Here, you will find answers to common questions about PIIRS Global Seminars, including helpful tips for preparing your application and planning your travels and finances.
Experience
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What is an average day/week like?
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Seminar and language classes are generally held 4 days/week, Monday to Thursday. Fridays may be reserved for daytrips or may be the first day of a 2- or 3-day weekend excursion.
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How long is a Global Seminar?
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Global Seminars run for 6 weeks, and participants are expected to attend the full seminar. Permission to arrive after the seminar has begun or before it ends is rarely granted.
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Can I participate in other summer programs (internships, classes, etc)?
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You may participate in other summer programs as long as they do not conflict with the Global Seminar. Global Seminars run for 6 weeks, and participants are expected to attend the full seminar. Permission to arrive after the seminar has begun or before it ends is rarely granted.
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How many students attend a Global Seminar?
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Each Global Seminar enrolls a maximum of 15 students and a minimum of 12. Three to 5 additional students from the host institution may also participate in the seminar.
Application
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When do Global Seminars' applications open?
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Global Seminar applications open in the Global Programs System (GPS) in the late fall. Look for announcements in various campus publications.
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How many students normally apply to the Global Seminars?
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Each year, the Global Seminars receive between 200 and 250 applications for 135 places in 9 seminars.
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How do I find the application in GPS?
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To find a Global Seminar application in GPS, search by an individual seminar's name or its host country and by the academic term (summer).
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What documents are included in the application?
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- Application questionnaire
- Essay
- Transcript
- Resume
- One academic letter of recommendation
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What are the next steps after submitting a Global Seminar application?
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Applicants interview with the faculty directors, usually in late February. Decision emails are then sent in early March, with a deadline of mid- to late March to reserve a place in the seminar. A nonrefundable deposit of $500 is charged to each seminar student’s account in early April.
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I am a first-year student, who may write my letter of recommendation? Can it be a high school teacher or adviser?
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Letters of recommendation must be from a Princeton faculty member, a residential college dean, or a course AI (assistant in instruction). Letters from high school faculty or former employers are not accepted.
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Can I apply to more than one Global Seminar?
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You may apply to two Global Seminars, ranking each seminar as a first or second choice. Only one application is required to apply for both seminars.
Travel
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Who books the flights abroad?
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Global Seminar students must make flight arrangements through the University's travel agency, World Travel. The Global Seminar administrators will provide the booking details.
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My passport expires a month after the seminar concludes. Is that OK?
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No. For U.S. passport holders, most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six months beyond the last day of the Global Seminar or in the host country and have at least two blank pages for a visa. US passport renewals can take 2-3 months to complete. A student holding a non-U.S. passport should check with their government’s embassy website for specific requirements.
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How do I get a passport?
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The U.S. State Department website provides detailed passport information and an application. Forms are available online or at the post office, which also may offer application processing by appointment. Processing of new US passports can take 2-3 months to complete. A student holding non-U.S. passport should contact his or her government’s embassy regarding plans for foreign travel.
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Do I need a visa?
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The Global Seminar administrator will assist students in determining the required visa documentation based on their citizenship. The seminar administrator will coordinate the submission of visa applications with CIBT, a visa expediting service.
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Can I arrive at the seminar early or leave later and stay at the seminar hotel or host dormitory for the additional days?
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The seminar housing fee collected by PIIRS covers accommodations for only the advertised dates of the seminar. Extra nights at the seminar hotel may be arranged and paid for by seminar students. Dormitories at host universities generally do not accommodate students for additional nights; students will make their own arrangements, as needed, at a local hotel and cover all expenses.
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Do I need health/travel insurance?
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Yes. All participants MUST have proof of up-to-date health/travel insurance.
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How do I learn about health concerns in the host country?
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Consult the Student Travel Medicine webpage for details
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What if I have a medical emergency abroad?
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Students are covered by International SOS through Princeton University. Details are provided in predeparture meetings and materials distributed prior to travel.
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Will I be able to purchase my preferred brand of over-the-counter medicines?
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Preferred brands of over-the-counter medications for pain, colds, digestive complaints, etc. should be purchased before travel. A supply of prescription medications (to cover slightly more than needed for the duration of the trip abroad) should also be brought from home.
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What student policies apply to the Global Seminars?
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Students shall be subject to both the host institution's code of conduct/behavior, and Princeton's rules of conduct and disciplinary procedures as described in Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities when participating in the Global Seminar.
Financial
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How much spending money should I bring?
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Each Global Seminar website provides an estimated amount for personal expenses, including entertainment, transportation, meals during free time, and local shopping.
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What is the cost of a Global Seminar?
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The cost of a Global Seminar varies by location and sometimes by subject matter. Check the specific seminar's website or contact that seminar's administrator for financial details.
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Is financial aid available for a Global Seminar? How do I apply?
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Students who receive term financial aid automatically receive funding toward the cost of a Global Seminar. Check the specific seminar's website or contact that seminar's administrator for details. Additional funding may be available through the Student Activities Funding Engine (SAFE).
Still Have Questions?
Contact information for each Global Seminar's administrator can be found on that seminar's website.