University Partners

Cross-Cultural Solutions works with colleges and universities throughout the world. We work with Study Abroad, Service-Learning and Career Services departments as well as with student groups on Alternative Spring Break to help students have an enjoyable, safe and academically fulfilling experience abroad.

The breadth of volunteer opportunities available through CCS and the established in-country programs are hard to replicate. Without in-country support and such an extensive infrastructure of their own, universities often rely on CCS’ expertise to supplement their study abroad or service-learning efforts.

Academic Credit

Academic Credit for Cross-Cultural Solutions Programs
Many students have used international volunteer work and cultural education experienced in a Cross-Cultural Solutions Volunteer or Intern Abroad program to obtain academic credit through their home institutions. Students are responsible for obtaining approval through an advisor or the appropriate department. Cross-Cultural Solutions can provide students with documentation of the program structure and components as well as a “Certificate of Completion” at the end of the program. Following is a list of a few of the universities that have granted credit for Cross-Cultural Solutions’ Volunteer Abroad or Intern Abroad programs.

Brandeis University
Drexel University
Drew University
Framingham St. College
New York University
Queens University of Charlotte
Skidmore University
University of Delaware
University of Illinois
University of Georgia
University of Kansas
University of Luton (UK)
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of St. Francis
Wheaton College

Available Student Funding

Partial Tuition Waiver by University/College
In those instances where credit is granted for a Cross-Cultural Solutions program, students may be faced with a tuition fee (from the university) and a CCS Program Fee. Several institutions have overcome this by allocating a percentage (for example 50%) of the student tuition for those credits to the CCS program fee. The student is responsible for the remaining balance of the program fee.

Scholarships and Grants
Many universities have grants that can be applied to international volunteer and service internship programs when students are gaining academic credit for the experience.

Several grants that fund students’ Cross-Cultural Solutions programs include:

The University of Minnesota, Learning Abroad; Community Engagement Scholars Program
Emory University, Center for International Programs Abroad; UPGRADE Grant
University of Georgia, Foundation Fellows; Travel-Study Grants

Individual and Group Service-Learning

Cross-Cultural Solutions has an International Service-Learning provider partnership agreement with several universities. This agreement facilitates the process and curriculum required for students to apply for Service-Learning academic credit and financial aid, and for faculty members to develop Study Abroad Service-Learning programs. These Universities endorse Cross-Cultural Solutions as a trusted International Service-Learning Provider to faculty and students interested in group and individual Service-Learning programs.

University of Delaware (Office of Service Learning and Center for International Studies)
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis (Office of Service-Learning and Office of International Affairs)
University of North Dakota (Office of International Programs)
University of Minnesota (Learning Abroad)

Individual students wishing to gain academic credit by participating in an independent service-learning project abroad are encouraged to participate in a Cross-Cultural Solutions program. Students work closely with a faculty member. It is expected that students will take at least one course on campus in preparation for travel, keep a reflective journal while at the service site, and integrate their reading with their actual experience through a paper on return. The Office of Service Learning reviews and approves proposed projects.

Study Abroad faculty-led Service-Learning programs are facilitated by the Study Abroad office.

Cross-Cultural Solutions offers flexibility with respect to Service-Learning agreements. Partnerships are tailored to fit the unique needs of each institution.

Study Abroad

Because Cross-Cultural Solutions has established in-country infrastructure, safety policies and protocol, and sustainable community partnerships, universities have used CCS programs to facilitate short-term Study Abroad experiences. In these scenarios, faculty members are free to focus on creating academic curriculum.

The following colleges and universities have used Cross-Cultural Solutions for faculty-led Study Abroad programs:

New York University: Department of Art Therapy (Kilimanjaro, Tanzania 2007)
University of Illinois: Sociology Department (San Carlos, Costa Rica 2005)
Chatham College: Natural & Physical Sciences Division (Russia 2006)
University of Georgia: Center for Community Design, Planning & Preservation (Trang, Thailand 2006)

Alternative Breaks

Cross-Cultural Solutions has hosted many Alternative Break student groups. These groups are usually led by a college supervisor (Student Affairs or Community Service Offices) or a student leader of a special interest club. Students and supervisors feel comfortable using an established, reputable and safe organization for an Alternative Break experience. Below is a partial list of Universities whose students have used Cross-Cultural Solutions programs for Alternative Breaks:

Columbia University, MBA Social Venture Club (Brazil 2006)
Gonzaga University, Law School (Costa Rica 2005)
Loyola University: Alternative Spring Break (Costa Rica 2004)
Villanova University: Campus Ministry (Peru 2004)
University of California – San Diego
-Eleanor Roosevelt College Community Outreach Effort (Costa Rica 2005, Russia 2006, Peru 2007)
-Alternative Spring Break (Brazil 2005 & 2007, Peru 2006 and Costa Rica 2006 & 2007, China 2007)
-The Arusha Project (Tanzania 2006)
University of Toledo: College of Law (Cuba 2003)
Wilkes University, Alternative Spring Break (Peru 2006)
Pratt Institute, Alternative Spring Break (Peru 2006)
Spelman College (Brazil 2007)

Academic and student references are available upon request.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact our Partnerships Department today at 1.800.380.4777 / 1.914.632.0022 or at partnerships@crossculturalsolutions.org.