Admissions & Tuition
What are the eligibility criteria?
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.
Can students from outside the U.S. apply?
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.
How much does this cost?
Tuition for Take Action Lab is $21,000 USD.
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.
Do you offer financial aid or merit scholarships?
Yes and yes. If you need help with tuition, financial aid is available. We also offer several merit scholarships. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page to learn more.
What are the benefits of applying by the early or priority deadline?
Spots and financial aid are limited. Apply by the early or priority deadline and get priority consideration for enrollment and aid.
When will I hear back about my application?
Check out the Admissions page. There’s a handy form with all the relevant dates, based on when you submitted your application.
Will I need to get a passport and visa?
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.
Does Tilting Futures partner with any colleges?
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.
Living Abroad
How safe is this?
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.
How are program sites selected?
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.
How will I get there and get home?
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.
What are the living arrangements?
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.
What amenities does housing include?
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
Are meals provided?
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.
How will I pay for things while abroad?
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.
How will I get around?
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.
What should I do for a phone while abroad?
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.
Can I travel independently?
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.
Can my family or friends from home visit me?
We recommend that family and friends do not visit during the program.
Take Action Lab: Environment & Sustainability
I already submitted an application to your Human Rights program, but I’m interested in switching to the Environment & Sustainability program. Can I transfer my application?
Yes! If you’ve already submitted your application and are not yet enrolled in our February 2025 program, please send an email to admissions@tiltingfutures.org and request that your application be moved to consideration for our new program. If you transfer your application to the new program, you’ll hear decisions by October 18, 2024.
I’m enrolled in the Take Action Lab: Human Rights February 2025 program, but I’m interested in switching to the Environment & Sustainability program. Can I do that?
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.
I haven’t submitted an application, but I’m interested! When is the deadline?
Priority: Oct 4, 2024
Regular: Jan 24, 2025
Final: Mar 14, 2025
I’m a prospective student interested in both themes. Can I apply to both programs?
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.
How much will this new program cost? And what will tuition include?
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.
Where will I live?
Tilting Futures provides several shared houses for students to live together in George Town.
We are still finalizing housing plans, so please check our website for the latest updates and information.
Who will I live with?
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.
What amenities does housing include?
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
Will meals be provided?
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.
What will I do at my apprenticeship?
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.
What apprenticeships are available in George Town?
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.
How does Tilting Futures support student safety?
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.
Policies
How are you monitoring COVID-19?
As the pandemic continues to change, we continue to closely monitor and follow advice from the US Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and relevant public health institutions in the program country.
What’s the attendance policy?
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.
What’s the policy regarding drugs and alcohol?
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.
What’s the policy for bullying and harassment?
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.
What’s the policy for informing emergency contacts?
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.