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: April
2)
- If you already have a passport, make sure it
does not expire before June 15, 2013. (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.
Begin applying for your visa. (Suggested Deadline:
ASAP)
- Unless you're an E.U. citizen, a visa is
required to participate on this program
(and, no, we're not talking about a credit card).
- Detailed instructions, applications and requirements can be
found
here.
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. Complete mandatory pre-departure
requirements.
- Before you go, you’ll come to a short Advising Session with our
team (between April 2-May 10), complete a pre-departure orientation
module on Blackboard, attend the pre-departure “Send-off Soirée” on
April 28th, and turn in the program’s required forms.
Complete information will be available on theAccepted
Studentssection of our website starting February 17.
- Please note that if you do not complete all pre-departure
requirements, you will not be permitted to participate in the
program. We want to make sure you’re fully prepared before you
go!
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)
- 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 on 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 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.