WorldStrides

WorldStrides is the nation’s largest educational travel organization that specializes in providing educational travel experiences for students. They offer a variety of programs, including student travel for academic and cultural purposes. These programs involve educational tours, performances, and other enriching activities.

Saint Peter’s has established a relationship with WorldStrides to organize and facilitate travel experiences that enhance students’ learning outside the traditional classroom setting. And just like the ISEP-Exchange program, all institutional and government financial aid can be applied.

Learn more about WorldStrides.

 

Sogang University, South Korea

Sogang University is a large Jesuit institution located in the heart of Seoul – the bustling cultural, political, and business capital of South Korea. Sogang offers a rich selection of courses taught in English in biology, computer science, economics, history, theology, philosophy, political science, business management, international studies, Asian studies, etc. Korean fluency is by no means required; however students are encouraged to take a Korean language class while at Sogang.

Deusto University, Spain

Deusto University is a private, Jesuit university located in Bilbao, Spain. It is the oldest private institution in Spain. Deusto offers courses in English in business, psychology, law, international business, political science, and history, as well as courses in Spanish. While at Deusto, students can easily explore Bilbao and countless other cultural heritage sites, including the nearby birthplace of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. 

John Cabot University

John Cabot University is a private American liberal arts university located in the bustling and historical city of Rome, Italy. John Cabot offers a variety of courses ranging from English and communications to history, economics, finances and international affairs. At John Cabot, students have an opportunity to be at an American institution while immersing themselves in Italian culture.

Faculty-Led Travel Courses

Sometimes it might make more sense for you to learn globally for a few weeks, rather than for a full semester or academic year. If you’re looking for a short-term way to gain cross-cultural insights, a faculty-led travel course could be an ideal option for you. It’s the perfect way to combine classroom learning in Saint Peter’s with experiential learning around the world. Faculty led travel courses are classes that typically take place in the Spring semester. It is a unique class that intertwines classroom learning with overseas travel. All students are welcome to register for such courses!

How do I sign up?

Students can travel overseas and earn credit with a Saint Peter’s faculty member over winter or spring break. Look for courses with the INTL designation in Class Search, Spirit Online or Student Planning. Contact the professor directly for detailed information and steps to register. 

Important points to remember when signing up

If a faculty-led travel course if of interest to you, you must ensure that the following criteria are met: 

• Faculty led programs are electives. A student must ensure that course is aligned with requirements to graduate (Contact Academic Advisor).
• Students who register for such courses must be full time (12-18 credits) to apply financial aid to the cost of the credits. 

NOTE: Financial aid does not cover the cost of travel, neither do they cover any overload/underload credits

• A Financial Travel Agreement Form will be made available and must be filled out before departure

Proposal Process

Full-Time staff and faculty members of Saint Peter’s University are encouraged annually to develop a proposal for overseas travel for their respective classes. A global perspective and an immersion of culture and diversity enhances learning and creates a long lasting impression in the classroom. Upon submission of proposals, the Travel Course Advisory Committee will approve or disapprove. 

Below is the timeline for Spring Break travel:

• January: Call for Proposals sent to faculty
• February: Faculty leaders develop Travel Course idea and complete the Course Proposal Google Form. This form is intentionally brief. At this time, it is not necessary to have all of the trip details confirmed. 
• March 1: Course Proposal Forms due.  After proposals are submitted, they are reviewed by Global Learning, Academic Deans, and the Associate Provost. 
• March 15: Faculty are informed if their proposal has been accepted
• March – May: If your proposal has been accepted, this is the time to start arranging logistics, establish a trip price, draft a syllabus, etc.
• June 1: Travel Course Packet, syllabus and Financial Agreement Forms due. 
• July through November: Actively market your Travel Course to students
• November 15: Students must make an initial deposit to secure their place on the trip. (Various travel agents set different deposit deadlines.)
  • Students provide the following:
    • Name as it appears on passport (First, Middle, Last)
    • Date of Birth
    • Passport Number
      • Passport Issue Date
      • Passport Expiration Date
    • Allergies
    • Diet Restrictions
    • Choice of Roommate, if known
• December 1: Students make final payment. (Various travel agents set different ‘Balance Due’ dates.)
• January & February (Following Year): Pre-trip meetings
• March (Following Year): Spring Break Travel
• March – May (Following Year): Post-trip meetings and assignments. Students to present trip experience and reflection at Academic Symposium

Health and Safety Protocols when Abroad

While spending time abroad serves to be a great experience, it is always imperative that we emphasize to practice safety cautions to ensure a wonderful time! Saint Peter’s University aims to protect our students and faculty. Simultaneously, we strongly encourage all travel participants to exercise the following when abroad:

• Use your common sense, just as if you were home
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times
• Do NOT walk while talking on the phone or with headphones in; you may become a target because you are not paying attention. Walk like you are confident and know where you are going
• Don’t put your phone in your back pocket, or have it out while on public transit. This makes you easily susceptible to pickpockets
• Know the emergency numbers in your host country
• Know your hotel address
• Register your travels with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) from the State Department. This allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad with the respective US Embassy or Consulate. They can also send you alerts about events or other advisories while abroad. Friends and family can sign up to get these alerts as well. https://step.state.gov/
• Know the location of the US Embassy or Consulate in countries to which you are traveling.

Insurance for Travel Participants

In addition to personal cautionary actions, all travel participants will be insured for the duration of their respective trips. This insurance coverage is included in the cost of travel at an affordable cost. Saint Peter’s University has established a partnership with International Student Insurance. Prior to travel, all participants will receive an insurance card and must keep them for the duration of their stay abroad.

US Embassies Abroad

There is a US embassy located in many countries abroad. It is imperative to note the location should be made aware to every traveler for needs pertaining to US citizens abroad. This can be found here US Embassies Abroad.

Studying Abroad for a Semester

Perhaps you’d like to spend a full semester abroad instead of a couple of days. Perhaps you’d like to experience a different environment a little longer than a few weeks. Saint Peter’s University offers opportunities to make that possible.

Direct Exchange

Saint Peter’s has direct exchange programs with Sogang University, Deusto University, MIC, SMU London. Students who select any one of these institutions will be a direct exchange student.

Cost of attendance at these institutions will be directly proportional to that of Saint Peters. Students will pay for tuition as though they were here! 

Should you choose to select an institution that is not listed above, it is imperative that you inform the Center for Global Learning. Contact the Institution and request information. Provide the School name and contact person to the Center for Global Learning. Prior to your selection, here is what you should consider.

Do your research

This is the first and most important step. Ensure that you have a substantial amount of sufficient information about the country of choice. One such way is to look through the United States Department of State Travel Advisory. This gives detailed and up to date information as well as the level of safety in all respective countries. 

Make sure to find out ahead of time of travel regulations for US citizens or your citizenship if different. 

Have a Passport of Validity of no less than 6 months to Travel Date

All travelers will need a valid passport representing their nationality to be able to travel abroad.

Scholarships

US Department of State Scholarships

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports U.S. undergraduate students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad.

Critical Language Scholarship

Critical Language Scholarship provides opportunities for American college and university students to study languages and cultures essential to America’s engagement with the world. 

Each summer, American undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities across the country, spend eight to ten weeks learning one of thirteen languages at an intensive study abroad institute. The CLS Program is designed to promote rapid language gains and essential intercultural fluency in regions that are critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity.