Study Abroad Workshop Series
All study abroad workshops and events are open to all students unless stated otherwise. Spaces are limited so be sure to complete the online RSVP Form to secure your spot. For specific dates, times, and locations of workshops, please check our
Upcoming Events Calendar page.
Special Workshops
On-Campus U.S. Passport Application Session
Still need a passport? This session provides students, faculty, and staff with a unique opportunity to meet with post office officials on campus to submit and process their applications for a US Passport. Three officials will be on campus, as well as a passport photo photographer. Students must sign up for a 15 minute interview appointment with an official. Participants are required to bring the following documents to the session: (1) completed Passport Application https://pptform.state.gov/FraudAbuseNotice.aspx?form=DS11 (a computer will be available to fill out applications on site, but it is highly recommended that participants complete the form prior to the session) (2) participant’s original birth certificate, (3) Present proof of Identity and Age (Driver’s license or government issued ID) (4) Passport Application Fee and Execution Fee; cash or check only (5) Two Passport photos- photos available on site for $15 (please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment time to have your photo taken). Limited Space: Schedule an appointment at the International Programs Office- Cesar Chavez Commons, (408) 554-6940.
Fees: (updated: October 22, 2008)
Adults (over 16 yrs old) - $100
Children (under 16 yrs old) - $85
Payment Methods: Cash or Check Only. No Credit Card accepted.
If paying by check, two checks are required:
Adults (over 16 years old):
$75 made out to: Passport Services
$25 made out to: US Postal Service
Children under 16
$60 made out to: Passport Services
$25 made out to: US Postal Service
Additional (Optional) Fees:
Expedited Services
Passport Photos (on site)
Information Sessions
These workshops are specially geared for students who want to compare and contrast programs.
Info Session: Studying Abroad as a Science Major
Do you know the best places to study abroad and fulfill major, minor, or core requirements for science majors? Prof. Janice Edgerly-Rooks and a panel of former study abroad science majors will lead an information session on the specific programs or strategies for science majors to take advantage of study abroad opportunities.
Info Session: Direct Exchange Programs
Would you value a full immersion into a local university life without the comfort of a Santa Clara crowd or a program catered to Americans? You may be a great candidate for any number of SCU’s Direct Exchange Program in Japan, Philippines, Mexico, Spain, Italy, France, Sweden, and Australia. Many of these universities even offer courses in English so exchange students can experience full immersion while still maintaining their academic progress! Come and find out more information about the Direct Exchange Programs from study abroad Peer Advisor Sarah Smialowicz and other students who participated in the Exchange Programs at this info session and visit their table in Benson Lobby.
Info Session: SCU London Internship Program
In its fourth year, the SCU London Program attracts over 60 students each term ranging from business to communication majors, theater to accounting interests. Students are placed in community-based learning type internships. Come and find out more information from former participants in the SCU London program and get the lowdown from program directors themselves.
Info Session: SCU Stirling Summer Program
One of SCU’s newest programs is a summer term at the University of Stirling in Scotland. Find out all the details from touring London to living in the dorm and taking classes at the University and get all your questions about this exciting new opportunity answered by the students who paricipated last year, and from the SCU program director, Dennis Parnell, S.J. at this in-depth info session.
Info Session: SCU Rome Summer Program
SCUs most popular new summer program in Rome filled to capacity in its first year last summer! During this five week program, students will have the opportunity to become familiar with life in both a traditional, small Italian community and one of the world’s great capital cities, as they attend classes in both Rome and Bracciano. The program is being organized by Dr. Eric Apfelstadt and Dr. Rebecca Edwards, who served on the faculty at Santa Clara for many years and most recently directed the Loyola Chicago Rome Center. Come hear them talk about this exciting new program and find out how you could spend your summer in Italy!
Info Session: SCU Costa Rica Summer Program
Costa Rica is one of the newest locations for SCU’s summer programs. Co-directed by Professors Michelle Bezanson and Sean Watts, this program focuses on environmental studies and biology with classroom and field studies experiences, as well as Anthropology field research on primates in the Costa Rican jungle. Come and find out what this exciting summer program has to offer.
Info Session: SCU Germany Summer Program
Want to learn German? Are you a business major who has yet to fulfill the two quarters of language requirements? Find out how to fulfill these requirements in 4 weeks, and how you could earn a German Studies grant to help fund this term. Come and meet Professor Gudrun Tabbert-Jones the director of the program and ask all your questions.
Info Session: Gonzaga-in-Florence Program
Donna Ryan from Gonzaga University will talk about the Zag’s study abroad program in Florence, Italy. (www.gonzaga.edu). Donna will be available for one-on-one advising at a table in the Benson Lobby.
Info Session: Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS)
Steve Hutcheson, study abroad counselor from Duke University will talk about biological research stations in Costa Rica (http://www.ots.duke.edu). Also visit Steve at the OTS table in Benson.
Info Session: Syracuse University Programs
Michael Calo from Syracuse University will talk about Syracuse’s study abroad programs in Beijing, Florence, Hong Kong, Madrid, Santiago, and Strasbourg (http://suabroad.syr.edu). Visit Michael at his table in the Benson Lobby.
Info Session: Arcadia University Programs
Darci Counsell from Arcadia University’s Center for Education Abroad will lead an information session on Arcadia’s programs in Australia, China, Equatorial Guinea, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, South America, Spain, Wales, and numerous Summer Program opportunities. (http://www.arcadia.edu/cea). Also visit Darci at her advising table in the Benson Lobby.
Info Session: The John Felice Rome Center
Colleen Calvey from Loyola University Chicago will lead an information session on their program in Rome (www.luc.edu/romecenter). Elyse will also be available at her table in Benson Lobby.
Info Session: Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS)
Julia Wheeler will lead this information session on the many academic tracks at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark (www.dis.dk). She will also be available to meet with students at her table in Benson lobby.
Info Session: Institute for International Education of Students (IES)
Martha Ponce Cassani from IES will host this information session on the more than 75 programs in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, China, Ecuador, England, European Union, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, and its most popular program among SCU students in Barcelona, Spain (https://www.iesabroad.org/IES/home.html). Martha will also be available to meet with students at her table in Benson lobby.
Info Session: School for Field Studies (SFS)
Nicole Anderson from SFS will lead this information session on the array of specialized environmental studies programs that SFS offers in unique locations such as Public and Environmental Health or Wildlife Management in Kenya, Sustainable Development in Costa Rica, Marine Mammal and Coastal Ecosystems Conservation in Mexico, Tropical Rainforest Studies in Australia, and Marine Resource Management in Turks & Caicos, British West Indies (http://fieldstudies.org/). She will also be available to talk individually with students at her table in Benson Lobby.
Info Session: Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
Laura Sweet from CIEE will talk about CIEE’s study abroad programs in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, England, France, Ghana, Hungary India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Mexico, The Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Southern Carribean, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam (http://ciee.org/study.aspx). Kellie will also be available for one-on-one advising in the Benson lobby.
Info Session: The Beijing Center (TBC)
John Oronte from TBC will discuss the wide variety of courses, excursions, and student services at The Beijing Center in China (http://thebeijingcenter.org). You can also visit Greg at his table in the Benson lobby.
Info Session: Boston University (BU)
Andi Walgren will discuss BU’s engineering and science programs in Ecuador, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, and Spain (http://www.bu.edu/abroad/science/). Andi will also be available to talk individually to students at her table in Benson Lobby.
Student Forums
These workshops are led by International Ambassadors for students who are trying to compare and contrast experiences.
Student Forum: Studying in Africa and the Middle East
Santa Clara’s affiliated programs offer study abroad programs in many of the African countries including Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal, as well as Middle Eastern cities such as Amman, Jordan and Ankara, Turkey. Come and meet SCU students who studied in a number of these places. Panelists will discuss their personal experiences, helpful health and safety tips, housing options, travel possibilities, and other issues of interest to students. Participants will have time to ask questions.
Student Forum: Studying Latin America
Interested in Latin America? Did you know that SCU operates it own programs in El Salvador and Costa Rica? And that with one of Santa Clara’s affiliated programs you could study in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Peru? Come learn about these unique programs and meet SCU students who studied in a number of these countries. Panelists will discuss their personal experiences, helpful health and safety tips, housing options, travel possibilities, and other issues of interest to students. Participants will have time to ask questions.
Student Forum: Studying in Asia
Are you looking for a more unique cultural experience; perhaps one outside of western culture? Santa Clara’s affiliated programs offer studies abroad in a number of Asian countries including China, Japan, India, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. You can even participate in an SCU direct exchange and experience a full immersion in Tokyo Universities. Come learn about these unique programs and meet SCU students who studied in these countries. Panelists will discuss their personal experiences, helpful health and safety tips, housing options, travel possibilities, and other issues of interest to students. Participants will have time to ask questions.
Student Forum: Small Programs; Big Impact
Are you the type that does not want to go where everyone else is heading? Do you have the desire to be more a student and traveler of the world than a tourist headed for the most popular destinations? Ever wonder where students study if they want that “Wow, small program but incredible experience!” reaction? Come and meet students who studied in little hidden gems in El Salvador, South Africa, Senegal, Granada, Costa Rica, Prague, Denmark, Amsterdam, Turks & Caicos, Scotland, New Zealand, and many more of the numerous unique places our programs offer. If you want to follow your heart and not the crowd, come and find out how.
Student Forum: Housing Abroad, University, Off-Campus
Participants in this workshop listen to panelists from the Housing Office, Office of Student Life, and Study Abroad Office, and former study abroad students on ways to deal with issues such as how to secure university housing for the Winter 2008 term while abroad, tips on subleasing your apartment while you’re abroad, and housing options abroad.
Student Forum: Financing Your Study Abroad Program
Worried about funding your semester abroad? Did you know that the tuition for International Programs is now the same per quarter as SCU tuition, but that the room, board, and other program fees vary with location? This workshop covers all information on Study Abroad tuition and fees as well as options for funding your term(s) abroad. If you are one of the many students receiving federal and state grants, private scholarships, student loans from the SCU financial aid office, then you may want to attend this workshop and find out how your aid is applied to your term abroad, and how to prevent complications and delays with your financial aid package. Those of you looking for other ways to finance your studies abroad, find out about applying for scholarships and grants from the literally thousands of funding sources for international education in practically every field of studies.
Group Apply Sessions
These workshops are specifically for students whose program-specific applications are ready to be submitted to the International Programs Office. It gives students the chance to informally meet other students who are applying to the same program.
Group Apply: IES, Argentina
Applicants to the IES Argentina program will have a chance to meet each other and IES Argentina alumni, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: CIEE- Paris
Applicants to the CIEE Paris program will have a chance to meet each other and CIEE Paris alumni, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps in the application process. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: Loyola Beijing Center
Applicants to the Beijing Center program operated by Loyola University Chicago will have a chance to meet each other and Beijing Center alumni, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps in the application process. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: Arcadia - Bond University
Applicants to Arcadia University’s program at Bond University in Australia will have a chance to meet each other and Bond University alumni, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps in the application process. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: Arcadia – Australia
Applicants to Arcadia University’s various programs in Australia (other than Bond University) will have a chance to meet each other and Arcadia Australia alumni, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps in the application process. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: Syracuse Madrid
Applicants to the Syracuse Madrid program will have a chance to meet each other and Syracuse Madrid alumni, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps in the application process. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: Syracuse Florence
Applicants to the Syracuse Florence program will have a chance to meet each other, and Syracuse Florence alumni, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps in the application process. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: CIEE Seville
Applicants to the CIEE Seville program will have a chance to meet each other and CIEE Seville alumni, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps in the application process. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: Loyola Rome Center
Applicants to the John Felice Rome Center program operated by Loyola University Chicago will have a chance to meet each other and Rome Center alumni, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps in the application process. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: SCU Casa de la Solidaridad
Applicants to the SCU Casa de la Solidaridad program will have a chance to meet each other, submit their completed application packets, review the next steps in the application process, and meet alumni of the Casa program. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: SCU London
Applicants to the SCU London program will have a chance to meet each other and SCU London alumni, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps in the application process. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: IES Paris
Applicants to the IES Paris program will have a chance to meet each other, submit their completed application packets, review the next steps in securing a student visa, and meet alumni of the IES Program in Paris. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: IES Vienna
Applicants to the IES Vienna program will have a chance to meet each other, submit their completed application packets, review the next steps in securing a student visa, and meet alumni of the IES Program in Vienna. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: IES, Rome
Applicants to the IES Rome program will have a chance to meet each other, submit their completed application packets, review the next steps in securing a student visa, and meet alumni of the IES Program in Rome. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: IES, Barcelona
Applicants to the IES Barcelona program will have a chance to meet each other, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps in securing a student visa. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: Denmark
Applicants to the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) program at the University of Copenhagen will have a chance to meet each other and review the next steps in the application process. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Group Apply: Arcadia Florence
Applicants to Arcadia University’s program in Florence, Italy will have a chance to meet each other, submit their completed application packets, and review the next steps in the application process. Participants are required to bring all program-specific required documents (see application checklist) and their SCU transcript to this session. If you applied online, bring a printed copy of the program-specific application. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. Limited space. RSVP online to secure your spot.
Pre-Departure Orientation Workshops
The following workshops are geared toward students who have been accepted to a study abroad program.
The “Study” Part of “Study Abroad”: Succeeding in Foreign Classrooms
Depending on the program and country, schools abroad can be quite different from SCU. The organization of classes, style of lectures, and expectations of professors might be quite different from what you are used to here. A panel of international educators and former study abroad students will discuss the various ways to adapt and succeed in a variety of educational systems abroad.
Culture Shock! Being an American Abroad
A rich part of the learning experience of going abroad comes with simply being a foreigner in a new place. With the fun of learning a new world of culture comes inevitable culture shock. You will be confronted with new customs, new language, new food, new fashion, and may realize how much you take the comforts of home for granted. It’s important to know that not only will you be encountering a new culture, but you may also be confronted with the strong international opinion of Americans. A panel of experts and SCU International Ambassadors will lead a discussion based workshop dealing with the issues of coping with culture shock, gaining cultural sensitivity, and gaining a better understanding of how America is seen by other countries.
Tips on Applying For Your Student Visa
At this workshop, students will learn how to navigate the process of obtaining a Visa, from where their respective consulate is located to what documents they must have. Study abroad director, Barbara Colyar will review this important process, and SCU international ambassadors will be present to give students advice regarding these essential travel documents.
Travel Basics & Packing Tips
So many questions arise as you get ready to embark on your travels abroad. From hair dryers and outlet converters to hostels and rail passes to international student ID’s, all of these questions and more can be answered in this dynamic workshop. International ambassadors will share their travel experiences and tips as well as give practical packing advice about what you may wish you had and what you can live without.
Finances and Banking Abroad
Managing your finances abroad, from exchange rates to foreign bank accounts, to ATM charges, can be challenging. At this workshop, a panel of International Ambassadors from various locations will share their experience with these issues, and give practical advice about budgets and expenses abroad.
Staying Healthy & Staying Safe
Quite often, going abroad comes with new environments and new risks, as well as new eating and drinking habits. At this panel-based workshop, students will be able to get information about how to stay healthy and safe while traveling as well as how to make their experience abroad sickness, accident, and danger free. SCU international ambassadors will be present to lead this discussion.
Travel Writing: From Lasting Memories to Lonely Planet
Ever wonder about the best travel writers today? Ever dream of being the latest Lonely Planet or Let’s Go Travel Guide author? Prof. Jill Gould from the English Department will discuss practical tips on journaling while studying abroad, as well as how to publish your thoughts and reflections from your study abroad experiences. Come find out how to make the most of your travel journal.
Being a Woman Abroad
This is a session designed to inform and educate women about their role and their safety abroad. We will address different safety issues that women abroad face and ways for them to maintain their security and as well as increasing their awareness of different cultural gender norms, and appropriate behavior. This discussion-based panel will be led by SCU international ambassadors and other female volunteers.
Off the Beaten Path: Programs in Developing Countries
While all programs will be unique and exciting, some students like those going to developing countries in Africa or Asia, may need a different kind of workshop than those taking off for Europe. This workshop lead by international ambassadors and International Programs staff, will address the safety, travel, and communications issues for these students.
Making the most of Language Studies Abroad
Whether you are worried about surviving another language as a beginner, or wondering how to put your language major or minor to use abroad, this workshop may be of interest to you. A panel of language professors and International ambassadors will lead a discussion, based on their experiences of how to make the most of language abroad.
Calling Cards to Blogging: Keeping in Touch Abroad
Wondering how you’re going to keep in touch with family and friends abroad and at home? You will be making important decisions in the coming months about communications abroad like how you’re going to arrange a cell phone, and whether or not you will be bringing your computer with you. A panel of International Ambassadors will be present for this Q&A based workshop to give practical experience based advice for staying in touch from postcards to cell phone companies to Skype.
Re-Entry Reflection Groups
Sponsored by International Programs Office and the DISCOVER Program, these small reflection groups meet several times in the evening to provide a chance for returning study abroad students to hear and tell stories from abroad, and reflect with others on the connections between where they've been, where they are, and where they are going. The groups meet several times during the first few weeks of the Winter quarter. Students have the opportunity to sign up for any of the groups based on their schedule. Space is limited, so please sign up early.
Resumes for International Aficionados
Have you studied, worked, or volunteered abroad? Would you like to position yourself for an international career? Learn how to integrate your international experience on your resume. Find out how to communicate skills that are valued in a global market. Take away tips for approaching an international job search.
Monday, February 9, 2008
5-6 p.m. , Kennedy Commons
International Ambassadors Training
Returning study abroad students who wish to maintain their international educational leadership experiences are invited to join the International Ambassadors Training Program. Students who wish to become International Ambassadors and receive the International Leadership Certificate participate in a series of training workshops and lead a number of events during the Winter and Spring quarter.
E-mail this page
