET program, you are eligible to apply for a CET scholarship. A scholarship application will be available in your online account.

CET is also a major contributor to the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA), an excellent source of study abroad funding. The annual application deadline for FEA scholarships is November 14.

I thought I was going to apply for the CET Scholarship, but I changed my mind. Will my application still be reviewed?

Yes. CET scholarship applications are optional and will not impact your program application status.

When will I know if I was accepted?

You will be emailed an admissions decision within two weeks of receipt of your completed application.

I am married. Can CET accommodate my family on the program?

Unfortunately, we cannot make accommodations if you are interested in studying in China. If you are applying to another CET program, please contact CET for more information. In some cases, it may be possible to accommodate spouses and/or family members for an extra fee. In this situation, you should expect to make most of your own arrangements with guidance from CET.

I have a low GPA. Can I still apply?

Yes. Even though CET has a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, you are still encouraged to apply. You will be evaluated on your application as a whole, not just on your transcript. Please address your low GPA in your application essay.

What does CET look for in applicants? How can I improve my chances of being accepted?

CET looks for motivation, sincere intentions and a solid academic foundation. In addition, strong references and a well-developed essay improve your chances of being accepted.