Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
All CMU undergraduate students are eligible to participate in Estamos, so long as they meet the prerequisite requirements.
Undergraduate students from other institutions are eligible to participate in Estamos, however they must follow the Extended Education – Visiting process in addition to completing the Estamos application. Visiting students who are Canadian or Permanent Residents will also be eligible for reduced student fees based on the Global Skills Opportunity grant that CMU has been awarded.
What does it cost?
Through a Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) grant, funded by the Government of Canada's Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program, Estamos is able to offer students robust study abroad programs and courses at an exceptionally reasonable price point. GSO funding provides up to $5,000 off of programming, tuition, and travel costs for all Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Additional GSO grant funding is available to students who identify as low-income, Indigenous, or as having a disability.
The GSO grant is only available to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents.
What is the definition for "students who identify as low-income, Indigenous, or as having a disability?"
Additional funding through the GSO grant is available to students who identify as low-income, Indigenous, or as having a disability. The grant is meant to make intercultural study abroad accesible, so definitions leave room for some flexibility. GSO gives the following definitions:
- Low-Income Students
Students who report to be in receipt of Canada Student Grants, or similar non-repayable student financial assistance offered by provinces and territories, or, in the absence of receiving non-repayable student financial assistance, can provide information to demonstrate that they require financial support to study or work abroad. - Indigenous Students
Students who report being an Indigenous person, that is, First Nations, Metis, or Inuk (Inuit). - Students with Disabilities
Students who report to have a difficulty or impairment due to a long-term condition or health problem and/or experience a limitation in their daily activities.
Do I need to bring money? What do my students fees cover?
Students fees cover the every part of the program for students. This includes tuition, airfare and travel insurance, student fees, accommodations and meals, major in-country transportation, and all program activities. When we say that the student fees cover all program costs, we really mean it.
Students will need a small amount of cash for public transportation (i.e. the bus to school) and may need to pay for their own in-transit. Otherwise, they will only need to bring additional funds for non-program expenses and activities. Examples of such expenses include going to a cafe, snacks from a store, a SIM card with data for a smartphone, souvenirs, or to top up the free travel stipend.
Students will receive additional country-specific information once they have been accepted into an Estamos program or course.
How can Estamos fit into my degree program at CMU?
Credits earned through Estamos can be used in any undergraduate program at CMU, particularly in the core or common curriculum requirements. All credits can also be used to fill Elective requirements in any degree.
Students are encouraged to speak with an advisor about how Estamos can fit into their program of study at CMU. Booking information for Lisa Richard, Coordinator of Student Advising, and Gina Loewen, Coordinator of Academic Advising, can be found on the Academic Advising webpage.
Do I need special insurance or immunizations?
All students will receive travel health and trip cancellation insurance, arranged by Estamos. Students are expected to visit their doctor or a travel health clinic to ensure that all of their immunizations are up to date. All students are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 due to local health mandates and CMU's desire to respect the health of its hosts.
For further information, visit the Travel Information webpage.
How do I apply?
Visit the Application Process webpage for more details and to find the application. Students applying for Estamos Guatemala are required to submit two references, so this process should be started in advance.
Do I need to have language experience to do Estamos?
No, you are not required to have language knowledge outside of English. Students participating in Estamos Guatemala will learn Spanish through an immersive experience. Students with previous experience in Spanish, from high school or university, will be able to earn credits at a higher level.
Other Estamos courses with travel to non-English-speaking countries will have translation services available for students during any course programming.
Will CMU leadership be travelling with the cohort?
Out of a desire to provide comprehensive supports to all students, all Estamos programming will include some degree of in-country oversight from CMU staff and faculty. Students participating in the Estamos Guatemala program will have staggered visits throughout the semester, providing support and oversight to students. Estamos courses will be led by CMU faculty, who will be in the country with the student group.
Estamos often works closely with local partners to offer its programming. These partners will collaborate with CMU staff and faculty to ensure consistent and attentive on-the-ground support.
If you have questions about the Estamos program, please contact Tim Cruickshank, Director of Estamos, at tcruickshank
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