Preview FAQs
When is Preview?
- London: March 13 – 20, 2010
- Scotland: March 12 – 19, 2010
- Spain: March 12 – 19, 2010
- Italy: March 12 – 19, 2010
Who is Eligible?
First year students who enter the University in spring, summer or fall of 2009 participate in the following spring semester (2010), provided they enter with less than 32 credits and maintain a minimum 1.75 GPA and remain in good disciplinary standing. Transfer students participate in the spring semester following their first semester at the University. So, in either case, students who enter the University in spring 2010 will be eligible to participate in spring 2011.
How do I sign up?
All eligible students are notified by e-mail in late September about the online registration. The deadline for Preview registration is mid-October with payment and passport copy due December 1.
How do I decide which country to go to?
Freshmen students choose from London, Scotland or Spain. Transfer students go to Italy. Freshmen will register for a first and second preference. The registration is timed, so it's first-come, first-serve and spaces are limited for Spain and Scotland. Talk with OL's, RA's and previous participants. Most Arcadia students have participated in this program! At least 60 new transfer students participate annually in Italy Preview.
Do I get credit?
Scotland, Spain and Italy Preview include a two-credit course which begins in late January and culminates in late March. Individual faculty lead the curriculum.
What's the difference between London Preview and Scotland/Spain Preview?
London is a cosmopolitan world capital that is home to 9 million. It's a city that represents a wide swath of cultures, languages and religions. Scotland Preview is based in Edinburgh, a European capital of smaller proportions than London, with easy access and a more relaxed pace and stunning scenery in surrounding towns. Spain's program will be based in Madrid and Toledo. Madrid is a key European capital and its southern European location is reflected in its arts, architecture, cuisine and culture. This is a city that is just as busy at midnight as it is at noon! Toledo is only 30 minutes from Madrid and a World Heritage Site. Its rich display of Christian, Muslim and Jewish elements along a labryinth of steep, narrow streets is set within ancient walls.
Who handles the accommodations and airfare?
The Office of International Services arranges logistics with the assistance of overseas staff in the Preview cities. Students' accommodations vary in each location, but it is clean, basic and safe. Students will be housed with one to four roommates. Arcadia books regularly scheduled airlines and departs from nearby international airports.
Who accompanies the students overseas?
Faculty and staff are selected to mentor students throughout the experience. Each mentor provides pre-departure guidance on the logistics, health and safety, passport and/or visa regulations, health concerns, costs, weather, and luggage. But, more importantly, mentors facilitate students learning basic knowledge of the country and cities they visit. Meetings before departure provide the social, political, historic and linguistic context for the trip. Students going to Italy, Scotland and London are organized into small groups, so mentors help students get acquainted. It's a great way for students to get to know a whole new circle of AU friends.
How frequently do Spain, Scotland and Italy Preview classes meet in spring semester?
Each faculty leader will announce class times and frequency in January, but expect to meet weekly.
How much does Preview cost and what does it cover?
First Year Previews in 2010 costs $495. A fee waiver is possible for students with financial hardship. Honor students are not required to pay the program fee. But they are responsible for passport/visa fees, meals, and incidental expenses. Italy Preview in 2010 costs $495. In either case, the fee covers air and ground transportation, programmed events, accommodations and breakfast.
What expenses will I have to pay for while overseas and how can I budget?
Students cover the cost of their passport (and visa, where applicable), lunch, dinner, souvenirs and individual activities. Costs will vary among sites, but $50 per day is a modest budget. Students report spending $250 to $800, depending on their habits and preferences. Remember that Scotland and England use pounds, while Italy and Spain utilize euros. Check out the exchange rates (www.oanda.com) and talk with former participants.
How can I get my money while overseas?
Students should take an ATM card that is linked to a checking account for easy access to funds and for the best exchange rate. The U.S. bank will charge fees for foreign withdrawals and it's important to notify the bank of the country and dates abroad. Credit cards (VISA or Mastercard most widely) are accepted everywhere except for smaller businesses; travellers checks are not advisable.
Will I need a visa?
At the time of writing, U.S. citizens do not require visas for short visits. Students who hold other passports need to check on requirements and the Office of International Services can help you (Taylor 110 or lspreview@arcadia.edu). Note for U.S. "green card" holders, the passport determines visa requirements.
What types of services are available for students with disabilities?
Arcadia University will support all eligible students' participation in this spring break. We will do our best to advise students about the sites and figure out which location can best accommodate a student with different needs.
What type of health and safety support is available while I'm abroad?
AU's priority is the student’s wellbeing and safety. This means that staff in the U.S. and overseas review local conditions and plan accordingly, communicate with parents when appropriate and advise students about local safety issues, health needs and preparation. Students are required to notify organizers of their health concerns before departure, so appropriate plans can be made to support individual needs. Students agree to take individual responsibility and sign a contract which identifies these responsibilities.
How can I communicate with family and friends?
Some students own U.S. cell phones that will work internationally (usually AT&T or T-Mobile), but they'll need to confirm the international rates when using it overseas. The technology changes frequently, so students need to check with their provider. Internet access is available at cyber cafes. In addition, all students will receive an international calling card upon arrival for phoning home. This will be a very short week for all.
What office is in charge of Preview, and where do I go if I have questions?
The Office of International Services in Taylor 110 directs the overseas Preview programming, and individual lead faculty members are responsible for curricular issues.
Questions?
Please call 215-572-2867 or e-mail lspreview@arcadia.edu. Further details including the itinerary will be posted on MyArcadia under "Academics." A letter and tentative itinerary will be mailed to parents after student registration in the fall semester. After the initial mailing, students are expected to communicate additional details directly with their parents.
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