Preparations for your program abroad can seem
daunting at times, but the Office of Global Studies is here to
assist you throughout the process. The steps listed below are
intended to be a guide but you will be working closely with the
exchange coordinator in the Office of Global Studies to ensure you
are adequately prepared. We even have a weekly newsletter to help
you stay on top of the deadlines. It may seem like a lot, but
follow our advice and you'll be on the plane in no time!
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the process,
please contact
us.
1.
Confirm Your Participation in the Program (Deadline:
ASAP)
- We will not be able to progress with
the application process for an exchange program until you pay
the $250 Exchange Program Fee and submit your
confirmation form and receipt for program fee to our
office.
2. Get a Passport
(Suggested Deadline: October 15)
- If you already have a passport, make sure it
is valid for at least 6 months after your expected return from
study abroad. Please submit a copy to the Office of Global
Studies.
- If you do not have a passport, please visit
the State
Department's website for details on obtaining your
passport.
3. Apply for a Visa (Suggested Deadline:
ASAP)
- You will need a visa to study abroad on an exchange program.
The process for obtaining a visa will vary depending on your
country of study and origin. Please schedule a meeting with an
exchange coordinator to discuss the costs, required documents and
application process for your visa.
4.
Return required forms (Deadline: December 1)
- Make sure to print all of the
required forms and submit them no later than December 1.
- These forms are mandatory, and failure to
submit them may jeopardize your ability to participate in the
program.
- Please remember to update your contact information on your UIS
account. This is very important in case of an emergency
abroad.
5.
Complete the Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Process
(Deadline: ASAP)
All exchange students are required to complete
a mandatory two-part pre-departure orientation process. The first
step is the Global Studies Orientation Blackboard course, which
will go live the week of October 1. The second step is an in-person
orientation session. Not only will you get essential information
about the program, you’ll get to meet other students going abroad!
Date and time of the orientation session will be posted soon, so
check back often!
6. Review
Your Financial Aid Options (Deadline: ASAP)
- If you have questions about the financial aid you'll receive
during your semester abroad, please schedule an appointment with
the Office of Financial Services. On the Queens Campus, contact
Rosemary Encarnacion at encarnar@stjohns.edu or 718-990-6975;
on the Staten Island campus, contact Theresa Cantarella at cantaret@stjohns.edu or 718-390-4350.
- Consider other funding sources, like scholarships, to make
your trip more affordable.
7. Book Your Flight (Deadline: TBD)
- Don't book your flight until you've received your
acceptance letter from the exchange institution!
8. Determine Your Program Dates
- The dates of your program abroad will vary based on the
location. Please check the host institutions' website for
required arrival and semester dates. You will be expected to
arrive prior to the start of the exchange institution's
semester for preparations such as attending orientaitons, arranging
and confirming housing, and taking language placement
tests.
9.
Plan To Get an International Cell Phone
- It's important to know that you'll have a way to keep in touch
with family and friends, including all the friends you'll meet in
your host country. It's even more important to know that, in case
of an emergency, you'll always have access to a phone. You're
required to have a cell phone while you're abroad, so click the
link above for an overview of your options.
10.
Read the Worldwide Wednesday Newsletters (Deadline: every week
until departure)
- You'll receive a newsletter every Wednesday throughout the
semester with important information, resources and tips that will
assist with your pre-departure preparations. This is our primary
form of communication with you and can contain information on
program updates, changes and other important information that you
will need to be aware of. You can access all of the archived
newsletters
here.
11. Research Life Abroad. (Deadline: any point prior to
departure)
- You're about to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity, but
in addition to all the fantastic academic, cultural and personal
experiences you'll have, study abroad comes with challenges. In
addition to learning about all the places you plan to visit, be
sure to research culture shock and anything else of importance to
you, such as race, gender, religion, diet or dating abroad. You'll
be better prepared when you arrive and better able to enjoy the
high points while meeting difficulties as they arise.