Frequently Asked Questions About Stetson's Summer Program Click heading or question to jump to answers Q U E S T I O N S APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM When does the application selection begin? What are the criteria for selection? Is the application selection first-come, first-serve? Is this an "open enrollment" program? Is a deposit required with submission of your application? How many students will be selected to attend the summer abroad programs? ACADEMIC MATTERS Can Stetson students attend both the regular summer session and Stetson's summer abroad program? What are the academic implications regarding the early graduation requirement to spend two (2) summers at Stetson? How will I obtain my course material? How will I receive my assignments to prepare for class? How will I be examined and graded? TUITION & FEES Is financial aid available for Stetson's summer abroad programs? How do I apply for financial aid? When does my financial aid come in? How is it disbursed? What does the financial aid cover? Are there any scholarships available? Can I get an advance student loan for air fare? TRANSPORTATION & TRAVELING Do I need a passport? Do I need a visa for travel? Are students responsible for their own transportation to and from the summer program location? I understand I have to make my own travel arrangements in order to participate. Can you recommend any travel agencies? When should I arrive at the program site? When should I arrange to depart the program site? When is the final examination? I am enrolled in the Hague/Freiburg program; the program in The Hague ends on Thursday and the program in Freiburg begins on the following Monday. What should I do in the interim? HOUSING Does the fee for tuition include housing? Will the rooms in the student housing be air conditioned? Will I need to use public transportation to get from the student housing to the programs' classrooms? EQUIPMENT Should I bring my laptop to the Summer Abroad program? Should I bring an electrical converter and adapter? Is there a difference between an electrical converter and an adapter? COMMUNICATION & INTERNET CONNECTIVITY Will I need to speak a foreign language in order to participate in the program? Will there be telephones in the housing facilities that I can use to call the United States? Will I have internet access at the site? MISCELLANEOUS Do any meals come with the costs of the program? How can I launder my clothes while in the summer program? Will the classrooms be air conditioned? Are the field trips mandatory? What are the "optional" field trips? A N S W E R S APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM [back] When does the application selection begin? Brochures are available now and enrollment is open. Please stop by the International Programs Office or visit our website at http://justice.law.stetson.edu/international/summer for more information. Informational meetings on campus will be scheduled to review and answer questions. What are the criteria for selection? For maximum benefit for participant and the program, law students and lawyers must have an active interest in international law and/or interest in the host country. Is the application selection first-come, first-serve? Yes, although the available slots will initially be divided among each co-sponsoring law school. Is this an "open enrollment" program? Yes. Law students, lawyers, business persons, and others interested in any program may enroll. Is a deposit required with submission of your application? Yes. A $200 deposit for tuition and a $100 deposit for housing accommodations is due by April 1, 2008. Both deposits can be made payable in one check to Stetson University College of Law. The deposits can also be paid on-line with a Visa or MasterCard for a small fee. How many students will be selected to attend the summer abroad programs? There is a maximum limit of forty (40) students for each program. Note: for the Freiburg and Hague programs, this limit is shared to keep the joint program from growing too large when combined. ACADEMIC MATTERS [back] Can Stetson students attend both the regular summer session and Stetson's summer abroad program? Yes, but only if the summer abroad program dates do not conflict with the on-campus summer sessions, including one's final exam. What are the academic implications regarding the early graduation requirement to spend two (2) summers at Stetson? Law school traditionally encompasses six academic semesters. Two summer sessions equal one semester for purposes of accelerating graduation. Any combination of summer session courses on the campus and/or abroad that equates to at least five (5) credits during the summer will satisfy one (1) half semester for residency. How will I obtain my course material? Most of the course material needed for class work will be scanned and provided to you on a CD-ROM in advance of the program. You are free to bring the CD-ROMS with you to use during class (on your personal laptop), or you can print all or selected portions of the material at your own expense. A limited number of printed copies of the materials will be made available for purchase at their reprinting costs. Finally, two printed copies of the complete materials will also be available for use from the On-Site Resident Director of the program. These material may be "signed out" under conditions determined by the Resident Director. How will I receive my assignments to prepare for class? The assignments for the first class day of each week will be sent to you by e-mail prior to the first day of class of each week. All other assignments will be provided in class. How will I be examined and graded? Each program contains four separate one-credit hour courses. The professor for each week of the program will prepare an examination intended to be completed within one hour. All four exams will be given together from 8am to 12noon; it is the responsibility of each student to budget his or her time accordingly. Each exam will be open book, open note. The examinations may be objective, essay, or both. The professor who wrote the exam will grade the exam. There will be 100 points for each week of the program. The professors are instructed to assign a numerical grade on each examination between 0 and 100, which a score of 70 being a passing grade. A professor may, but is not required, to give up to 5 "push points" for class participation. However, the "push points" will never allow a grade to exceed 100 points per examination. The scores will then be subject to Stetson University College of Law's grade normalization procedure and a grade between 0 and 4.0 will be assigned to each student. Each student will receive a separate one (1) credit hour grade for each week of the program. TUITION & FEES [back] Is financial aid available for Stetson's summer abroad programs? Yes, both Federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS loans are available. How do I apply for financial aid? You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year at the same time that you complete your tax return. When does my financial aid come in? Loans come in 10 days before the first day of class for each program. The business office takes 1-2 days to produce the living expense check. If the student wants the living expense refund mailed, they need to provide a self-addressed stamped envelope to the business office prior to their departure. How is it disbursed? Student loan funds are available approximately ten (10) days before the first day of class. The funds will automatically be credited to your Stetson student account and you will be issued a check for any overage. What does the financial aid cover? It covers the total budgets cost of the study abroad program, including tuition, room, board, air transportation, and miscellaneous items. Personal spending money is not included. Are there any scholarships available? Stetson provides a limited number of scholarships for its students; applications are available in the International Programs Office. Students at co-sponsor institutions must contact their program advisor for the availability of scholarships at their school. Can I get an advance student loan for air fare? Yes. Please contact the Stetson Financial Aid office to sign an advance payment promissory note. TRANSPORTATION & TRAVELING [back] Do I need a passport? Yes, you must have a valid passport. Please visit the International Programs Office for more information, or visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html. Do I need a visa for travel? The only Stetson summer program that requires a visa is Tianjin, China. You must obtain a visa from the Chinese embassy or consulate in the United States to travel to China. A standard tourist visa to China is for thirty (30) days. If you plan on staying longer, you will need to make arrangements for a longer visa. More information regarding the application process is available in the International Programs Office and one the International Programs website (http://justice.law.stetson.edu/international/summer/tianjin/). Are students responsible for their own transportation to and from the summer program location? Yes. Students are responsible for their own air and ground transportation (if required) to the program's location. I understand I have to make my own travel arrangements in order to participate. Can you recommend any travel agencies? Stetson does not endorse or recommend any particular travel agency or service. Students are encouraged to shop around for reputable companies offering the best deals. There are companies like STA Travel (http://www.statravel.com/) and Student Universe (http://www.studentuniverse.com/) and others which we understand specialize in arranging student travel. However, Stetson does not have any arrangement or affiliation with such outside entities and therefore cannot assume any responsibility for the actions of any student's selected travel agency. When should I arrive at the program site? Program housing is made available the night before the first day of classes. Additionally, there is a reception and mandatory orientation for all participants the evening before classes start. When should I arrange to depart the program site? You will be required to check-out of the program housing the day of the final examinations. Stetson will attempt to arrange for late check-outs, or request space to store your luggage during the examination if late check-outs will not be possible. When is the final examination? The final examination is on the Saturday of the 4th week of the program, from 8am to noon. You will not be permitted to take your examination at an earlier date because your return travel plans conflict with the final examination. No exceptions will be made to this policy. I am enrolled in the Hague/Freiburg program; the program in The Hague ends on Thursday and the program in Freiburg begins on the following Monday. What should I do in the interim? You are free to travel. Transportation from the Hague to Freiburg is not provided by the program, nor is housing provided during this time. Note: most students travel in groups by train, which is a 4½ to 5 hours train ride for approximately $100. HOUSING [back] Does the fee for tuition include housing? No. Housing is arranged for by the school and billed separately from the tuition fee. Please see the estimated budget for the program(s) that interests you for a more complete accounting of the fees that each program entails. Will the rooms in the student housing be air conditioned? Granada, Spain: Almost all of the student rooms in the Granada program are air conditioned; however, if air conditioning is important to you, you should make sure that the room you select is air conditioned when you reserve it. Buenos Aires, Argentina: The Hotel Arenales is air conditioned. However, the program occurs during South America's mild winter, when air conditioning is typically not needed. Tianjin, China: All of the rooms in the student housing are air conditioned. Freiburg, Germany: None of the rooms in the student hotels are air conditioned. The Hague, Netherlands: None of the rooms in the student hotels are air conditioned. Will I need to use public transportation to get from the student housing to the programs' classrooms? Granada, Spain: The classroom is located within 10-15 minutes walking distance of the student housing. You will be provided directions to the classroom from the hotel during the first day of class, and directions will also be posted on the website. Buenos Aires, Argentina: The classroom is located within a 10-15 minute walk of the student housing. You will be provided directions to the classroom from the hotel during the first day of class, and directions will also be posted on the website. Additionally, taxi cabs are reasonably priced and readily available. Tianjin, China: The classroom is with a short walking distance of the student housing. Freiburg, Germany: The hotel is a 30-45 minute walk to the classroom, thus almost all students opt to use the public transportation cable cars (trams). Students can buy an unlimited pass for the trams and buses for the cost of approximately 40 euros, good for one month. The pass is also a regional card and will allow transportation to local cities by train. The classroom is located near the Landestrasse stop of the Number 1 tram. The Number 1 tram runs directly next to the hotel, and has a stop right next to the hotel. The Hague, Netherlands: The classroom is located across the street form the student housing. EQUIPMENT [back] Should I bring my laptop to the Summer Abroad program? Bringing your laptop is a matter of personal choice. A laptop can be very convenient for taking notes and staying in contact with family and friends; however, transporting a laptop can be cumbersome and result in damage or theft. Additionally, most of the countries where our program sites are located are served by electrical systems using 220-volts, rather than the 110-volt system found in the United States. While most recently manufactured computers will operate on either 110- or 220-voltage, you should ensure that your computer will operate on 220-voltage before plugging it into a 220-volt outlet otherwise you will need to buy an electrical converter. Our programs either provide limited computer access on site, or nearby the site; internet cafés are also usually conveniently located for use at one's personal expense. Should I bring an electrical converter and adapter? Absolutely. Although many stores at our program sites advertise the availability of electrical converters and adapters, they are frequently sold out of these items during the summer months. Is there a difference between an electrical converter and a shape adapter? Yes. An adapter is simply a connector that changes the plug to match a different outlet; it does not change the voltage or electrical output in any way. If your equipment (laptop, camera charger, hairdryer, razor, etc.) requires a specific voltage, you need a converter. COMMUNICATION & INTERNET CONNECTIVITY [back] Will I need to speak a foreign language in order to participate in the program? All classes will be taught in English. However, fluency in, or some knowledge of the host country's language, will be helpful (though not required). Students in the program fluent in the language of the host county will be available to assist you should it be necessary. Many residents of the host countries also have some knowledge of English. Will there be telephones in the housing facilities that I can use to call the United States? Most of the student housing options will provide pay telephones for student use. Students' from past years tell us that the most economical method of making international calls is through the use of long distance phone cards that can be purchased at airports, train stations and many newsstands. Some students purchase cell phones while abroad for their use while abroad. SIMM cards can also be purchased at most airports that can be inserted into a US cell phone to permit their operation abroad. Finally, some students prefer to use a Skype (http://www.skype.com) account through their laptop. Will I have internet access at the site? Granada, Spain: Students residing in the Hostal Costa Azul will have access to one (1) computer located in the lobby of the hotel. Free wireless access is also available in the lobby of the hotel and in individual rooms. Also, the Anexo provides wifi access in each room; and ArteVida suites offer wifi access as well. The University of Granada Law School will also makes its computer lab available without charge to our students during scheduled hours. However, you will have to be issues a personal password by the Granada Law School to use the computer lab. Buenos Aires, Argentina: A limited number of computers with internet access are available in the Business Center of the program's hotel. Students will also have access to the University of Buenos Aires Law School's computer lab without charge. To use the computer lab, students must first obtain an access code, available upon request. There are also numerous internet cafés located near the University and the program's housing. Tianjin, China: Students may obtain access to the internet at the program's housing for a minimal charge - a 100 Yuan refundable deposit. Students will also have free access to the internet at the computer lab. To use the computer lab students must first obtain an access code. Freiburg, Germany: Wireless internet access is available in the program housing in the lobby and in individual rooms. Internet access will also be available at the program facilities in the computer lab and via wireless access. To use the computer lab, students will be assigned an access code. For wireless access, your laptop must be configured for access by downloading provided software. The Hague, Netherlands: Students attending The Hague Program will have access to the computer lab at the Institute for Social Studies (ISS) during scheduled hours. To use the computer lab you must first obtain an access code. No wireless internet access is currently available at the Hague site. Once students arrive in Freiburg, wireless internet access will be available in the hotels providing housing. Internet access will also be available at the Freiburg program facilities in the computer lab and via wireless access. To use the computer lab, students will be assigned an access code. For wireless access, your laptop must be configured for access by downloading provided software. MISCELLANEOUS [back] Do any meals come with the costs of the program? Granada, Spain: No meals are provided as part of the program cost; however, you can arrange for meals at the Costa Azul at your own cost. These meals are reasonably prices. Buenos Aires, Argentina: Breakfast is included as part of the housing cost; no other meals are provided. Tianjin, China: Breakfast is included as part of the housing cost; no other meals are provided. Freiburg, Germany: Breakfast is included as part of the housing cost; no other meals are provided. Additionally, the housing has a restaurant in the lobby that provides participants with a discount, and only charges a small fee for the Sunday brunch (if one does not eat the standard breakfast which is also provided). Mensa cards may be purchased for a 7 euro refundable deposit from the student cafeteria, which provides discounts on student lunches. The Hague, Netherlands: Breakfast and lunch are provided during weekdays at the cafeteria in the ISS; these meals are part of the program costs. Dinner is not included. How can I launder my clothes while in the summer program? Granada, Spain: The student hostel, the Costa Azul, makes available a laundry program for the cost of 115 euros for the entire program. Your laundry will be delivered to your room after cleaning. This program is available for students staying in the Costa Azul and the Anexo. Students staying in the ArteVida suites have laundry machines. There are also laundromats in Granada, but they are expensive and often very busy. Buenos Aires, Argentina: There are no laundry services at the student housing. However, there are a number of laundromats within walking distance from the hotel which offer reasonable prices. Tianjin, China: no information Freiburg, Germany: None of the housing locations in Freiburg have laundromats. However, several laundromats are located in Freiburg; the on-site director can provide details on their locations. The Hague, Netherlands: A laundromat is located at the ISS; these machines operate with tokens that can be purchased at the main desk of the ISS. There are also nearby laundromats. Will the classrooms be air conditioned? None of the programs have air conditioned classrooms, which is typical of all classrooms in the host countries. However, classes are scheduled in the morning when most classrooms are cooler. Are the field trips mandatory? Under all of the programs' attendance policies, participation in fields trips which are identified as mandatory in the program's calendar of activities must be attended in order to receive academic credit in a course. Failure to attend a mandatory field trip will exclude a student from the final examination. The only exception to this policy will be for extraordinary circumstances that the student can demonstrate is beyond his or her control. What are the "optional" field trips? Most of the programs provide an optional field trip. These trips are arranged for you by the program, but they are at your expense. You may only participate in these trips if you prepay the cost of the trip with your housing and tuition payments. Stetson reserves the right to cancel any of these trips in the event the registration in each trip is insufficient to justify the trip. If a trip is cancelled, all payments made by students will be refunded.