Preview the World – Details & Guidance

There are so many amazing options to choose from! Students are encouraged to choose their top 4 options from the current list. To help you decide, attend the Study Abroad Fair, talk with instructors or past students, and review the course descriptions to see what excites you most.

Log in to your MyKnight portal and select “My Global Opportunities” from the top navigation bar. Complete the initial application questions, including ranking your top four course preferences and writing a brief personal statement explaining your interest in your preferred course.

After submitting the initial form, you will be directed to the Arcadia Abroad Portal to upload your passport and complete a required wellness form. Checklist items may take up to one hour to appear in the portal after submission. You will submit the Preview travel fee (if applicable) in your Self Service account.

Preview the World kicks off in January alongside your other courses. You’ll meet once a week to learn about your destination, explore course content, build community, and get ready for your trip. You’ll also complete assignments that connect classroom learning to your travel experience.

During Spring Break in March, you’ll fly out with your group, settle in, enjoy a welcome meal, and spend the week on excursions, cultural visits, and have some free time to explore. Your instructor will share a detailed itinerary and answer questions before and during the trip.

Back on campus, the course wraps up with a few final sessions and a showcase at Global Expo. And if the experience sparks a love for travel, study abroad advisors can help you plan your next adventure!

Applications will be reviewed after submission in September. Your placement will be sent in mid-October. Please keep an eye out for the letter in your email!

If you’re waitlisted, please continue to work on your checklist items and we’ll be in touch when a spot becomes available.

Yes. Preview the World is a 2-credit elective course.

We understand that circumstances can change. If you are considering withdrawing from Preview the World, please consult with Civic & Global Engagement as soon as possible to review your options and next steps.

Students who withdraw before December 1 are eligible for a refund of the Preview travel fee. After December 1, the fee becomes non-refundable, and students may be responsible for additional non-recoverable expenses incurred on their behalf. Students removed from the program for academic or disciplinary reasons are not eligible for refunds.

The Preview travel fee is $995. Thanks to significant university support, this cost is heavily discounted, making global experiences possible early in your Arcadia journey.

The fee includes:

• Round-trip airfare (with transportation between campus and airport)
• Transportation and accommodations during your trip
• Course activities at your destination like walking tours, museum or site tickets, workshops, etc.
• Some meals including daily breakfast, and welcome / farewell dinners

The Preview travel fee is fully waived for students who receive a federal Pell Grant

You’ll be responsible for meals, personal expenses, and souvenirs. Plan to budget around $250–$500 for the week, depending on your location and spending habits. Your instructor will provide a more detailed estimate before departure.

Other pre-departure items, like a passport, luggage, power adapters, toiletries, and weather-appropriate clothing, may also come with costs. If you have concerns about budgeting, reach out to Civic & Global Engagement. They’re available to help.

The Preview travel fee is fully waived for students who receive a federal Pell Grant, ensuring that all students, regardless of financial need, can participate in Preview the World.

If you’re unsure whether you receive a Pell Grant, check your financial aid award letter or contact your advisor. Qualified students are automatically covered, no separate application needed.

Payments are due November 1st and can be made via Self-Service or in person with Students Accounts.

If paying online through Self-Service:

• Log in to Self-Service
• Click “Finances” tab
• Click “View e-bill and pay”
• Select “Make a payment” from the left side menu
• Choose the correct payment from the “Available Items” section
• Continue through checkout process using credit card (fee applies) or electronic check (no fee)
• Keep the payment confirmation email you’ll receive once payment is submitted

If paying by in person:

• Go to the Office of Student Accounts, Kistler Hall, Room
• Request a receipt for your payment
• Send an email to globalengagement@arcadia.edu with receipt

Note: If you have an account balance of at least the amount you need to pay, you can request that transfer by emailing the Office of Student Accounts at busoffice@arcadia.edu and globalengagement@arcadia.edu.

Civic & Global Engagement and partner organizations coordinate all logistics, including booking group flights and arranging safe, shared accommodation. Your instructor will share specific details. Arcadia may modify or cancel plans for safety or logistical reasons.

• Phone: You will need a plan for how your phone will work abroad (e.g. e-SIM, limited international plan). Discuss options with your phone provider.
• Banking: You can use your ATM card to withdraw currency abroad and/or use a credit card. Just speak with your bank / credit card company before you travel.
• Global Health Insurance: All students participating in Preview the World will have access to international insurance coverage, and details will be shared before departure. This coverage is designed to support student health and safety while abroad, including access to care in case of illness or emergency.

To get a head start on the study abroad experience, apply for your passport before arriving at Arcadia.

If you do not yet have a passport, don’t worry! Many students apply for their first passport as part of Preview the World. The guidance below is provided to help you through the process.

To apply for your passport:

1. Complete the paper DS-11 application: Print the DS-11 application, read it carefully and fill in the sections accordingly.
2. Collect the additional documents you will need. You will need the original and photocopies of:
   • Proof of Citizenship: your birth certificate
   • Government Issued ID: driver’s license or state ID
   • Passport Photos: you can get passport photos taken at a pharmacy like Walgreens or CVS, or at certain passport acceptance facilities
3. Calculate your fees. You will need separate money orders or checks to pay for the following:
   
   • Application fee
   • Acceptance fee
   • Passport Photo fee (if needed)
   • Expediting fee (if needed)
4. Schedule an appointment at a passport acceptance facility. Now that you have collected everything needed for the application (the DS-11, your additional documents, photos and fees), you will need to schedule an appointment with a passport acceptance facility.
5. Send your appointment confirmation to globalengagement@arcadia.edu.

Important Deadline: November 1

• Students must provide proof of an active passport or proof of application by November 1.
• Proof of application means you have completed the DS-11, gathered your documents, and attended your passport acceptance appointment - even if you are still waiting for the passport to arrive.
• Arcadia strongly encourages students to begin this process early.

Need Help? Arcadia can help you!

• Navigating the passport process for the first time can feel overwhelming. The Civic & Global Engagement staff and Study Abroad student mentors are available to walk you through each step, answer questions, and help you feel confident submitting your application. Schedule a meeting with the team now.
• Please note: An appointment with this office is separate from your required appointment at a passport acceptance facility. The office are here to guide you through the process, not to process the passport itself.

Processing times can vary. You can find the current estimated processing time here.

Note: It can take up to 8-12 weeks to process during busier seasons though, so do not delay in starting and submitting your application! If you have questions or need help, email globalengagment@arcadia.edu - don’t wait!

For questions regarding Preview the World ahead of your admissions, email admiss@arcadia.edu.

Current students curious about their opportunities to participate in Preview the World or studying abroad, email globalengagement@arcadia.edu.

For help with payment and financing, contact busoffice@arcadia.edu.

Arcadia's Preview the World team have provided a Passport Application Guide (Google Doc) to help you through the process.

• Submit high-quality photos and videos (minimum resolution: 1200×1800 or 2MB)
• Get permission from the subject(s) of the photos/videos before submitting
• Capture the community, culture, natural beauty, and spirit of your host country
• Feel free to create vlog-style videos, such as “A Day in the Life.
• Wear Arcadia swag, if possible
• Include a caption or a description of the video/photo so all viewers can depict and describe it

• Submit photos or videos shot by someone other than you
• Enter pictures of landmarks unless you or your classmates are prominently featured.
• Send us the same subject from different angles. Be selective with your submissions
• Submit photos of cats, dogs, flowers, camels—everyone loves ’em, but we also have those here!