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York St John University Study Abroad Program

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A view of York Minster from York's city wall

What is the York St John Study Abroad program?

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YCP offers several sponsored Study Abroad programs, of which the one with York St John University in York, England is the longest standing. It is only offered during the fall semester, and students who are selected for the program by the selection committee will pay tuition directly to York St. John and only federal and state grants and loans will apply. A minimum 2.8 GPA is required for consideration in this program. Students who will be juniors during their foreign study are given preference.

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Why study abroad at York St John University?

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York St John University is conveniently placed about a block and a half from the center of York, England, with easy access to the city's cathedral (York Minster), the Shambles, the city's medieval walls and gates, and other historical and cultural highlights of this northern English city that boasts Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking and later medieval roots. York has been a center of English politics, society and culture for thousands of years, and York St John University students are able to enjoy all that the city has to offer. York is also an easy train ride from most other British cities, including Manchester and London, and close to airports for excursions further afield. York St John is a state-of-the-art institution, ever-growing and improving, and has all the facilities and amenities that YCP students expect. If you're still wondering what York St John University can offer, here is what that institution says. You can get a sneak peek of the campus in this video as well.

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How do I apply for the York St John Study Abroad program?

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The application and application process goes through YCP's Study Abroad Office. There is a generic application form for all YCP-sponsored study abroad programs available on their webpage, which can be filled out in either online or paper form, and letters of recommendation can be emailed to studyabroad@ycp.edu. Additional information, such as the Study Abroad Information Guide, available as a pdf file, and links to various scholarship opportunities, are also available on the Study Abroad webpage. Once the application and supporting materials have been submitted by the deadline, applicants go through an interview process, which largely ensures that only students really committed to and capable of international study are accepted for the program.

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I've been accepted...Now what?

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Congratulations! You are on your way to one of the most significant and fulfilling experiences of your YCP career. I know you have a lot of questions about what to expect and what to do. I am here to ensure that you prepare for your study abroad semester, so please feel free to ask me anything or talk to me about any concerns you may have. Heading abroad for several months may seem an overwhelming and stressful idea, but if you have been accepted, then you are likely more excited than apprehensive about the prospect.

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The Next Steps

 

  • If you do not already have a valid passport (it must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in England!), start the application process ASAP. It may take several months to obtain a passport, and you will need this for your York St John University application.

  • Attend a mandatory informational meeting in February (specifics will be distributed early in the spring term). We will be going over some of the more important details that will affect not only your study abroad semester in York, UK, but also the steps you will need to take in order to ensure a smooth transition back to YCP for the following spring term. People will be on hand to answer questions about housing, financial aid, and course transfers.

  • Your application for off-campus study must be submitted to the Registrar's Office and your $100 study abroad fee paid to the Business Office by early April.

  • Remember that you are responsible for submitting the York St John University study abroad application and supporting documents DIRECTLY TO THAT INSTITUTION, and they must be received by the end of April. York St John University will email you a link to the actual application with instructions. Be mindful that while in the UK, you will be on a standard visitor visa, which carries certain restrictions. You will not be able to get a job, and may only stay six months in the UK. You will acquire the visa when arriving at the UK airport, and you'll need to show your York St John University acceptance letter at that time.

  • Before you depart for the UK, it is a good idea to register with the US State Department. It is an issue of accountability (i.e. our government knows where you are and has emergency contact information) as well as safety (i.e. you will receive whatever travel alerts may be posted directly).

  • It is also a good idea to acquire travel/evacuation insurance.

 

As you prepare for your study abroad experience in the UK, there are many questions that will likely arise. York St John has some very helpful webpages with information for their international students. Please look through the following sites:

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There are many other helpful resources online.

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My time abroad, plus the experience of other students who have studied abroad, has provided a wealth of additional pieces of advice or things to consider.

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  • Consider investing in a student identification card, such as an International Student Exchange card or International Student ID Card, which provide travel and other discounts to students traveling abroad, serve as internationally-recognized identification, and can even provide international insurance coverage.

  • Ensure that you bring a few passport-sized pictures of yourself for identification purposes; you may find them useful for documentation abroad.

  • Plan to fly into Manchester rather than London. York St John University offers a free, although limited, collection service that must be reserved in advance through their webpage. Even if this service is not practical or convenient, there is a direct train from Manchester Airport to York.

  • Be judicious about how much luggage you bring with you, especially if you plan to travel either before or after your semester at York St John. While British trains are generally equipped with storage compartments for large luggage, space is limited and not all rail stations are easily maneuverable (some have only stairs).

  • Keep in mind that England, on average, is more moderate of temperature than much of the US, but can be wetter. Ensure that you either bring or purchase on arrival a good umbrella and suitable footwear.

  • YCP students normally take only three courses while at York St John University. This is partly because of difference in credit counts and course rigor.

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