Custom Programs FAQ

Proposals & program development

Can we have multiple versions of your proposal?

We don’t develop two proposal versions concurrently, but we are happy to provide multiple rounds of revisions based on your comments and requests until we land on a version that meets your program’s academic, experiential, and financial goals.

When should I reach out to CET to request a proposal?

Ideally, CET will receive your request for a proposal at least 9-12 months in advance of the program’s start date. Summer and Maymester are our most popular terms for custom programs, and we often reach capacity, so we recommend connecting with us earlier if you are hoping for a program in May, June, or July.

I'm a faculty member, not a study abroad office employee - can I work directly with you?

Programs have the most success when the study abroad office is involved throughout the planning process. We encourage faculty to connect with the study abroad office and involve them in the process early!

I have lots of my own connections in the host country – can we include them in the program?

Sometimes! Please share details and contacts with CET. Additional fees for R&D travel and vendor vetting may apply so that CET can maintain our strong commitment to health, safety, and risk mitigation.

Note that we are generally not able to work with local universities other than our CET host universities.

Do you book group flights?

CET does not book flights for students, though your institution may choose to book a group flight for the program directly with a travel agency.

FINANCES

How does CET invoice for custom programs?

We will send one invoice including all program fees to your institution. We cannot bill students directly for custom programs.

Should CET and your institution agree upon additional support needs after our contract is signed, CET will send a comprehensive post-program invoice.

My institution requires a formal procurement process. Can CET work with that?

We’re open to it, but we know that these processes take time – send us the information as soon as possible!

Program Operation

What student support is included with custom program collaboration with CET?

CET develops thorough pre-departure resources for each program and provides routine health and safety preparedness. We provide these resources so that partners can take the lead on advising on their programs! We can also lead or attend a pre-departure orientation organized by your institution on request.

On-site, our programs include comprehensive student support, including orientation programming, a 24/7 local emergency contact, international student insurance, and residential staff support.

When do I get to meet the on-site staff that will support my program?

You’ll be introduced to the on-site staff who will support your program about a month before the program begins. During the program development process, your main contact will be a US-based member of the CET Custom team, who works closely with the on-site teams to bring your program to life.

Will CET combine my custom program with another custom program?

No, CET develops your program exclusively for your institution. Depending on the housing and classroom spaces used, your students may encounter students attending other CET standard semester programs or other custom programs, but the itinerary and activities are exclusive to each program. In rare cases there may be more overlap, but this will always be discussed and agreed upon with your institution in advance.