Go Global!
It's part of our MISSION!
Given how often you hear about study abroad at St. John's, would it surprise you to learn that only 10% of college grads nationwide take advantage of this incredible opportunity? At St. John’s, our global mission pushes us to consider that statistic as a challenge, driving us to create new and innovative programs that encourage students to study and live outside the U.S. And our amazing students hear the call—roughly 40% study abroad, handily outpacing the national average!
Study abroad is not only a fun and personally rewarding experience, it helps to set you apart on the job market and gain invaluable global competencies. And who knows? You may come back with new ideas for where your career may take you. Many St. John's students go on to pursue other international opportunities, and we're confident that you will too!
With opportunities to participate in global opportunities right from day one... and into your graduate degrees, the only question is... when will you go abroad?
So what makes St. John's programs unique?
Academics
Locally informed scholarly inquiry is at the core of our study abroad programs. With that in mind, we offer intellectually engaging classes taught by dedicated, highly trained St. John’s faculty throughout the world, with experiential components at the core of every course. That means you won't just be sitting in a classroom abroad but directly engaging your coursework in the cities, histories and landscapes that surround you. What's more, these are our programs, so you know the courses are designed for you, work for your major and core requirements, and keep you on track for graduation.
Affordability
Study abroad should be accessible to all students. To make that a reality, St. John’s offers generous financial aid and scholarships that aim to accommodate every student, independent of their financial resources. Plus, most of your St. John's financial aid package will travel with you!
Safety
We want you to expand your intellectual and personal horizons, safely. Our full-time student life and academic support staff in each of our semester locations work with you to make sure you’re able to make smart choices. And when things don’t go perfectly? You’ll have St. John’s-provided health insurance and worldwide emergency assistance – all covered by your program fee.
The Vincentian Difference: Giving Back
Helping to change lives is an inspiring experience – one that sets studying abroad with St. John’s programs apart from most others. Each year, our study abroad students commit roughly 5,000 hours to service sites worldwide. You’ll make a real difference through activities like teaching English to local students, serving in soup kitchens, and working with the elderly. Best of all, giving back often forms a central part of your academic experience. Through our Academic Service-Learning offerings, you’ll work with the community while fulfilling course-based experiential education requirements.
Student Support—Before, During, and After the Program
At St. John’s you’ll receive personal attention. We’ll be with you every step of the way, making sure you are fully prepared to get the most out of your experience. We’ll even (happily) talk to your parents to help them understand why you’ll have a great, safe experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Our programs are open to currently enrolled, matriculated St. John’s students as well as to students from accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States. Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply.
Applicants for semester programs are required to have completed one full-year of undergraduate study and must also have a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher. Transfer students in their first semester at St. John's may apply if they have completed a full year of undergraduate study and their GPA from their previous institution meets the 2.75 minimum requirement. Freshmen are welcome to attend the Global Passport program, as well as our embedded programs and our short-term programs, provided they meet the academic pre-requisites for the particular program.
RIGHT NOW! Though we review applications on a rolling basis, we encourage students to apply as early as possible to increase their chances of receiving financial aid and being admitted to their first choice programs. While we will continue to accept applications as long as space is available in the program, students should be aware that programs may close quickly, and that some financial aid and scholarship is time-sensitive. Applying early helps!
No! Prior foreign language skills are not required for any St. John’s-administered programs. However, some of our exchange partners only teach classes in the local language. Please contact us if you plan to participate in an Exchange Program.
Yes! All students must have a passport to study abroad. Visas are required for semester-long programs, but are usually not required for our summer and winter programs. We’ll provide you with information on visas, but for more information on passports, please visit the Department of State's passport website.
We've got you covered! The Office of International Education automatically provides international health insurance to all of our study abroad participants!
The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is of utmost importance to us. That’s why we’ve dedicated an entire section to it. Please visit our Health and Safety page for more information on student safety while abroad.
The answer is YES. While the cost of studying abroad varies from one program to the next, you might find that our programs are more affordable than you think. Please be sure to check the Costs page for more information on costs, grants & scholarships, and work opportunities abroad.
The answer to this is also YES. If you’re a visiting student, you too may find the costs similar to those of a term at your home institution. We offer financial aid to visiting students, whether through a consortium agreement with your home institution or directly through St. John’s. We’ll work with you to make the semester of your dreams affordable – be sure to visit our Visiting Students financial aid page for more information. You should also contact the financial aid office on your home campus for specific information on the type of aid available to you.
Yes. Accepted students are required to submit a $250 non-refundable deposit by the deadline date stated in their acceptance materials. Step-by-step instructions for submitting a deposit online through UIS are available on the Accepted Students page. Once you’ve made your program deposit—either through UIS, by phone, or in person at the Office of Student Financial Services - you’ll submit your receipt as part of your confirmation process to secure your spot!
The world’s increased interconnectedness makes this question much easier to answer than before! In most countries, you’ll have access to local currency and purchases through in-country ATM machines and via U.S.-based credit cards (Visas are best, MasterCards second best, and AmEx, less useful). While the use of credit, debit and Visa check cards is both safe and convenient, we encourage you to keep your money in a checking, rather than savings account, and to notify your bank of your travel plans. Also, check with your bank and credit card companies about additional and/or international fees that may apply for use of a debit/credit card outside of the U.S.
Many students choose to go during their second or third years—they still have sufficient flexibility to make a term abroad work. While a full semester abroad may not fit into your schedule, St. John’s also offers summer and winter intersession programs that match nearly any schedule.
Whatever you decide, prior research on available courses and planning—in collaboration with your academic advisor —is key. Start as soon as possible to ensure you’re ready to go.
Yes! Many of our classes are part of the core curriculum, so it’s fairly easy to meet degree requirements and, in some cases, even take classes toward your major or minor. Be sure to visit the Academic Overview page for more information on staying on track with Study Abroad courses.