Study Abroad Frequently Asked Questions
FRANCE and AUSTRIA
Who can study abroad?
Students currently in 10th and 11th grade can apply for one or both of these study abroad opportunities, as travel is the summer after completing 10th and 11th. These programs are offered each year so younger students are encouraged to gather information now and plan ahead for their sophomore and junior years.
When are the programs available?
Both programs are available each year in June. Program information and applications, as well as scholarship applications, are available in the counseling office beginning in November.
Why should I study abroad?
With Saint Francis University and Bishop Guilfoyle expanding our Professor in Residence curriculum to include two study abroad programs, our students are able to take advantage of experiencing the world and their education through valuable cultural immersion.
In addition to the significant life experience of traveling to a foreign country, earning college credit and having high school study abroad on their high school transcripts gives a student a competitive edge in the college entrance process.
It is an extraordinary opportunity for a student that provides a unique learning experience that takes textbook content and fully immerses students in the actual environment and culture.
Where will I live while I’m abroad?
France: You will live in Ambialet, France a quaint village of less than 30 residents. Your home will be SFU’s restored 11th-century monastery.
Austria: You will live in Gaming, Austria in the foothills of the Austrian Alps. Here you will call the Kartause, a restored 14th-century monastery, your home.
Living is dorm-style and you will have a roommate.
What will it be like taking a course in a different country?
The college-in-high school courses will be taught by English-speaking professors. Classroom sessions will be punctuated by numerous excursions to the locations being studied including many UNESCO World Cultural sites-- experiential learning at its best!
Will I get school credits for the class I take?
Upon successful completion of your course of study, you will receive one high school elective credit and three college credits from SFU.
How will I travel to my host country?
You will start and finish your travels at the SFU campus where you will travel by bus to and from the airport. Students going to France could expect an overnight flight from Pittsburgh to Paris, a connecting flight from Paris to Toulouse, and a final bus ride to Ambialet. No matter the destination, upon arrive in your host country, you will be met by additional SFU personnel for the final leg of your trip – undeniably the most scenic bus ride you can imagine!
What happens when I first arrive in Ambialet or Gaming?
Most times arrival coincides with lunch which will be your first authentic and “home-cooked” taste of France or Austria! After lunch you will fight the urge to sleep by hiking and exploring your new village and surroundings. Avoid jet-lag on day two and beyond by staying awake the first day until dinner then going to bed. You'll awake refreshed on day 2 ready for the remainder of your trip.
Who will support me during my program? What happens if I have a medical emergency?
You will travel with two BG chaperones (or more, depending on the number of participants) as well as one SFU chaperone. Additional SFU staff are in Ambialet and Gaming.
Basic first-aid is available on site. If a student needs to see a doctor, SFU staff will make these arrangements, provide transportation, and provide translation if needed but most local doctors speak English. Travel insurance is included in the program cost.
Are scholarships available?
YES. Scholarship applications are available in the counseling office or on the study abroad web page. Scholarship applications are due approximately one week prior to the program application and deposit due date.
What’s involved in the application?
The application requires your passport number, demographic and emergency contact information, a medical release form to be completed by your doctor, and a liability waiver.
If you don’t have a passport number when completing the application, keep in mind that you need to provide this to the counseling office as soon as possible (no later than March/April) so a ticket can be ordered in your name.
What’s included in the program fee? What’s not included?
The program fee is all-inclusive while abroad. You will need spending money for food/drinks at the various airports, souvenirs, refreshment while on an excursion, and especially for ice cream at Nadine’s Café in Ambialet!
Dollars? – Euros? - What should I do about money?
The amount of spending money you take depends on your own spending habits. Some students take $200 allowing them $20 per day.
ATMs are available in the airports and larger cities you will visit and will display in English as soon as you enter your card. Currency exchange kiosks are also available in the European airports for students bringing cash. Larger stores will readily accept a credit card; smaller stores, cafes, and street vendors prefer cash.
Interested in personal fundraising? Explore options like creating your own fundraising web page or app. Student/family driven fundraising is also encouraged. Speak to Mrs. Butler if you have an idea.
What travel documents will I need before I leave?
You need a valid passport which means one that will not expire for at least 6 months after the date of your departure. If you leave on June 10 your passport expiration date must be after December 10 of that year.
Information on how to obtain your passport.
I don’t know another language. Will this be a problem?
You don’t need to speak another language to participate in a study abroad program; however, you should consider learning a few key words or phrases especially hello, please, and thank you!
How can I communicate with my friends and family?
WiFi is available at each site and easily allows for communication through apps like Skype, WhatsAPP, and Viber.
Students currently in 10th and 11th grade can apply for one or both of these study abroad opportunities, as travel is the summer after completing 10th and 11th. These programs are offered each year so younger students are encouraged to gather information now and plan ahead for their sophomore and junior years.
When are the programs available?
Both programs are available each year in June. Program information and applications, as well as scholarship applications, are available in the counseling office beginning in November.
Why should I study abroad?
With Saint Francis University and Bishop Guilfoyle expanding our Professor in Residence curriculum to include two study abroad programs, our students are able to take advantage of experiencing the world and their education through valuable cultural immersion.
In addition to the significant life experience of traveling to a foreign country, earning college credit and having high school study abroad on their high school transcripts gives a student a competitive edge in the college entrance process.
It is an extraordinary opportunity for a student that provides a unique learning experience that takes textbook content and fully immerses students in the actual environment and culture.
Where will I live while I’m abroad?
France: You will live in Ambialet, France a quaint village of less than 30 residents. Your home will be SFU’s restored 11th-century monastery.
Austria: You will live in Gaming, Austria in the foothills of the Austrian Alps. Here you will call the Kartause, a restored 14th-century monastery, your home.
Living is dorm-style and you will have a roommate.
What will it be like taking a course in a different country?
The college-in-high school courses will be taught by English-speaking professors. Classroom sessions will be punctuated by numerous excursions to the locations being studied including many UNESCO World Cultural sites-- experiential learning at its best!
Will I get school credits for the class I take?
Upon successful completion of your course of study, you will receive one high school elective credit and three college credits from SFU.
How will I travel to my host country?
You will start and finish your travels at the SFU campus where you will travel by bus to and from the airport. Students going to France could expect an overnight flight from Pittsburgh to Paris, a connecting flight from Paris to Toulouse, and a final bus ride to Ambialet. No matter the destination, upon arrive in your host country, you will be met by additional SFU personnel for the final leg of your trip – undeniably the most scenic bus ride you can imagine!
What happens when I first arrive in Ambialet or Gaming?
Most times arrival coincides with lunch which will be your first authentic and “home-cooked” taste of France or Austria! After lunch you will fight the urge to sleep by hiking and exploring your new village and surroundings. Avoid jet-lag on day two and beyond by staying awake the first day until dinner then going to bed. You'll awake refreshed on day 2 ready for the remainder of your trip.
Who will support me during my program? What happens if I have a medical emergency?
You will travel with two BG chaperones (or more, depending on the number of participants) as well as one SFU chaperone. Additional SFU staff are in Ambialet and Gaming.
Basic first-aid is available on site. If a student needs to see a doctor, SFU staff will make these arrangements, provide transportation, and provide translation if needed but most local doctors speak English. Travel insurance is included in the program cost.
Are scholarships available?
YES. Scholarship applications are available in the counseling office or on the study abroad web page. Scholarship applications are due approximately one week prior to the program application and deposit due date.
What’s involved in the application?
The application requires your passport number, demographic and emergency contact information, a medical release form to be completed by your doctor, and a liability waiver.
If you don’t have a passport number when completing the application, keep in mind that you need to provide this to the counseling office as soon as possible (no later than March/April) so a ticket can be ordered in your name.
What’s included in the program fee? What’s not included?
The program fee is all-inclusive while abroad. You will need spending money for food/drinks at the various airports, souvenirs, refreshment while on an excursion, and especially for ice cream at Nadine’s Café in Ambialet!
Dollars? – Euros? - What should I do about money?
The amount of spending money you take depends on your own spending habits. Some students take $200 allowing them $20 per day.
ATMs are available in the airports and larger cities you will visit and will display in English as soon as you enter your card. Currency exchange kiosks are also available in the European airports for students bringing cash. Larger stores will readily accept a credit card; smaller stores, cafes, and street vendors prefer cash.
Interested in personal fundraising? Explore options like creating your own fundraising web page or app. Student/family driven fundraising is also encouraged. Speak to Mrs. Butler if you have an idea.
What travel documents will I need before I leave?
You need a valid passport which means one that will not expire for at least 6 months after the date of your departure. If you leave on June 10 your passport expiration date must be after December 10 of that year.
Information on how to obtain your passport.
I don’t know another language. Will this be a problem?
You don’t need to speak another language to participate in a study abroad program; however, you should consider learning a few key words or phrases especially hello, please, and thank you!
How can I communicate with my friends and family?
WiFi is available at each site and easily allows for communication through apps like Skype, WhatsAPP, and Viber.