Program Dates: January 2, 2012 - January 12, 2012
Preparations for your time abroad can seem daunting at times,
but following our instructions can be as easy as 1, 2, 3. We even
have a weekly newsletter to help you stay on top of the deadlines.
You should also familiarize yourself with the booklists and other
information we provide for your benefit. It may seem like a
lot, but follow our advice and you'll be on the plane in no
time!
Below you'll find the steps we'd like you to take to prepare for
your time abroad. Please read these instructions carefully and make
plans to complete each item by the deadline.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the process,
we’re here to help. We recommend you familiarize yourself with the
website first so that we can better assist you, but you should
always feel free to contact us.
1. Submit your confirmation form and deposit.
(Deadline: ASAP)
- Please note that programs can fill quickly and that your space
is not confirmed until we receive the receipt of your $250
non-refundable deposit and program
confirmation form.
- Attached to the confirmation form is our refund policy, which
explains the timeline for penalties incurred by students who
withdraw from the program. Review this information prior to signing
the confirmation form.
2. Get a passport. (Suggested Deadline: October
15)
- If you already have a passport, make sure it
does not expire before November 5, 2012. (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. Check if you need a visa(s). (Suggested
Deadline: ASAP)
- The visa application process is dependent on your country of
citizenship. U.S. and E.U. citizens are not required to obtain a
visa for this program.
-
If you are not a U.S. or E.U. citizen, you may be subject to
stringent visa requirements.
4. Return required forms. (Deadline: December 9,
2011)
- Make sure to print all of the
required forms and submit them no later than December 7,
2011.
- 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. Attend mandatory pre-departure orientation. (Date:
12/1/11)
- Please visit the
Orientation Details page for more information on the
orientation sessions.
- This session is mandatory, so you'll need to
make all necessary arrangements to attend. Be aware that if you do
not satisfy the orientation requirement, you will not be able to
participate in the program.
- Not only will you get essential information about the program,
you'll meet your future classmates and make friends!
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)
- We'll notify you when it's time to book your flight as soon as
we're able to confirm that the program is running.
8. Read the Worldwide Wednesday Newsletters (Deadline:
every week until departure)
- Beginning September 28, you will receive a newsletter every
Wednesday 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.
9. 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 placs 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.