General
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What are the application deadlines?
You can view the current application deadlines on our application page.
If the application deadline has passed, you are still invited to submit an application then reach out to our team to discuss the option of a late add. We would be happy to accommodate your late application if possible.
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How does billing and payment work?
L&LI maintains special billing relationships with some colleges and universities. These agreements facilitate the use of financial aid to cover the cost of L&LI programs. The terms of the agreements vary by school. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of their home institution’s current billing policies and agreements.
Students attending a college or university that has a billing relationship with L&LI may pay their home institution directly for the study abroad program. L&LI will bill the students’ home institution for the L&LI Program Cost which includes tuition, room, and board. Students attending a college or university that does not have a billing relationship with L&LI will pay L&LI directly the full Program Cost. Payment of the full balance of the Program Cost is due 30 days prior to the program start date.
See the full Payment and Refund Policy here.
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How does the College Credit work? How will it get back to my school?
L&LI has three institutions that provide academic oversight and accreditation. For the Ecuador and Italy programs, College of the Ozarks provides transcripts back to your home university. For the East Coast program, Messiah University provides this service. For our London location, Biola University is the school of record and will provide transcripts to your institution.
You can read more about the details of how this works on the Accreditation page of our website.
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What happens if a program is cancelled before it begins?
In the event that L&LI needs to cancel or suspend a program prior to the start date, participants can:
1. Transfer enrollment to an alternative program that has not been canceled (Italy, Ecuador, Baltimore). There are no change fees however students will be responsible for any difference in Program Cost. When transferring to a less expensive program, participants will receive a refund of the difference.
2. Postpone their enrollment to a future semester in the same program. There are no fees associated with postponement. Any monies paid will be applied to the future program.
3. Withdraw entirely from L&LI programs and receive a full refund.
You can view our full Payment Policy here.
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What happens if a program needs to be canceled once it's already started?
In the event that L&LI needs to cancel or suspend a program while it is already active, a full refund cannot be guaranteed. However, students can expect the following:
1. L&LI will make every reasonable effort to recover costs for the canceled portion of the program and refund those monies to the student. However, L&LI pays the bulk of program costs, including but not limited to educational expenses, housing, health, safety and security and administrative costs upfront and before the program start date. These upfront payments are non-recoverable costs and are non-refundable.
2. A partial refund may be issued based on what L&LI is able to recover.
3. L&LI will provide regular and clear communication to students and their home institutions. Where possible, provide alternative options for completing course work and award academic credit.
You can view our full Payment Policy here.
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What happens if a program has to change from how it was originally promoted?
L&LI makes every effort to deliver all programs as published in web, print, and in-person advising. Occasionally, Changes in Program Design need to be made due to local or global circumstances. These changes may include but are not limited to trips and excursions, internship options, staffing, housing, and/or academic course offerings. Changing from in-person instruction to online instruction is considered a Change in Program Design. As long as Changes in Program Design are similar to original arrangements, no refund will be given. Determinations of similarity will be made at the sole discretion of L&LI.
You can view our full Payment Policy here.
Ecuador
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Do I need a visa?
If you are an American citizen, you do not need to apply for a visa prior to traveling to Ecuador with Living and Learning. You will receive a 90-day Tourist Visa upon entering Ecuador.
If you are enrolled in the Fall or Spring semester, our staff facilitates a visa extension for all students to cover the days you are in Ecuador after your 90 days of the Tourist Visa.
If you are enrolled in the Summer Program, the 90-day Tourist Visa will cover your entire stay.
For all students carrying a passport issued from another country other than the US, please notify your L&LI contact as additional visa steps may need to take place.
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When should I arrive and depart?
You should arrive on the first day of the semester program. Fly out on the last day of the semester end date. As listed on the website for the appropriate semester.
*Please note that if you plan to arrive early or leave late, L&LI will not provide housing or transportation. Housing and airport transportation are only covered during the posted program dates. You will be financially responsible for any costs you incur outside of program dates.
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Where do I fly into?
You will fly into Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito (airport code is UIO).
Once you have purchased your flight, send over a screenshot of your reservation to your L&LI contact.
Program staff will personally meet you at the main airport and bring you to our campus.
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Where will I stay and how will I get around?
You will stay in a clean and safe apartment in Quito for most of your time. This apartment is well known to us and will be properly supervised by our staff. In programs that include a Homestay, students will transition to living with Ecuadorian families after a few weeks into the program. We know and trust these families and have worked with many of them for 5+ years. On program trips, we’ll stay in hotels and hostels that are well known to us.
We will have buses for transportation. Quito also has a good public transportation system. Taxis are also available and reasonably priced.
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What happens if I get sick?
Medical care is readily available and there is a large HCJB missionary hospital within 10-15 minutes of anywhere you will be in Quito. L&LI staff will stay with you throughout the entire experience you are sick.
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What if I have dietary restrictions?
Traveling overseas with any sort of food allergies and/or dietary restrictions is challenging, particularly in a developing country, and require careful planning, patience, and flexibility. L&LI can accommodate (during homestays, chapel, and on trips) vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and/or nut-free diets.
Students with additional food allergies and/or dietary restrictions may need to understand that food options, at L&LI meals and at the grocery store, may be limited.
Strict or life-threatening food allergies and/or dietary restrictions must be communicated to L&LI staff during the application process and as soon as possible in order for us to best support the student.
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What if I have physical limitations?
Traveling overseas with a physical disability and/or impairments can be challenging. Living and Learning participants must possess the necessary physical capacity to safely perform the essential functions of a study abroad student with or without reasonable accommodations. Living and Learning is limited in providing reasonable accommodations, but Ecuador has physical barriers and structural obstacles in natural and manmade environments that prevent or block mobility and/or access. Students must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time, walk for thirty to forty minutes uninterrupted, possess the ability to transport themselves from one place to another in a timely manner (specifically on public transportation), and be able to carry at least twenty pounds. Please communicate your physical limitations to your L&LI contact during the discovery and application process so that we can support you though those stages.
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Do I need any shots or immunizations?
If you do not have one, ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccinations with your inoculation record and keep this with you. It is a yellow passport-size booklet, obtainable either from a hospital or from the state board of health. If you would like to opt out of any vaccines, please talk to your L&LI contact.
Routine Vaccinations
+MMR and varicella (if you have not had chickenpox), Tetanus-diphtheria, and various boosters as directed by your doctor. Required Vaccines
Yellow Fever (Can be received in Ecuador during your semester, it tends to be cheaper there, and clinics have it around Quito)
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis BOptional Vaccinations
Malaria: Malaria medication is not required while traveling to Ecuador but please read malaria information on the CDC website and discuss with your physician the risk of malaria in the areas you will be visiting weighed against the known side effects of anti-malarial drugs. Malaria Pills can be bought in Ecuador if you would like to wait to get them in the country.
Covid-19: As of now, Ecuador does not require the vaccine to enter the country, however, some internship sites may require it. If you are interested in knowing more or requesting and exemption, please connect with your L&LI contact. -
Who can I call in an emergency?
In the United States
Phil Payne: President
Phone - 1 (805) 823-5839
Email - philpayne@livingandlearninginternational.comGreg Belgum: VP of Strategic Partnerships
Phone - 1 (408) 306-7073
Email - gregbelgum@landli.orgIn Ecuador:
Kelley Jordan-Taube: Program Director & Licensed Counselor
Phone: 593 098 783 4080 (Whatsapp)
Email: kelleyjordantaube@livingandlearninginternational.com -
Is Ecuador safe?
Although the government changes and volcanoes make the news, we are safe here in Quito. There is occasionally “petty” crime like pick-pocketing, but there is not violent crime. Student safety is L&LI’s highest priority. Due to L&LI’s long experience with risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and crisis management, L&LI is able to adapt quickly to dynamic international challenges. Given that socioeconomic, political, environmental, and medical conditions vary, L&LI specifically tailors health, safety, and security measures to current circumstances.Description goes here
Italy
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Do I need a visa?
If you are an American citizen, you do not. Upon entry into Italy, a passport control officer will stamp your passport. This stamp serves as your tourist permit. Be certain that your passport is stamped. If the official does not stamp it, you must request that it be stamped. (Don’t be shy about this.) The stamp serves as your visa and permits you to be in Italy and the Schengen Treaty Countries for 90 days. When you leave Italy, the passport control may confirm the date of your entry stamp. Consequences for overstaying your tourist permit (the 90-day period) can be imprisonment, expulsion, fines, and/or a prohibition from returning to the Schengen Area for several years.
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What airline and airport should I use?
The airport you will be flying into is Rome–Fiumicino International Airport "Leonardo da Vinci" (FCO).
Once you have purchased your flight, send over a screenshot of your reservation to your L&LI contact.
Program staff will personally meet you at the main airport and bring you to our campus.
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When should I arrive and depart?
You should arrive on the first day of the semester program. Fly out on the last day of the semester end date. As listed on the website for the appropriate semester.
IMPORTANT: Due to visa restrictions in Europe, please do NOT arrive early or depart past these required travel dates.
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What is the voltage in Italy and what do the plugs look like?
The voltage in Italy is 220v. In the U.S. it is 110v. Many electronic devices are designed for dual voltage. To see if this is the case with something you want to bring, look at the device’s power source pack or on the device itself. If it reads, “Input: AC 100V – 240V 50/60Hz” or similar, then it is dual voltage and should operate properly in Italy without using a voltage converter. All you need to bring for it is a plug adapter. It is a good idea to bring two plug adapters, available on Amazon and elsewhere. They are difficult to find in Italy.
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What if I have dietary restrictions?
Traveling with any sort of food allergies and/or dietary restrictions could be challenging and requires careful planning, patience, and flexibility. Students with food allergies and/or dietary restrictions should disclose this information to their L&LI contact in order to allow for best advising and/or preparing for their time abroad.
We can accommodate vegetarian diets at program meals. We have had students with gluten, dairy-free, and/or nut allergies join us in Rome, however meal accommodations look different because of the nature of Italian cuisine.
Please share any dietary restrictions or food allergies with your L&LI contact. -
What if I have physical limitations?
Traveling overseas with a physical disability and/or impairments can be challenging. Living and Learning participants must possess the necessary physical capacity to safely perform the essential functions of a study abroad student with or without reasonable accommodations. Living and Learning is limited in providing reasonable accommodations, but Italy has physical barriers and structural obstacles in natural and manmade environments that prevent or block mobility and/or access. Students must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time, walk for thirty to forty minutes uninterrupted, possess the ability to transport themselves from one place to another in a timely manner (specifically on public transportation), and be able to carry at least twenty pounds. Please communicate your physical limitations to your L&LI contact during the discovery and application process so that we can support you though those stages.
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What is the Rome campus like?
The Rome campus (Address: Istituto Maria Santissima Assunta, Via Casilina 233, 00176 Roma (RM) Italy) consists of space in a Convent which is used primarily as a guest house. The program area is on the fourth floor and contains bedrooms (for 2 students each) with private bathrooms, a kitchen, a community lounge area, a laundry room and a dining area. Within the Convent, but not on our floor, there is a classroom and other lounge areas. A high wall runs around the property which is accessed by a single gate that is monitored.
There are three nuns live at the Convent. Several lay people work at the office each day and are responsible for overseeing the facilities. You will see the nuns (also called Sisters) from time to time, but do not live on the same floor or share any facilities. Feel free to practice your Italian with the staff at the Convent!
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Who can I call in an emergency?
In the United States:
Phil Payne: President
Phone - 1 (805) 823-5839
Email - philpayne@livingandlearninginternational.comGreg Belgum: VP of Strategic Partnerships
Phone - 1 (408) 306-7073
Email - gregbelgum@landli.orgIn Italy:
Donald Hawkins III: Program Director
WhatsApp number: +1(202) 550-9550
Email: donaldhawkins@livingandlearninginternational.com -
Are there workout facilities on the campus in Rome?
Short answer: no. But, you will be walking a lot around the city and especially up and down the stairs of our Convent—a great Stairmaster! There are many parks in the city, some that have bike rentals, and all with walking/running trails. There is a good running trail near the Convent, and we have information about a gym near the Convent which you can use. (A day pass would be 10 euros and include use of the gym and weight room, as well as the pool. Let us know if you’d like more information regarding a one month or three-month membership.)
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Can I receive mail?
Letters and cards take from 5-10 days. Packages sent via USPS can take from 2-8+ weeks. Often there is paperwork to be completed at the post office in Italy before you are given your package. Sometimes you must pay extra to receive packages and sometimes the packages are held up for any number of reasons. It’s a good idea to ask people not to mail packages to you via the USPS because it can be difficult as well as expensive if there is a declared value of the package contents. If someone sends you a package, you will be charged tax on any declared value of the contents. Tariffs and taxes in Italy are expensive.
Federal Express, UPS, and DHL deliver to Italy and provide much faster and more reliable service for packages than the US Postal Service.
The mailing address you can use is:
Instituto Maria Santissima Assunta
(Your name) / Living & Learning
Via Casilina, 233
00176 Roma, RM
Italia -
What does transportation look like?
As part of your semester, Living & Learning will provide you with a monthly pass that gives you unlimited access to local metros, buses, trams, etc. The metro is the fastest way to get around Rome but can be less convenient than buses due to inconvenient station locations and being underground rather than enjoying Rome’s sights.
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Is food provided?
Some meals are provided. A simple Italian-style breakfast is provided Monday through Friday, except during Travel breaks and on group excursions. One evening a week connected with our weekly chapel experience, students will eat dinner together as a community. Occasionally, additional meals will be provided throughout the semester. On program-coordinated trips, we will provide one meal a day.
For the remaining meals of the week students can cook in the community kitchen or eat out. This will be a good experience to engage in the local neighborhood markets, restaurants, and grocers as well as learn to manage your money.
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How much money should I plan to spend in Italy?
The answer to this question is different for each student and depends on several factors, including:
- How much you plan to travel?
- How much you plan to spend on souvenirs and gifts?
- How much you plan to spend on personal items?
- How much you plan on spending on meals (preparing or purchasing)?You should also plan to budget for your independent travel breaks.
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Where can I attend church in Rome?
There are several English-speaking churches in Rome, as well as a number of evangelical Italian churches, if you want to stretch yourself linguistically. Italy is a country where protestant and evangelical communities are small. Expression of faith in Italy may look different than what you are used to in the States, but, there are many similarities.
Program staff will provide students with a more detailed list including locations upon arrival.
London
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Do I need a visa?
As of January 8th, 2025 the Electronic Travel Authorization is required for all students entering the UK.
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What airline and airport should I use?
Heathrow Airport, LHR.
Once you have purchased your flight, send over a screenshot of your reservation to your L&LI contact.Program staff will personally meet you at the main airport and bring you to our campus.
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When should I arrive and depart?
You should arrive on the first day of the semester program. Fly out on the last day of the semester end date. As listed on the website for the appropriate semester.
IMPORTANT: Due to visa restrictions in Europe, please do NOT arrive early or depart past these required travel dates.
-
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Traveling with any sort of food allergies and/or dietary restrictions could be challenging and requires careful planning, patience, and flexibility. Students with food allergies and/or dietary restrictions should disclose this information to their L&LI contact in order to allow for best advising and/or preparing for their time abroad.
We can accommodate vegetarian diets at program meals. We have had students with gluten, dairy-free, and/or nut allergies join us in Rome, however meal accommodations look different because of the nature of Italian cuisine.
Please share any dietary restrictions or food allergies with your L&LI contact. -
What if I have physical limitations?
Traveling overseas with a physical disability and/or impairments can be challenging. Living and Learning participants must possess the necessary physical capacity to safely perform the essential functions of a study abroad student with or without reasonable accommodations. Living and Learning is limited in providing reasonable accommodations, but Italy has physical barriers and structural obstacles in natural and manmade environments that prevent or block mobility and/or access. Students must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time, walk for thirty to forty minutes uninterrupted, possess the ability to transport themselves from one place to another in a timely manner (specifically on public transportation), and be able to carry at least twenty pounds. Please communicate your physical limitations to your L&LI contact during the discovery and application process so that we can support you though those stages.
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Who can I call in an emergency?
In the United States:
Phil Payne: President
Phone - 1 (805) 823-5839
Email - philpayne@livingandlearninginternational.comGreg Belgum: VP of Strategic Partnerships
Phone - 1 (408) 306-7073
Email - gregbelgum@landli.orgIn London:
Hannah Scheyder: Program Director
WhatsApp number: +39 320 607 5959
Email: hannah.scheyder@gmail.com -
What is the voltage in London and what do the plugs look like?
The standard voltage in the U.S. is 120 V, and the frequency is 60 Hz, whereas in London, the sockets deliver 240 V and the electrical grid’s frequency is 50Hz. Make sure to pack a plug adaptor and consider purchasing a voltage converter.
Keep in mind this is the standard supply voltage in London, and it may vary in other regions of the U.K.. -
What is the London campus like?
You can learn all about campus life at the University of Roehampton here! They are located on 54 acres of beautiful parkland that provides some oasis outside of the bustling city. There is a wonderful, historic campus library, gym, and esports arena students will be able to take advantage of on campus as well! Students will be placed in one of four colleges and have access to the student life opportunities of all University of Roehampton students!
Current students will live on campus at Elm Grove Hall. -
What does transportation look like?
A public transportation pass will be provided for you to travel around London. The University of Roehampton has their own bus system. The public transportation system in London is quite expansive, ranging from underground travel (The Tube), above ground Rail systems, and buses.
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Is food provided?
Some meals are provided. One evening a week connected with our weekly chapel experience, students will eat dinner together as a community. Occasionally, additional meals will be provided throughout the semester. On program-coordinated trips, we will provide one meal a day.
For the remaining meals of the week students can cook in the community kitchen or eat out. This will be a good experience to engage in the local neighborhood markets, restaurants, and grocers as well as learn to manage your money.
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How much money should I plan to spend in Italy?
The answer to this question is different for each student and depends on several factors, including:
- How much you plan to travel?
- How much you plan to spend on souvenirs and gifts?
- How much you plan to spend on personal items?
- How much you plan on spending on meals (preparing or purchasing)?You should also plan to budget for your independent travel breaks.
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Where can I attend church in Rome?
The Community Church Putney is a great local church, just 10 minutes from the University of Roehampton!
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How can I receive mail?
All mail addressed to the student will be delivered to the Student Post Room, which is just behind the Elm Grove building where the students will be staying.
Students will receive an email when a package is delivered for them. For letters and other small items they will need to check their mailbox at the post room periodically. The address for packages is:
Full Name/EGPS
Roehampton University
Room # and Block #
Roehampton Lane
SW15 5PH
TESOL Internships
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How long is the summer internship?
6 weeks starting early June and ending middle of July.
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How long is the Fall and Spring Internship?
12 weeks starting mid-September or late January and ending early December or late April.
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How many hours do I need to complete to get my 3 units of credit?
135 hours
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Why do I need a mentor?
The L&LI Mentor serves as your primary contact throughout the internship experience. They will be the person to track your internship hours, serve as a bridge between you and your internship site, and dialogue through the spiritual formation curriculum. You will meet your Mentor during the June 1st all-intern orientation call and will exchange contact information at that time.
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Will I get a grade in my Community Development course?
Yes, grades for Community Development are based on attendance/participation, reading quizzes, internship site supervisor interview, and internship reflection. Refer to the syllabus found in the Appendix for the grading chart.
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Do I have to do the spiritual formation reading?
Yes, students are expected to come prepared to their weekly meetings with their mentors having read the assigned pages from Life of the Beloved and Galatians.
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Will my Internship site speak English?
Yes, your internship site supervisor will speak English. Others on their staff may or may not speak English. For some supervisors, English may be their second language. Your L&LI Mentor will be able to clarify anything that is lost in translation.
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How do you decide my internship placement?
Each student’s placement is custom to you and based on your interests, future career goals and site availability, all while considering any internship requirements given by your home college or university.
Parent
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What should I expect for my child?
It is a wonderful experience to have your children studying in an International setting. It is also stretching and scary. We want you to know that we will do everything possible to ensure that your college student has a safe and life impacting experience. Several of us on staff have had our own children study in other countries and know first-hand what it is like to let our own children go to a foreign land.
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Who can I contact in an emergency?
In the United States:
Phil Payne: President
Phone - 1 (805) 823-5839
Email - philpayne@livingandlearninginternational.comGreg Belgum: VP of Strategic Partnerships
Phone - 1 (408) 306-7073
Email - gregbelgum@landli.org -
What are your policies on safety?
Student safety is L&LI’s highest priority. Due to L&LI’s long experience with risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and crisis management, L&LI is able to adapt quickly to dynamic international challenges. Given that socioeconomic, political, environmental, and medical conditions vary, L&LI specifically tailors health, safety and security measures to current circumstances.
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Can I visit my child Ecuador?
L&LI encourages visitors and parents to see and experience student life in a different country during students’ time abroad. Due to program activities, there are blocks of time where visitors are not permitted. Please consult the Program Calendar to be aware of these dates and times, particularly the Visit/Family week dates. This time is an ideal visit of 4 to 5 days, including a weekend. Parents and visitors alike are expected to prepare all travel plans, lodging, and activities during their stay. L&LI staff will be available to offer information, suggestions and assistance to visitors. Parents and visitors should understand that while visiting, the students are still expected to attend classes, internships, and other program activities.
**All costs associated with visiting are the responsibility of the parent and/or visitor.
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Can I visit my child in Italy?
L&LI encourages visitors and parents to see and experience student life in a different country during students’ time abroad. Due to program activities, there are blocks of time where visitors are not permitted. Please consult the semester calendar to be aware of these dates and times. The ideal time to visit your son or daughter is during one of the two Independent Travel Weeks. These are outlined in the Program Calendar. Parents and visitors alike are expected to prepare all travel plans, lodging, and activities during their stay. L&LI staff will be available to offer information, suggestions and assistance to visitors. Parents and visitors should understand that if they plan a visit outside of the schedule Independent Travel Weeks, students are still expected to attend classes, internships, and other program activities.
**All costs associated with visiting are the responsibility of the parent and/or visitor.
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Can I visit my child in London?
L&LI encourages visitors and parents to see and experience student life in a different country during students’ time abroad. Due to program activities, there are blocks of time where visitors are not permitted. Please consult the semester calendar to be aware of these dates and times. Parents and visitors alike are expected to prepare all travel plans, lodging, and activities during their stay. L&LI staff will be available to offer information, suggestions and assistance to visitors. Parents and visitors that visit during the semester should understand that students are still expected to attend classes, internships, and other program activities.
**All costs associated with visiting are the responsibility of the parent and/or visitor.