Freshman Passport

With the success of the Freshman Passport program for fall 2009, we are now offering freshmen the opportunity to participate in our Freshman Passport Program for the spring semester.

The "Freshman Passport" is an innovative study abroad program that will provide you with the opportunity to live in, study and explore our Rome, Italy campus for a two-week period at the end of the spring 2010 semester.

The program is based in our Rome campus, but also includes field trips to Florence and other nearby cities. Based on your academic needs you will be placed in of the following courses for the spring 2010 semester:

Queens Campus:
ENG 1000
DNY 1000
THE 1000

Staten Island Campus
SPE 1000

Imagine the excitement as you begin course work on the Queens or Staten Island campus with the anticipation of spending May 14 through May 28, 2010, on the St. John’s Rome, Italy campus to complete your coursework.

While in Rome, Professors will develop guided exercises and reflections related to the class to take advantage of the cultural riches in Rome:
•    Become a better writer by exploring themes that bridge both cultures, enriching your academic skills while expanding your personal horizons.
•    Draw on comparisons between the Big Apple and The Eternal City as you study about New York through Discover New York.
•    Gain a unique perspective on your Theology course by visiting the center of the Catholic Church in Rome.
•    Deepen your skills as a public speaker in Rome as you appreciate the value of communicating with a multi-lingual and multi-cultural audience in Europe.

Each of your classes will take full advantage of the Roman culture. In keeping with St. John’s Vincentian heritage in serving the poor, you will also be able to do charity work in Rome at Caritas soup kitchen. This unique experience will allow you to give back to the community and experience a different side of Italy rarely seen by tourists.

Through your academic study, guided tours and community service, you become a metropolitan citizen – a citizen not just of our New York City campuses, but of the world.

The cost of the Freshman Passport program is $1,550 and includes many meals, bus trips and accommodations on our Rome, Italy campus (Please note: airfare is not included in the program fee).

After participating in our Freshman Passport program as a freshman, you will be encouraged to participate in one of our semester-long Global Studies programs as a sophomore or junior and will be looked upon to serve as a "Global Ambassador," promoting and encouraging study abroad for undergraduates.

Please note that enrollment in this program is limited to 100 freshmen, so please apply online through UIS as soon as possible.

Apply on UIS, selecting either the Queens or Staten Island campus program. The application deadline is November 2.

Please know that the Freshman Passport program is a select group of highly talented freshmen who we feel will truly excel in the academic and cultural environment at our Rome, Italy campus. Should you have additional questions, please view our Frequently Asked Questions link.