FAQS

• Why should I study abroad?
• Will I have time to do other things this summer?
• Who is eligible to apply?
• What programs do you offer graduating seniors or those that do not need the credits?
• Where will I be living?
• Will the credits transfer?
• Will my NCAA eligibility be affected? 
• What do I get for my money?
• Is the plane ticket included?
• Do I need to provide my own insurance coverage while abroad?
• Will I be safe while abroad? 
• Will I have Internet access while abroad?
• What are the visa/passport requirements?

A chance to study and live abroad is a privileged opportunity you have as a university student in our globalized world but not one that is as readily available to athletes in college. Enter Global Players. An international education experience is a structured, safe, fun way to see the world and challenge you while giving you the best of both worlds- global academics and athletics. In the present economy, this type of experience is more valuable than ever before. Employers are looking for well-rounded candidates with strong resumes including: international travel, second language skills, work experience and community service. Global Players offers all that and more. You will increase his or her job prospects after graduating; seek personal development;broaden their horizons; and most importantly, see the world!  

Depending on the program, they run from early/mid June to late July/beginning of August and most colleges and universities get out in the middle of May, which gives you nearly a month to spend time with friends and family before coming to Europe. The same is true for your time available after the program ends. If you want to get a well-paying, fun, flexible job, be creative. For example, you could become a referee. Refs are very flexible, well-paid, and you can do it easily all year round! You can even learn the official rules of other sports you love and ref those games too. If you really want to have the experience of a lifetime with Global Players, and finances are tight for you and your family, this is a great way to make up the difference.

RISING sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students in good academic standing at an accredited college, university or graduate school who have played the sport competitively. The Global Players program is not reserved only for NCAA registered varsity athletes. Club and Community College  athletes are also welcome to apply as well as young professionals and recent graduates who have been active in competitive play.

What programs do you offer graduating seniors or those that do not need the credits?

If you are not interested in the coursework but would still like to travel, play, and coach the International Coaching Program internship is for you. Our academic partner ESAC also offers internship placement with businesses and organizations in Prague. Visit 'Intern Abroad' on the homepage for more details and to apply online today. Please keep in mind that internships are very selective.

You will be staying in a combination of hostels, dorm accommodation, apartments and home-stays to offer a broad experience and for the benefit of cultural immersion. While on the coaching and leadership focused Out of Bounds Tour, hosts will be members of the lacrosse community. 

The University of Economics in Prague is one of the top educational centers in the Czech Republic, recognized by the Ministry of Education and the European Union. During the application process and before leaving home, it is your responsibility to visit with your home institution's study abroad office and/or academic adviser to discuss the credit transfer process. We will provide you with information such as course descriptions and syllabi to assist in this process. Within 90 days after completion of the program, you will receive an official transcript for the purpose of credit transfer. Please note that credit acceptance is not guaranteed by Global Players due to the variance in credit transfer university policies, however when you follow the proper procedure, it's usually not a problem. Please see How to Apply for a step-by-step application process.

Global Players participants will not be playing or training with any teams of a professional nature nor will they receive compensation, monetary or otherwise (Sorry!). This program is also open to non-varsity sport athletes. If the coach or university compliance officer would like more information, please ask them to send us an email at info@playtheglobe.org. We will be happy to answer any questions they may have.

We offer a 4-in-1 program with Global Players' Learn, Play, Travel, Serve philosophy. The benefits of this character developing, resume-building international experience greatly outweigh the cost. Payment plans are available depending on when we receive your application and there are both Scholarship and Discount programs on offer through Global Players.The cost of the full 6-week program, including University of Economics tuition and credit transfer, is under $7,000! The Coach Abroad program costs $2875. Compare this price and what is included to any other study abroad program OR international travel team and you will not find a more comprehensive, dynamic program itinerary including athletic competition!  

• Cost includes: tournament registrations and fees, accommodation, tuition or internship placement, course materials, medical insurance transcripts, some cultural activities and excursions, team gear, a certificate of participation, professional recommendation upon  request and more! For the complete list of inclusions, check out our What's Included page.

• Cost does not include: airfare, insurance, passport/visa fees, independent city transportation, meals or personal expenses.

We will get you the most out of every dollar spent. There are resources to help guide you through the financing process such as fund raising and budget planning. Our goal is to provide an excellent value and affordable program so that anyone can be a 'global player'. 

IMPORTANT: If you currently receive financial aid and/or scholarship please check with the Financial Aid office at the university to inquire about coverage for the GP program. 

No, the cost does not include a plane ticket.  We encourage you to check with STA Travel or other student travel agencies well in advance; they can usually help you secure a student discount rate. Remember, the summer is high season for flights to Europe, so begin checking early. Consider all the options; you may find cheaper options to fly through London, Amsterdam, or Vienna depending on where you are coming in from. If you book early, however, the larger fees can be avoided which is why we recommend applying as soon as possible. Refer to our Flight Desk for further assistance planning your flight.

Yes, travel. But health insurance is covered by our program. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance in addition to medical and registering for US Lacrosse to receive added insurance for sports competition. Please refer to Terms & Conditions for details concerning insurance.

A visit to Europe should be trouble free but take normal precautions to avoid mugging, bag-snatching and pick-pocketing, especially at airports and railway stations in large cities. Also reference www.travel.state.gov for more information from the U.S. State Department.

While traveling Internet access is available at most of our accommodation and Internet Cafe's are readily available in all cities. There is 24/7 Internet access from the residence hall for a small supplemental charge (approximately $30 for four weeks of service). If you wish to have Internet, please tell the program directors in advance of your arrival and they will make every attempt to have it activated before they arrive. You will need to provide us with an active email address. In order to get email in your room, you will need to bring your own laptop with network card and standard network cable (RJ-45) to connect. It is much less expensive to buy the cable at home rather than in Prague. It is not required to bring a laptop for your program but highly recommended. If you choose not to have the Internet service in your room, there are also wireless internet cafes around the city as an alternative. It is not expensive and it is very convenient.

A passport is required but U.S. citizens can stay for up to 90 days on a tourist visa so the program dates are covered. Refer to www.travel.state.gov  for more travel tips.