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Resources & FAQs

Resources

Family Conversation Guide
Curriculum Overview
Tuition Breakdown

Admissions & Tuition

Take the Eligibility Quiz to make sure you can join the program. To start, you’ll need to be:

  • 17 – 21 years old (by the program start date)
  • A high school graduate
  • English language proficient
  • Able to commit to a full-time program (i.e. not enrolled in other courses)

For more details, please review the Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Absolutely! We always choose a diverse, global class.

 

The only time citizenship impacts eligibility is with citizens of a country hosting a Take Action Lab program. For example: students who are South African citizens living in South Africa are not eligible to apply for the South Africa TAL program. We make this distinction because cultural immersion in a different country is core to the experience.

Students can only participate in Take Action Lab once. Take Action Lab alumni are not eligible to participate.

The tuition for Take Action Lab is $21,000 USD and for Take Action Lab: Accelerator is $10,500.

We don’t believe in hidden costs, and want you to feel confident in your decisions. 

Just a heads up, flights and any expenses before your arrival abroad are not included. To make everything as clear as possible, you can download a detailed breakdown of expenses.

Yes. If you need help with tuition, financial aid is available. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page to learn more.

Spots and financial aid are limited. Apply by the early or priority deadline and get priority consideration for enrollment and aid.

Check out the Admissions page. There’s a handy form with all the relevant dates, based on when you submitted your application.

You will definitely need a passport.

You may or may not need a visa, depending on your citizenship. Either way, our team will provide guidance throughout the process.

Yes. Check out the partners page to see all the colleges we work with.

 

Each of these colleges encourages their students to learn abroad, and specifically to learn with us. If you’re applying to these schools, be sure to highlight Take Action Lab in your application. The Admissions departments look favorably upon our graduates, however, admission is not guaranteed.

Tilting Futures’ commitment to student health and safety requires appropriate steps to assess any physical or mental health condition(s) that may affect participation in the program and/or our ability to support students throughout the experience. Each program country can have different considerations and requirements.Please review details for each program country here:
 

Academic Credit

Starting in the February 2026 term, students in the Take Action Lab: Human Rights program will have the option to choose between two tracks: the Credit Track, which awards 12 university-level academic credits from the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), and the Non-Credit Track.


Both tracks follow the same curriculum and provide the full Take Action Lab experience. The main differences are in applications, tuition, financial aid eligibility, and whether you earn college credits. Use the table below to decide which option best fits your academic goals and financial circumstances.

 

Students who complete the Take Action Lab: Human Rights program (starting February 2026 term) can earn 12 university-level academic credits from the University of Pittsburgh.

The credits are awarded directly by the University of Pittsburgh and will appear on an official University of Pittsburgh transcript. They are considered transferable university-level credits that may be applied toward a degree, depending on your home institution’s policies.

Yes, the University of Pittsburgh holds a strong reputation, particularly for its global research impact and various academic programs. The University of Pittsburgh is consistently ranked among the top 50 global universities by publications like U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education.

Students enrolling in the Take Action Lab: Human Rights program in Cape Town are eligible to opt in for the University of Pittsburgh credit option. (TAL: Accelerator and TAL: Environment & Sustainability are not currently eligible for credit, but we’re working on that and hope to offer it soon!)

Students who wish to earn credits must:

1. Apply to both the University of Pittsburgh and Tilting Futures (TAL: Human Rights)

  • Take Action Lab application information is available here. 
  • University of Pittsburgh application information is available here. If you are not a current University of Pittsburgh student, no problem! You’ll just need to complete an application for acceptance into the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown. Students who are currently enrolled in a college or university will complete the UPJ Visiting Student Application . Students who have not yet been admitted to another college or university will complete the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Application for Admission. Further instructions are available in the Pitt program application.

2. Meet the applicable deadlines: 

February 2026 term: 

  • Pitt application due by September 30, 2025
  • TAL application due by October 3, 2025

August 2026 term:

  • Pitt application will open in November 2025 and is due by March 24, 2026
  • Upcoming TAL Aug26 term deadlines are available here

3. Be admitted by and enroll with both organizations

Students on the credit track who are admitted by both organizations will enroll in both the University of Pittsburgh and Tilting Futures. More information about enrollment procedures will be shared at that time. 

The tuition for the TAL: Human Rights credit track is:

  • In-state (Pennsylvania residents): $15,099
  • Out-of-state (including students residing outside Pennsylvania and the U.S.): $21,095

Tuition for the accredited program is payable to the University of Pittsburgh.

Yes. All Take Action Lab students complete the same curriculum regardless of whether they opt in to the credit track. Students who opt out of credits:

  • Apply only to TAL
  • Are considered for Tilting Futures financial aid under our regular process
  • Pay their tuition directly to Tilting Futures

Students in the credit track are not eligible for Tilting Futures tuition aid. However:

  • They may be able to use other financial aid, scholarships, or grants toward their University of Pittsburgh tuition.
  • Students may also be able to apply education savings funds or outside scholarships that are eligible for credit-bearing programs, but they should check directly with their provider to confirm eligibility.
  • Credit track students will also be eligible to be considered for a need-based travel stipend from Tilting Futures to help cover airfare to Cape Town.

Credit transfer is determined entirely by your home institution. You are responsible for confirming your school’s credit transfer policy before the program begins.

Many students work with their universities to secure support for participating in Take Action Lab. This support can come in different forms, such as applying external scholarships, using education savings funds, receiving study abroad or experiential learning credit, or having a semester’s leave officially recognized.

 

Here are some steps you can take:

 

  1. Start with your advisor or program office – Share the details of Take Action Lab, including the curriculum, credit option through the University of Pittsburgh, and how it connects to your academic or career goals.
  2. Explain the value – Highlight that TAL is an immersive, academically rigorous program that builds leadership, cross-cultural, and problem-solving skills.
  3. Provide documentation – We can provide program syllabi, accreditation details if your university needs confirmation.
  4. Ask about funding – Some schools have grants, scholarships, or funds for off-campus study, global experiences, or internships. Ask if your participation in TAL qualifies.
  5. Clarify the process – Every institution has its own steps for approving outside programs or recognizing credit. Ask what documentation they need and by when.

Yes, this is very possible! In fact, students on the credit track are considered as enrolled Pitt students while they are on program. If students are interested in exploring or continuing studies at Pitt, they are encouraged to speak directly to Pitt Admissions. Naturally, those seeking to apply their Pitt issued credits to other institutions – including the school where they are already enrolled – will find it very possible to do so, see detail in Q9. 

Once the program ends and all course requirements are met, University of Pittsburgh will process and issue your official transcript.

All Take Action Lab students  complete the same curriculum, and assignments may include essays, reflective journals, project work, and other assessments. Credit track students must meet all University of Pittsburgh academic requirements to receive credit.

If transferred, your home institution will determine whether the credits affect your GPA. At University of Pittsburgh, the credits will be recorded with the grades earned in the Take Action Lab coursework.

If you withdraw or are dismissed from the program, any refund will follow the University of Pittsburgh’s tuition refund policy for the credit track or Tilting Futures’ refund policy for the non-credit track. Please contact the Tilting Futures admissions team for guidance before making any withdrawal decisions.

Please reach out to the Tilting Futures admissions team at admissions@tiltingfutures.org.

Living Abroad

Student well-being is a priority at Tilting Futures. Please visit our Health & Safety page for details on how we support our students while abroad.

Top priorities include health, hygiene, safety, housing, and transportation. We evaluate at every level, from the country and city to the exact neighborhood where students stay. Other must-haves include top-quality apprenticeships and a cultural context that gives a fresh perspective on global issues.

You’ll be responsible for arranging and paying for your own travel to and from the program. We’ll give you clear dates for arrival and departure. When your plane lands, expect an embarrassingly enthusiastic airport welcome from our team. We’ve got all the transportation to and from the airport taken care of.

You’ll get to live in a house with several other Tilters from all over the world. All shared housing can include students of all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations.

 

Every student has their own private bedroom for downtime. While the communal living room and kitchen make it easy to gather and socialize. Cooking meals together, sharing stories, and making plans with new friends from everywhere brings cultural immersion home. We encourage students to take responsibility for co-creating the community they desire.

Each student will have their own private individual bedroom with a bed frame, mattress, bed sheets & blanket, pillow & pillow cover, desk, mirror and wardrobe/dresser. Each shared house is unique, but all are equipped with:

  • Common recreational/lounging areas
  • Shared bathrooms: showers & toilets
  • Kitchen with a range, tableware, cookware and cooking utensils, microwave, refrigerator, kettle, toaster
  • Laundry facilities: washing & drying machines
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm systems
  • Wifi internet

Meals are not provided. Students purchase their own food to prepare in the shared kitchen space. Each shared house comes with an equipped kitchen including a range, tableware, cookware and cooking utensils, microwave, refrigerator, kettle, toaster.

You’ll receive a pre-loaded debit card with enough to cover the basics – groceries, commuting, cell phone data, and other essentials. We’ll provide information and tools to help you budget wisely. 

If possible, we also recommend bringing your own personal debit or credit card so you can access additional funds to pay for things beyond basic living expenses.

During orientation, our staff will train you on how to safely navigate a mix of public and private transportation options including buses, minibus taxis, and Uber. We’ll also show you how to commute to your apprenticeship.

 

Once trained, you’ll be responsible for independently navigating your own transportation. 

 

Commuting costs to your apprenticeship are covered by your living stipend, but personal transportation is not included.

Bring your smartphone unlocked and ready for use. Make sure it has a SIM card slot because we’ll give you a SIM card when you arrive. 

 

It’s important that you have a working phone with you at all times so our team can get in touch in case of an emergency.

During your first 30 days abroad, you’ll stay within the main city so you can build community and get more familiar with the local culture and context.

 

After 30 days, you’re free to travel within certain provinces. Just make sure your travel plans don’t interfere with your apprenticeship responsibilities or program requirements.

We recommend that family and friends do not visit during the program.

Take Action Lab: Environment & Sustainability

Yes! If you’ve already submitted your application and are not yet enrolled, please send an email to admissions@tiltingfutures.org and request that your application be moved to consideration for our new program.

While we think you’ll be a shining star in the program you’re enrolled in, your interests may align with our new environmental program. If you are already enrolled but are interested in switching, please email admissions@tiltingfutures.org to share your story. 

Please note that transfers like this will be made on a case-by-case basis, and we can’t guarantee everyone who wants to transfer will be able to. 

You can check the upcoming application deadlines here.

Yes, you can apply to both programs through our application by indicating you’re open to both the Human Rights and Environment & Sustainability tracks. However, we can only accept Take Action Lab students for one semester in one program track.

This new program will cost $21,000 USD and include all the same program amenities as our current program in South Africa. Scholarships and financial aid will also be available for this program in addition to existing scholarships and aid for our Human Rights program. 

Please refer to the tuition breakdown and out-of-pocket costs for more information.

Tilting Futures provides several shared houses for students to live together in Penang Island. 

We are still finalizing housing plans, so please check our website for the latest updates and information.

Students will live in houses only with other Take Action Lab students. All shared housing can include students of all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations.

 
Each student has their own private bedroom in shared housing with shared kitchen, bathrooms and common areas. All students are expected to reside solely in their provided room and house.


Take Action Lab shared housing aims to balance every student’s different needs of privacy and being a part of the Take Action Lab community, and encourages students to be responsible for the community they wish to create with the understanding of all building rules and program expectations.

Each student will have their own private individual bedroom with a bed frame, mattress, bed sheets & blanket, pillow & pillow cover, desk, mirror and wardrobe/dresser.

Every shared house is unique, but are equipped with:

  • Common recreational/lounging areas
  • Shared bathrooms: showers & toilets
  • Kitchen with a range, tableware, cookware and cooking utensils,
  • Kitchen tools such as a refrigerator, microwave, kettle and toaster
  • Laundry facilities: washing & drying machines
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm systems
  • Wifi internet

Meals are not provided. Students should be prepared to purchase their own food and prepare in the shared kitchen space.


Each shared house comes with an equipped kitchen including all the tools to create nutritious, healthy meals for yourself. In addition, you and your classmates can explore George Town to find a delicious array of local dishes, ranging from daal and curries to spicy stir-fried noodles.

At your apprenticeship, you’ll work side-by-side with local leaders advancing environmental and sustainability efforts. 

All apprenticeship focuses will align with the Nine Planetary Boundaries, which include ecosystem preservation, carbon reduction, sustainable development and more.

We are still finalizing our apprenticeship partners to ensure you get the best possible placement for your learning and growth.

Please check our website (and this FAQ) and our social media often for the latest updates on confirmed apprenticeship partners.

Because Tilting Futures’ programming exists in foreign country contexts, and can often be in remote areas of the world, health, safety and security risks are an unavoidable part of life for Take Action Lab students. Thus, Student well-being (i.e. safety, health, and security) is a top priority, and Tilting Futures devotes resources and training to minimize risks to students.

We also emphasize to students, parents/families, and staff that students must take personal responsibility for their own health, safety and security. Student personal responsibility and self-care is emphasized throughout the program and is expected due to the program design.

Student responsibility is expected beginning with pre-departure preparations and throughout the students’ in-country immersion experience. It is essential for students to practice common sense, situational awareness, and sound decision-making and judgment.

Students will be required to complete additional health screenings, documentation, or clearance procedures as part of the host country’s immigration or entry requirements. These may include pre-departure health forms, post-arrival medical screenings, or other verification processes administered by local partners or government agencies.

Participation in the Take Action Lab program is contingent upon the successful completion and review of all required documentation. Failure to complete these requirements, or to provide accurate information, may impact a student’s eligibility to participate in the program.

Policies

We continue to closely monitor and follow advice from the World Health Organization, and relevant public health institutions in the program country.

This is your time, show up for it. Consistent, active participation is key to a successful experience. 

Foundations: Students are expected to attend every session of the Foundations course and be logged on to the learning platform, ready to participate by the class’s start time. Missing 4 classes will result in dismissal. 

While Abroad: Students are expected to attend the required in-person activities on time and ready to participate. Required activities include: orientation, apprenticeship, learning reconnects, and reflection. Consistent absences or lateness may result in dismissal.

Drugs and alcohol are not a part of Take Action Lab. We expect all students to abide by the laws of the program country. 

 

We recommend that students not partake in alcohol and drugs, as they can increase the risk of theft, assault, and crime, and can negatively impact the student community. Students should not consume multiple drinks to the point of intoxication and students should not consume alcohol in any of the co-living houses provided by Take Action Lab.

We are committed to supporting a diverse, inclusive community and a positive learning environment. Regardless of intent to cause physical or mental harm, bullying and harassment are not tolerated in any format, whether it be in person, through social media, through others, or written. If you experience harassment or bullying please let a staff member know and we will immediately address the issue. Any student who is found to bully or harass another may be immediately dismissed from the program.

We strive to respect both students’ privacy and families’ concern for their well-being. Whenever reaching out to a primary contact, we try to confer with the student first.

 

In the event of an emergency, student health and well-being is the first priority and primary emergency contacts will typically be notified as soon as possible. At Tilting Futures, we define an emergency as any incident (medical or non-medical) that requires an expedited response or overnight hospitalization. 

 

We do not regularly inform primary contacts about non-emergencies, such as cold and flu, minor wounds, gastrointestinal illnesses, or behavioral concerns.

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