Preparations for your program abroad can seem
daunting at times, but the Office of Global Studies is here to
assist you throughout the process. The steps listed below are
intended to be a guide but you will be working closely with the
exchange coordinator in the Office of Global Studies to ensure you
are adequately prepared.We even have a weekly newsletter to help
you stay on top of the deadlines. It may seem like a lot, but
follow our advice and you'll be on the plane in no time!
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the process,
please contact
us.
1.
Submit your confirmation form and exchange program fee receipt.
(Deadline: ASAP)
- We will not be able to progress with
the application process for an exchange program until the
confirmation form and receipt for program fee are
submitted to the office.
2. Get a
passport. (Suggested Deadline: March 15)
- If you already have a passport, make sure it
is valid for at least 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.
Prepare for the visa process/application. (Suggested
Deadline: ASAP)
- You will need a visa to study abroad on an exchange program.
The process for obtaining a visa will vary depending on your
country of study and origin. The
visa information page contains helpful tips and advice. Please
refer to the exchange coordinator or attend a
visa information session if you have any questions.
4.
Return required forms. (Deadline: May 2, 2012)
- 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 the mandatory three-step Pre-Departure Orientation
process. (Deadline: ASAP)
- 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 is available on the Accepted
Students section of our website.
- 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)
- Don't book your flight until you've received your
acceptance letter from the exchange institution!
8. Determine Program Dates
- The dates of your program abroad will vary based on the
location. Please check the host institutions' website for
required arrival and semester dates. You will be expected to
arrive prior to the start of the exchange institution's
semester for preparations such as attending orientaitons, arranging
and confirming housing, and taking language placement
tests.
9.
Review Registration and Course Transfer Process
-
Here you'll find detailed information on the course
registration process at St. John's and the exchange
university as well as the course transfer process.
10.
Read the Worldwide Wednesday Newsletters (Deadline: every week
until departure)
- Beginning March 7, 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.
11. 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.