Transfer
Passport Program
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I know anyone else on the
program?
Whether you're starting your semester in New York and ending in
Europe, or jumping right into the global learning experience by
beginning your semester in Paris or Rome, you'll have the chance to
meet and learn about your classmates before traveling abroad.
Students who begin in New York will have an entire semester to make
friends with their classmates, while those beginning in Europe will
be able to meet other students at the pre-departure orientation
sessions!
2. How are the classes connected to the
program?
The global sections of Discover New York 1000c, English 1000c and
Science 1000c will incorporate the travel portion within the
coursework. English 1000c, for example, will have a "Writing
in Rome" component designed specifically for the program.
Throughout the 2 weeks of their stay in Rome, students will work on
a "critical journal," a culminating project that will pull together
much of what they have learned in the previous semester throughout
their ENG 1000c course. This critical journal will be a portfolio
of short essays, photographs, and research-oriented
writing.
This critical journal project will be informed by what is currently
referred to in the field as "place-based pedagogy," an approach to
composing where students critically reflect on their immediate,
local environments and incorporate the results of that critical
thinking in their work. Possible themes for student inquiry might
include reflections on being an outsider in a new culture;
exploring how architecture shapes perception; investigating literal
and metaphorical layers of personal and urban history;
contemplating the role of the spiritual within public and private
spaces, and so on.
3. What are some of the deadlines I
should be aware of?
We would like all applications to be submitted by June 1, 2010,
including a $250 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot in our
program. Checks should be made payable to “St. John’s
University” and be attached to the application.
4. Do we fly together as a group and how
do I get to the Rome Campus?
We’ll arrange group travel for all students, with chaperones
available to meet your family at the airport. In addition,
we’ll have buses ready to pick students up in Rome and take them to
the residence.
5. Where will I be staying and what is
the rooming situation like?
While in Rome, students will stay in our newly renovated Rome
Campus, located in the historic Prati district. We’re located
roughly 15 minutes’ walk from the Vatican and just two blocks from
the Lepanto metro stop (the Italian subway system is known as ‘the
metro’) in a beautiful residential neighborhood. Students
will live in double and triple rooms on our campus, which also has
a library, student lounge, computer lab, and shared bathrooms for
residents’ use.
While in Paris, students will stay in our newly renovated Paris
facility, located in the elegant sixth district. The building
is part of the Vincentian Heritage Tour in Paris, and is located
roughly 15 minutes’ walk to many famous Paris sites such as the
Musee d’Orsay. We are conveniently located just across the street
from the Vaneau metro stop and just two streets from the famous Bon
Marche department store. Students will live in double rooms
in our facility, which also includes cafeteria, student lounge,
computer lab, and shared bathrooms for residents’ use.
6. Who from the University will be going
and overseeing the program experience?
The trip will include the faculty from each of the sections
involved in the program as well as other administrators who work in
the Institute for Core Studies. In addition, both our Rome
Campus and Paris facility are fully staffed with administrators and
staff who will be working in conjunction with the program!
7. What are the policies and rules that
students must abide to?
Students are required to follow all regulations and policies
contained in the student handbook regardless of which campus you
are enrolled at or when participating in a program. For more
information please visit http://www.stjohns.edu/campus/handbook for
detailed information. In addition, policies regarding the
program specifically will be discussed at the program
orientation.
8. What if I get sick when I am
away?
In addition to our NYC-based chaperones, the students will be met
with our on-site staff in Rome and Paris, including a residence
life team who are fluent in Italian and French, respectively.
They’ll be able to assist with any medical or personal
issues. We’ll also provide all students with international
health insurance that will provide access to emergency services
while overseas.
9. What travel documents do I need to
participate in the program?
All students will need a valid US passport. You’ll also need
to fill out standard university forms—e.g., a travel release,
emergency contact information, insurance verification—prior to
departure.
10. What’s included in the
price?
The $1,650 program fee includes housing, coach bus transfers in
Rome to and from the airport, several meals per week, excursions
and day trips to Florence and Assisi in Rome and Versailles and Mt.
St. Michele in Paris, the Service Seminar Program, walking tours,
and a Welcome and Farewell Dinner! Please note that airfare
is additional.
11. Will there be
free-time?
Yes, students will have free time each day at the conclusion of the
program itinerary. However, the program includes many
activities that students are required to participate in over a
small amount of time. Not enough time is scheduled for
students to travel to other countries or European cities during
this trip.
12. Should I bring cash or euros with
me?
Students are welcome to bring a small amount of local currency with
them—perhaps €50. However, most travelers find it easier and
cheaper to use their ATM card to withdraw currency once
abroad. We’ll provide additional detail on money during our
pre-departure session, but you won’t have any
difficulty.
13. What happens if I decide not to
go? Will I get a refund?
In order to provide students with the most reasonable price for the
program, airfare and trip plans are arranged very early. Due
to the tight time frame, participants will need to adhere to the
following refund schedule:
Refund Deadlines: Cohort 1 – June 15,
2010
Cohort 2 – September 3, 2010
Cohort 3 – November 22, 2010
Cohort 4 – January 25, 2011
Space in the program is limited, but please be aware that these
programs will only run if proper enrollment is reached.
14. Will the university run any
pre-departure events to help make my transition
smooth?
The Institute of Core Studies and the Office of Global Studies will
host an orientation session prior to departure to ensure that your
questions are answered and that you are prepared for all that
awaits you in Rome and Paris! If you are not from the New
York area and plan to participate in the program, we will make the
program available to you via online tools.
15. This sounds great! How do I
sign up?
Admission to the Transfer Passport Program is selective and
interested students need to complete and submit an application and
program deposit by June 1, 2010. A committee will evaluate
all applications and prospective candidates will be notified of
their acceptance. For more information please contact Karl
Rutter, Director, Office of Global Studies, at (718) 990-6105 or rutterk@stjohns.edu.
You may also contact Karen Vahey, Director of Admission, at (718)
990-2160 or vaheyk@stjohns.edu.