Program Dates: January 13 - May 5,
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)
- Rome Semester Pharmacy students WILL need a
visa for this program. You'll find all the instructions you'll need
to apply
here.
- DTW Pharmacy:
- As you have been notified, visas are a
requirement for the spring 2012 program.
Please contact
our office to make an appointment to look over all of the materials
required for obtaining a visa.
- If you are not a EU or US citizen, please contact our
office immediately.
4. Return required forms. (Deadline: December 7,
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:
December 3, 2011)
- 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: ASAP)
- St. John's is pleased to offer accepted students a subsidized
flight through STA Travel. If you book your flight through STA
Travel, you can get a roundtrip flight to Europe at a better price
than you'll find anywhere else, and be picked up at the airport
when you arrive! We will email you more information on this
opportunity at the same time we tell you your country rotation
(beginning September 30, 2011). Do not make any travel plans until
you've seen what we have to offer - it's a great opportunity!
- For more information on booking your flight through STA Travel,
see the
STA Flyer.
- Should you wish to travel independently before or after your
program, you will need to make your own housing arrangements.
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 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.