Who Should Apply:

Anyone who is interested in the skills and experience offered by Living Routes programs is welcome to apply! While many participants are enrolled in colleges and universities across the US, the programs are open to gap year students, recent graduates, and working professionals.

Application Process:

Resource Links:

• Academic Credit
• Financial Aid
• Institutional Affiliations

FAQs

Q: Can I submit my application while waiting for my transcripts?
Q: What if I don’t want to share my personal information (social security number, passport information, birth date) on the application?
Q: What information should go on the biographical essay?
Q: Where do I get an unofficial transcript to send with my application?
Q: My school doesn’t have a study abroad office, do I still need to submit at Study Abroad Advisor Approval Form?
Q: Can I apply if I am on disciplinary suspension?
Q: I am not enrolled in school at present, can I still apply to Living Routes?
Q: Can I speak with someone who has been on the program before I apply?
Q: Do I need to know a foreign language to apply?
Q: Can I apply a year in advance?
Q: Can I apply for two programs with one application?
Q: Can I switch to a different program after I send in my application?
Q: Can non-US students apply for the Living Routes programs?
Q: I am no longer in school, who should I ask for my recommendation?
Q: Is Living Routes on my school’s approved study abroad list?
Q: Can you help me with my school’s petition process?
Q: Will I receive an ‘official UMass transcript’ for the Living Routes program?
Q: How do I find out if Living Routes credits will transfer?
Q: How soon will I get my grades and transcripts?
Q: How do I get additional copies of my transcripts?
Q: Will I be a UMass student while on the program?
Q: Where can I find out the cost and dates of the programs?
Q: Can I use financial aid for the program? Will my financial aid transfer from my school?
Q: What is the minimum age to participate in Living Routes programs?
Q: What is the minimum grade point average required to participate?
Q: Do I need to take this program for credit or may I audit the program?
Q: What does ‘year abroad’ mean?
Q: Will I need to take a laptop with me?
Q: Do I need US health insurance? Where can I find out more about buying insurance?
Q: How many students will there be in my program?
Q: Can I travel while I am on the program?
Q: Can friends come to stay with me while I am on the program?
Q: Can my family come visit me while I am on the program? (My pets/dog)?
Q: How much free time will I have on the program? Will I have weekends off?
Q: Will study abroad help me get a job?
Q: I want to go to Costa Rica but I don’t speak any Spanish.  How will I communicate with my homestay family?
Q: Can I pay for the program on my credit card?

If your question is not answered here, please check our General FAQs page here!
Q: Can I submit my application while waiting for my transcripts? (Back to top)

A: Yes, Each part of the application can be sent separately (biographical essay, transcript, recommendations, etc).

Q: What if I don’t want to share my personal information (social security number, passport information, birth date) on the application? (Back to top)

A: You can call our office (888) 515-7333 and give us the information over the phone if you prefer not to give this information on your application.

Q: What information should go on the biographical essay? (Back to top)

A: A brief (300-500 word) autobiographical sketch describing two influential turning points in your life. Please include the people who were involved and the challenges and benefits you experienced as a result of the experience. Describe how these turning points have shaped the person you are today.

Q: Where do I get an unofficial transcript to send with my application? (Back to top)

A: Most colleges and universities offer students a website where they can print their unofficial transcript. If your school does not offer this service, call your office of registrar for more information.

Q: My school doesn’t have a study abroad office, do I still need to submit at Study Abroad Advisor Approval Form? (Back to top)

A: Yes. If you intend to receive the transferred credits from UMass, you will need prior approval from a study abroad advisor or your faculty advisor. Also check to see if your school has a service learning or volunteer office as they can also approve credit for our programs.

Q: Can I apply if I am on disciplinary suspension? (Back to top)

A: Each applicant is evaluated on an individual basis and we will review all applications to see if they are a good fit for our programs. Please call our office (888) 515-7333 for more information.

Q: I am not enrolled in school at present, can I still apply to Living Routes? (Back to top)

A: Yes, many of our students are gap year students, recent graduates, graduate students and working professionals.

Q: Can I speak with someone who has been on the program before I apply? (Back to top)

A: Yes. Call our office to connect with an alumnus. You will also get invaluable information from our unedited Student Blogs.

Q: Do I need to know a foreign language to apply? (Back to top)

A: No. All our programs are taught in English, with some programs offering language classes.

Q: Can I apply a year in advance? (Back to top)

A: Absolutely. Applications are received on a rolling basis. You can apply anytime, right up to the deadline date.

Q: Can I apply for two programs with one application? (Back to top)

A: Yes. You can use the same recommendations, bio and other paperwork for both programs so you only need to fill them out once. There will be some course-specific forms, but the Admissions Managers will work with you to complete the application process for each program.

Q: Can I switch to a different program after I send in my application? (Back to top)

A: Yes. If you decide to switch to another program, in the same term/semester, we will transfer your paperwork to the new program. If you choose to defer to a future year program, after paying your deposit, a deferral fee will be requested.

Q: Can non-US students apply for the Living Routes programs? (Back to top)

A: Yes. We have many international students who study with us. Check with your Study Abroad office to see if your University will accept the transfer of credits.

Q: I am no longer in school, who should I ask for my recommendation? (Back to top)

A: We will accept recommendations from supervisors, employers, friends, parents, guardians or mentors!

Q: Is Living Routes on my school’s approved study abroad list? (Back to top)

A: Find out more about our Institutional Affiliations here. If your school is not listed as a form affiliation, contact our office at info[at]livingroutes.org for more information and assistance.

Q: Can you help me with my school’s petition process? (Back to top)

A: Yes. First you need to check with your Study Abroad Office to get the details of their petition process. We can provide academic curriculum documents and our Director of Programs or Director or Academic Relations is happy to call your school to discuss the academic rigor of our programs.

Q: Will I receive an ‘official UMass transcript’ for the Living Routes program? (Back to top)

A: Yes. At the successful completion of the program, UMass will send you, and your school, an official UMass transcript.

Q: How do I find out if Living Routes credits will transfer? (Back to top)

A: Check with your Study Abroad office.

Q: How soon will I get my grades and transcripts? (Back to top)

A: You can expect your grades with narratives via email 3 weeks after the program end date. Transcripts from UMass are usually received 7 weeks after the program end date.

Q: How do I get additional copies of my transcripts? (Back to top)

A: Call our Living Routes office. We will forward your original request form to the UMass registrar. There is no charge for semester programs. Additional transcripts from the winter and summer programs are $6 each.

Q: Will I be a UMass student while on the program? (Back to top)

A: No. During the course of the program you are a Living Routes student, but you will receive an official transcript from UMass through our accreditation process.

Q: Where can I find out the cost and dates of the programs? (Back to top)

A: Each program page has a Program Details page with more information on cost, dates, financial aid, and more.

Q: Can I use financial aid for the program? Will my financial aid transfer from my school? (Back to top)

We do accept financial aid, however, check in with your Study Abroad office to get details regarding your personal situation. Living Routes offers ‘need-based’ scholarships also. Apply online and contact our office to consult with Davis Hawkowl.

Q: What is the minimum age to participate in Living Routes programs? (Back to top)

A: 18 for semester programs. We look at each applicant as a whole person and accept students on an individual basis. If you are 16 – 18 we will review your application to see if you good fit for our programs.

Q: What is the minimum grade point average required to participate? (Back to top)

A: 2.5 GPA. We look at each applicant as a whole person and accept students on an individual basis. If your GPA is below 2.5 we will review your application to see if you good fit for our programs.

Q: Do I need to take this program for credit or may I audit the program? (Back to top)

A: All of our courses are designed for credit only, with the exception of the Permaculture Design program at Sirius.

Q: What does ‘year abroad’ mean? (Back to top)

A: Students who want to take a year abroad will spend both fall and spring semesters of an academic year on a Living Routes program, or a combination of a Living Routes and other study abroad program. Each of our semester programs has a different strength and focus; contact our office to find out which semester programs would be a good fit for you.

Q: Will I need to take a laptop with me? (Back to top)

A: Though we encourage students to take their laptop computers with them, it is not necessary. The sites will have computers that you may use.

Q: Do I need US health insurance? Where can I find out more about buying insurance? (Back to top)

A: For Health and Safety, and as a requirement of UMass, Amherst, all participants must have health insurance from their country of residence. If you are in the US, check with your state’s website for low-cost health insurance carriers.

Q: How many students will there be in my program? (Back to top)

A: Our programs are small, capped at 12-16 students, to create a cohesive community and ensure a strong mentor relationship with the faculty.

Q: Can I travel while I am on the program? (Back to top)

A: Our programs are very full with little down time. Each program is also designed with program travel included; you can find out more about the individual program travel on the program pages. During the down time there are often community events and outings prepared by the faculty that our students love to participate in such as community celebrations, hikes and swimming, and community sports.

Q: Can family/friends come to stay with me while I am on the program? (Back to top)

A: No. Our programs are not designed for friends to stay in the community during the course of the program. Our programs are also very full with little down time. During the down time there are often community events and outings prepared by the faculty that our students love to participate in such as community celebrations, hikes and swimming, and community sports. It is much easier for the students and host community if friends and family plan to visit after the program ends.

Q: Can my family/friends come visit me while I am on the program? (My pets/dog)? (Back to top)

A: Our programs are very full with little down time. During the down time there are often community events and outings prepared by the faculty that our students love to participate in such as community celebrations, hikes and swimming, and community sports. It is much easier for the students and host community if friends and family plan to visit after the program ends.

Q: How much free time will I have on the program? Will I have weekends off? (Back to top)

A: Our programs are not designed for friends to stay in the community during the course of the program. Our programs are also very full with little down time. During the down time there are often community events and outings prepared by the faculty that our students love to participate in such as community celebrations, hikes and swimming, and community sports.

Q: Will study abroad help me get a job? (Back to top)

A: Many companies, organizations, non-profits, and NGOs are including sustainability in their goals and focus. Experience in another culture coupled with a strong sustainability focus gives our alumnus increased employment opportunities and a much stronger resume than the average college graduate. (Back to top)

Q: I want to go to Costa Rica but I don’t speak any Spanish.  How will I communicate with my homestay family? (Back to top)

A: Spanish is not a requirement for our Costa Rica program. Each homestay family has a member that speaks a little English and students have had fun learning Spanish with their families while using creative methods to communicate as they learn the vocabulary. If you would like to speak to an alumnus who went to Costa Rica with limited Spanish, please contact our office.

Q: Can I pay for the program on my credit card? (Back to top)

A: Application fee, deposit and short term program tuition is payable through PayPal, check or money order. Semester tuition is billed directly from UMass, and is payable by check or money order only.