Global Passport Program
1. Will I know anyone else on the program?
Yes, you will have the chance to meet and learn about your
classmates before traveling abroad. Students will begin in New York
and will have an entire semester to make friends with their
classmates!
2. How are the classes connected to the
program?
The Passport program will be based around a required core class.
Final course offerings will be determined based on students'
schedules and curricular needs, but we will work with student
advisors to ensure placement in appropriate classes that fulfill
core requirements and count toward graduation.
The offered course will incorporate a global perspective in
regards to travel and cultural immersion. For example,
English 1000C will have a "Writing in Rome" component
designed specifically for the program. Throughout their stay
in Rome, students will work on a "critical journal," a culminating
project that will pull together much of what they have learned in
the previous semester throughout their ENG 1000C course. This
critical journal will be a portfolio of short essays, photographs
and research-oriented writing.
This critical journal project will be informed by what is currently
referred to in the field as "place-based pedagogy," an approach to
composing where students critically reflect on their immediate,
local environments and incorporate the results of that critical
thinking in their work. Possible themes for student inquiry might
include reflections on being an outsider in a new culture;
exploring how architecture shapes perception; investigating literal
and metaphorical layers of personal and urban history;
contemplating the role of the spiritual within public and private
spaces, and so on.
3. What are some of the deadlines I should be aware
of?
We would like all applications to be submitted by August 19, 2013
for the Fall 2013 program and October 18, 2013 for the Spring 2014
program. Please include a $250 non-refundable deposit to secure
your spot in our program. Checks should be made payable to
“St. John’s University” and be attached to the application.
4. Do we fly together as a group? How do I get to the Rome
Campus?
We’ll arrange group travel for all students, with chaperones
available to meet your family at the airport. In addition,
we’ll have buses ready to pick students up in Rome and take them to
the residence.
5. Where will I be staying and what is the rooming
situation like?
While in Rome, students will stay in our newly renovated Rome
Campus, located in the historic Prati district. We’re located
roughly 15 minutes’ walk from the Vatican and just two blocks from
the Lepanto metro stop (the Italian subway system is known as ‘the
metro’) in a beautiful residential neighborhood. Students will live
in double and triple rooms on our campus, which also has a library,
student lounge, computer lab and shared bathrooms for residents’
use.
6. Who from the University will be going and overseeing the
program experience?
The trip will include the faculty from each of the course sections
involved in the program as well as other administrators who work in
the Institute for Core Studies. In addition, our Rome Campus is
fully staffed with administrators and staff who will be working in
conjunction with the program!
7. What are the policies and rules that students must abide
to?
Students are required to follow all regulations and policies
contained in the student handbook regardless of which campus you
are enrolled at or when participating in a program. For more
information please visit http://www.stjohns.edu/campus/handbook
for detailed information. In addition, policies regarding the
program specifically will be discussed at the program
orientation.
8. What if I get sick when I am away?
In addition to our NYC-based chaperones, the students will meet
with our on-site staff in Rome, including a residence life team who
are fluent in Italian. They’ll be able to assist with any
medical or personal issues. We’ll also provide all students with
international health insurance that will provide access to
emergency services while overseas.
9. What travel documents do I need to participate in the
program?
All students will need a valid passport. Non-U.S. citizens are
required to get an Italian visa. U.S. citizens are not required to
get a visa. You’ll also need to fill out standard university
forms—e.g., a travel release, emergency contact information, health
disclosure, etc.—prior to departure.
10. What’s included in the price?
The $500 program fee includes housing, coach bus transfers in Rome
to and from the airport, several meals per week, guided tours of
historical sites such as the Vatican, Coliseum, the Forum and
significant churches, as well as daytrips to Rome’s Trevi Fountain,
the Piazza Del Popolo, and the Piazza Navona! Please note that
airfare is additional.
11. Will there be free-time?
Yes, students will have free time each day at the conclusion of the
program itinerary. However, the program includes many
activities that students are required to participate in over a
small amount of time. Not enough time is scheduled for
students to travel to other countries or European cities during
this trip.
12. Should I bring cash or euros with me?
Students are welcome to bring a small amount of local currency with
them—perhaps €50. However, most travelers find it easier and
cheaper to use their ATM card to withdraw currency once
abroad. We’ll provide additional detail on money during our
pre-departure session, but you won’t have any
difficulty.
13. What happens if I decide not to go? Will I get a
refund?
In order to provide students with the most reasonable price for the
program, airfare and trip plans are arranged very early. Due
to the tight time frame, participants will need to adhere to the
following refund schedule:
Refund Deadlines*:
- January 2014 Program – September 3, 2013
- May 2014 Program – January 2, 2014
Space in the program is limited, but please be aware that these
programs will only run if proper enrollment is reached.
14. Will the university run any pre-departure events to
help make my transition smooth?
The Institute of Core Studies and the Office of Global Studies
will host an orientation session prior to departure to ensure that
your questions are answered and that you are prepared for all that
awaits you in Rome! If you are not from the New York area and
plan to participate in the program, we will make the program
available to you via online tools.
15. This sounds great! How do I sign
up?
Admission to the Passport Program is selective and interested
students need to complete and submit an application. For more
information on the process of applying you can visit the
Apply Now page.
For more information on the program or applying, please contact
the Office of Global Studies, at (718) 990-6105 or globalstudies@stjohns.edu.