Global Studies FAQs

Any student who would like to apply for a study abroad program must complete an online application by logging on to the portal as a private computer, and then clicking here.

All faculty-led program participants must enroll in the appropriate class/section, and must be in good academic standing with St. Joseph's University.

In general, students gain language proficiency, career/academic networks, problem solving abilities, leadership, and cross-cultural knowledge. Specifically here is the data:

• Global Knowledge is the least possessed skill according to employers who were surveyed by the Association of American Colleges & Universities. Study abroad would give students a competitive advantage when trying to land a career.  
• Your Future Workplace Values Diversity and Intercultural skillsets: McKinsey & Company, a renown consulting firm, announced that "companies benefit financially from employees with a global mindset" [Diversity Matters" p.1)
• Financial Savings: 98% of students save money studying abroad

St. Joseph's University offers a variety of short-term programs. Our programs range from one week to one month.

St. Joseph's University allows students to personalize their long-term or semester-long study abroad programs. Refer to the  list of program providers. Make an appointment with the Office of Global Studies to discuss all your study abroad options.

All program information will be emailed to program participants. Orientation and pre-departure meeting dates will be emailed as well. Students are expected to check their email regularly and inform the Office of Global Studies if their email changes. For a list of pre-departure do’s and don’ts, please see our Checklist For Students Studying Abroad.

Yes. All students are expected to be punctual and participate in all aspects of the program. Students that do not participate or prove disruptive to be are subject to academic discipline upon return.

Visas are not required on most St. Joseph's University programs. If a visa is required for a program, students will be notified on the program website. Many semester long programs require a visa due to longer duration of the program. Please check with your program provider and allow approximately 2-3 months for processing.

Yes, a valid passport is mandatory to leave and return to the United States. Please check your passport date carefully. Most countries do not accept passports that expire six months after your arrival or departure date.

Yes, all participants must provide proof of medical insurance when registering. Many travel insurance plans can include a health component. These plans can be purchased for the duration of your program at reasonable rates. Plans can be purchased through Allianz and the Student Travel Association.

St. Joseph's University strongly recommends that all students purchase travel insurance prior to going overseas. This insurance can be extremely valuable in the event of illness or emergency.

All St. Joseph's University programs allow for one checked bag and one carry on bag. Weight and sizes may vary. Check your airline’s website.

Money can be converted in a few different ways. First, you can visit your bank and see if they can order you the correct currency for your program. Second, you can exchange your money at a local airport. Third, you can use ATM cards if your PIN number does not have letters. Finally, many credit cards are accepted overseas. Some companies will charge you a percentage and a currency adjustment fee. Always call your bank and credit card companies to let them know you will be using your cards overseas. If you do not do this, your card activity may be viewed as suspicious and your account may be blocked. Your card will not longer work if this happens.

You have a few options you can use to remain in touch with your family.There are internet-based texting and calling sites such as WhatsApp and Skype. Another idea is to add an international plan to your cell phone package. Contact your cell phone provider for prices and fees.  Finally, you may find Internet cafes overseas. You could also buy an international calling card. We recommend that you buy these once you reach your destination.

The Office of Global Studies takes every possible precaution in regard to participant safety. The office monitors U.S. State Department warnings, general recommendations and advisories.

All participants are required to sign a behavior contract, found in the application process, at the time of registration. All students are held to the same rules and regulations accepted by St. Joseph's University. Any behavior that is viewed as detrimental to the health or safety of the program’s members or any behavior that might impact the program’s academic nature will not be tolerated.

Yes, a St. Joseph's University representative can be reached while overseas. Participants are given an emergency contact information form. We recommend that participants make two copies of this form, one to bring overseas and one to leave at home.

A majority or St. Joseph's University program participants are housed in hotels or hostels during the duration of their program. Host families are used generally in our language study programs.

Unlike most colleges, St. Joseph's University has valued study abroad by funding student study abroad experiences in faculty-led and/or semester long programs. This has made study abroad accessible to all students. St. Joseph's University scholarships apply to tuition abroad. The University also grants a significant number of $500-$2,000 stipends for faculty-led programs. There are also external scholarships available. Click here for more information on both St. Joseph's University funding and external options.

All program fees, including deposits, are non-refundable.