Study Abroad/Tours

Saint Joseph’s University has carefully selected 27 semester abroad program options in countries all around the world, including some programs with a Jesuit connection, programs with an experiential learning component such as an internship or service-learning, and options where SJU students can take classes alongside local students. Students should review all program options on the Center for International Programs (CIP) website and schedule an advising meeting with a CIP staff member (contact studyabroad@sju.edu) before beginning an application. Students are also encouraged to consider a full year of study abroad.

Petitioning for a Non-approved Program

Saint Joseph's University students who wish to attend a university or study abroad program that is not currently affiliated with or approved by SJU and therefore not recognized for academic credit must petition the Center for International Programs through the on-line application system. Please note that this is only an option for students who have specific academic needs that cannot be met by any of the current Saint Joseph’s approved programs; petitions for programs that are largely duplicate to, or are in enrollment competition with, existing Saint Joseph’s programs, reciprocal university exchanges, or recognized affiliated programs in the same city or country are not normally approved.

As part of the application process, students will be asked to request a recommendation from their Academic Advisor. Therefore, before preparing a petition, the student should consult with their Advisor to discuss their specific interest in study abroad and how the experience will fit into their academic program. This is also a good time to discuss possible course selection and planning. It is also suggested that the student discuss a backup plan with their Academic Advisor (and the Study Abroad Advisor) in case the petition is not approved. A committee reviews completed petitions and makes a recommendation to the CIP to either approve or reject the petition on a first come, first served basis. Petitions are judged on the merit of the student’s academic objectives in relation to specific study abroad opportunities for which they are seeking approval, and petition students are expected to have superior grades and sound academic preparation.

If the student’s petition is approved, Saint Joseph’s University will administer their study abroad program in the same way as an approved program.

Eligibility

SJU students are eligible for a semester abroad during the second semester of their sophomore year, all or part of their junior year, or their senior year (with permission of the Associate Dean). Students must be in good academic, disciplinary, and financial standing with Saint Joseph’s University at the time of application and maintain that good standing throughout the process. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, though many of our affiliated programs have a higher GPA requirement, some up to a 3.0. 

Although CIP can advise students on making an appropriate program selection and assist them through the application process, our approval does not guarantee admission into a particular study abroad program or foreign institution. Students are responsible for understanding and meeting the regulations, requirements, and deadlines specific to the program of their choice.

Applying

Students must apply through the on-line application system and receive approval from the Center for International Programs (CIP) in order to study abroad. Application deadlines are typically March 1st for the fall semester and October 1st for the spring semester; however, the CIP may adjust these deadlines (in advance and with notice) if necessary. In the event of a larger than anticipated applicant pool, the Center for International Programs may not be able to approve all study abroad applications. Complete applications from eligible students will be approved on a first come, first served basis. For this reason, early applications are strongly advised. Students who apply by the deadline but are not approved due to space will be placed on a waitlist. In the case of withdrawals, priority will be given to Saint Joseph's University students, students with no prior study abroad experience, and students with exceptional academic circumstances that may prevent them from studying abroad in a future semester. Some examples include (but are not limited to) class standing and major.

All other students not approved for the semester of their choice will be given priority for the following semester. Deferred applications will be approved pending an academic and disciplinary check during the following semester.

Senior Approval

Students who wish to study abroad during the fall or spring semester of their senior year must discuss their plans with their Academic Advisor and obtain approval from the Associate Dean of their college via the Request to Study Abroad as a Senior form. 

Length of Stay

Students can apply for an academic semester (fall or spring) or a full year abroad. Only in special circumstances (and with prior approval from the CIP, the Vice President/Associate Provost, and the student’s Academic Associate Dean) will a student be permitted to spend a third semester abroad. Students interested in studying abroad for more than one year should make an appointment with the Study Abroad Advisor prior to any planning and before beginning an application.

Fees and Financial Aid

Saint Joseph’s University students who wish to study abroad for a semester and receive credit toward their Saint Joseph’s degree will remain registered at SJU and pay SJU full-time, day tuition plus a $100 Continuing Registration Fee. Students will also be asked to submit a $300 confirmation deposit, which will be credited towards the student’s total SJU tuition/Continuing Registration Fee expenses. Saint Joseph’s University will then pay the overseas program for the tuition portion of the program. Students will be responsible for all non-tuition fees associated with the program they will be attending. Please visit the Center for International Programs website to review estimated costs for each of our approved semester abroad programs.    

All forms of financial aid except for Federal Work Study can be applied to Saint Joseph’s approved semester abroad programs. This includes Saint Joseph’s grants, loans, scholarships, and state and federal awards, such as Pell Grants and Guaranteed Student Loans. A financial aid package for a student participating on a Saint Joseph’s approved program will be based on the specific costs of the program in which the student will be studying. The following expenses will be included when calculating a student’s financial need: tuition and fees, room and board, books, airfare for a round-trip ticket, and miscellaneous expenses such as local transportation, police registration fees, immunizations and any health insurance required by the host country. Students may not use any of their financial aid towards a petition program that is not approved by the committee. 

Family Tuition Benefits, FACHEX and Tuition Exchange

Students who are receiving SJU family tuition benefits will be able to use these tuition scholarships toward their study abroad experiences. Family Tuition Benefit is available only for courses taken as part of a bachelors or master’s degree program. Travel and expenses (other than tuition) for overseas programs, study abroad, or other credit work at locations away from the main campus are not covered by the Family Tuition Benefits program.

Students who are the children of employees at other colleges/universities who are receiving scholarships through FACHEX and the Tuition Exchange Program may use these awards toward any approved study abroad program through Saint Joseph’s University. For more information about FACHEX and the Tuition Exchange Program, please contact the Financial Assistance Office at 610-660-2500.

Credit Toward Graduation

Credit will be given towards graduation for all appropriate courses taken on SJU programs or approved programs abroad. Students must, however, get all courses approved following the instructions provided by the CIP. All courses (including credit-bearing internships) must be taken on A-F basis; pass/fail is not an option. Grades are reported on the Saint Joseph’s University transcript and count toward the student’s overall GPA.

Program Requirements

Students are required to maintain full time enrollment, attend class regularly, and comply with all program regulations and individual course requirements in any program they choose. Students who leave the program before it is officially over will not receive credit for their work.

University Refund Policy

Students who choose to withdraw from the study abroad program must immediately notify the Center for International Programs through the on-line application portal. Only that portion of the student’s tuition and fees, which have not been committed on their behalf to the University and/or any third party at the time of cancellation, will be refunded to the student. If the student withdraws from the program before paying tuition and fees, the University will bill the student for commitments made on their behalf to the University and/or any third party. The student will be financially responsible for any such costs incurred, per the terms of the Semester Abroad Academic and Disciplinary Waiver in the on-line application.

Each year, in conjunction with SJU faculty, the Center for International Programs (CIP) offers a series of campus-based classes that have a travel component as one of their requirements. While class takes place on campus during the fall or spring semester, the actual travel portion occurs during the January intersession, spring break, or in the summer months.

Course offerings and destinations vary each year. Recent study tour destinations included: Germany, Costa Rica, Italy, England, Northern Ireland, and Peru.

Students earn three credits for participating in these courses. Please note that the running of these programs is contingent on meeting sufficient enrollment requirements. Additional information about SJU study tours can be found on the CIP website: https://www.sju.edu/offices/student-life/cip.

A SJU Summer Program is a month-long academic course offered by SJU faculty during the summer. The course is held in one of three locations:

• South Africa,
• Greece,
• Rome

Academic learning takes place on-site, with required pre-departure meetings and assignments to help prepare students for the immersion experience. Summer Programs are designed to give students a longer immersion experience in other countries and cultures than Study Tours. Any student who is not on academic or disciplinary probation and is in good financial standing with SJU may apply for an SJU summer study abroad program, provided that s/he has received academic advisor approval and has met course prerequisites. There is no GPA requirement; however, students must be in good academic standing. CIP also recommends that students meet with their academic advisor to make sure that they have met course prerequisites (if applicable) and to talk about GEP/CCC or academic program requirements. Please note that the running of these programs is contingent on meeting sufficient enrollment requirements. For application information, please visit the CIP website: https://www.sju.edu/offices/student-life/cip. 

SJU Summer Program in Greece

The SJU Summer Program in Greece takes place in multiple locations around the country, including Syros, Athens, Santorini, and Crete. Students may enroll in one or two courses offered by SJU faculty and earn 3-6 credits. Students live in a neoclassical villa on Syros, in a hotel in Athens, and in a monastery in Santorini. Courses offered change from year to year. Previous courses have included English, Theology, Politics, History, and Psychology. (Summer only, five weeks, typically late May to late June.)

SJU Summer Program in Rome

The SJU Summer Program in Rome program takes place in the heart of Rome with several cultural visits planned in addition to two excursions that typically include Florence/Assisi and Sorrento/Capri/Pompeii. Students may enroll in one or two of the courses offered, and there may be up to four courses offered each summer in a variety of disciplines. In the past, courses have included Italian, Classics, Psychology, Business, Philosophy, Sociology, Art History, Communications, and Economics. Students, faculty, and coordinators reside at fully furnished apartments through The American University of Rome (AUR) and classroom space is provided on campus along with access to the AUR computer lab and library. (Summer only, five weeks, typically in the month of July.)

SJU Summer Program in South Africa

The SJU summer program in South Africa takes place in Johannesburg and Durban and includes a number of visits to cultural, historical, and natural sites. Students take ENG 468/COM 473: Media and Culture in South Africa and earn 3 credits. Students and faculty are housed at Bed and Breakfasts in both cities.

Saint Joseph's University students who wish to earn academic credit through participation in an external (i.e., not facilitated by SJU) study abroad program must apply through the CIP's online application system by the appropriate deadlines (March 15th for summer study abroad and October 15th for winter study abroad). As part of the application process, students will be required to obtain course approvals and seek the support of their Academic Associate Dean. Before beginning an application, however, we strongly advise students to carefully research program options. Students can browse through the brochures available in the CIP office, meet with the Study Abroad Advisor, or research programs independently. It's important to also note the following policies related to non-SJU summer or winter study abroad:

• Students of all levels (freshmen through seniors) are eligible to apply for approval to participate in a non-SJU winter/summer program.
• Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in order to be eligible for this type of study abroad. However, students may find that many programs have a higher GPA requirement that they will also need to meet.
• The student is responsible for submitting appropriate application materials and payments directly to the program that he/she chooses, and SJU financial aid will not transfer.
• Credits earned through the non-SJU summer/winter abroad program will be considered transfer credits, and the grades earned will not be posted on the SJU transcript.
• Credit will only be granted if the student has earned a grade of C or above.