Study Abroad Office Q&A
Academics
- GPA Requirement
- Foreign Language Requirement
- Language of Instruction
- Type of Facility (Host University, Program Center etc.)
- Type of Students
- Faculty & Professors
- Accreditation & Grading Scale
- Teaching Format & Ratio
Logistics
- Program Length
- Dates & Deadlines
- Number of Participants
- Visa Information
- On-Site Services
- Program Cost
Housing
What is the GPA requirement for GP?
Our GPA requirement is a 2.5 or higher however through our application process we have to ensure that the student-athlete is prepared for the rigorous coursework of our 6-week program so we will examine the GPA further if need be.
Is there a foreign language requirement
With our current programs in Europe the only language requirement is English. We offer programs to student-athletes from non-native English speaking countries as well so in the event one applies they must pass an English language assessment for participation.
What is the language of Instruction
English.
Where are courses taught? (Host University, Program Center etc.)
All GP programs are taught at renown, accredited universities abroad. See Academic Alliances.
In order to be truly “Global” in nature and support diversity amongst our programs, we offer all programs to student-athletes from across the world. In the past our participants were in class alongside students from countries such as China, Kazakastan, Ukraine, Equador, Canada for the purpose of diversified learning. This is all in addition to other US students from across the country, both athletes and non-athletes.
The professors are both terminal and non terminal degree holders and have extensive experience in the region.
Those programs that are short term, and during the summer in Europe are measured with the European Credit Transfer System and those estimates used by the Home University to determine the equivalent, as it is relevant to that specific school. Typically our student-athletes transfer in 3 credits per course for 5ECTS credits and for those that are a 7 ECTS credit equivalent they yield 4 credits per course. See Course Credentials.
Sample Grading Scale: A: 90-100% B: 75-89% C: 60-74% D/F: 0-59%
The teaching format of our courses is a combination of lectures, projects, papers and site visits. In addition, we make sure to compliment the curriculum with dynamic cultural activities and field trips. The typical student-teacher ratio can range from 24-1 to 6-1 depending on the specific class and program.
Transcripts are provided directly from the Dean at the Host University. Important to also note that all Host Universities, we partner with are fully accredited by the Ministry of Education in that respective country. See Academic Alliances.
Is GP at least 4-6 weeks long?
All programs are 6-8 weeks with the exception of our winter term or coaching programs, which are between 2 and 4 weeks. Please refer to each Program Brochure page for a sample itinerary.
When is GP’s application deadline? Does GP accept applications on a rolling admissions basis?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but the final deadline for submission is February 15 for Prague and March 15 for all other summer programs. See Program Overview.
In order to keep effective teacher-student ratios GP enrollment is typically no more than 24 students per program with an enrollment cap at 30-40 per program.
Do student-athletes on GP need to apply for a visa?
For our current summer programs in Europe, a visa is not necessary.
Staffing: On site we have a minimum ratio of 1 Program Advisor to 10 Students and a emergency response procedure for all emergencies. For all programs there is a minimum of 2 members of staff on-site a “needs-based” team on call if the need arises. For all athletic-specific tournaments and competition there are Athletic Trainers and Emergency personnel on-site. Our International Office is located in Amsterdam and will be open on weekdays and some weekends.
Orientation: Throughout the pre-departure process student-athletes are given a packet of materials and learning content to prepare them for their upcoming experience abroad. These include but are not limited to, budget sheets, flight assistance and travel management, country-specific information, alcohol consumption and risk management information etc. On site there is an additional orientation prepared by our experience Program Directors to engage the student-athletes in a program kick off and hands on information including budgeting, traveling, further risk management, culture and basic language training and itinerary briefing
Cultural Immersion: One main focus is to teach all student-athletes how to be travelers rather than just simply tourists. This includes a great deal of cultural immersion from home-stays, competing with local clubs in their sport and a variety of different cultural activities from medieval dinners and local taste-testing to visits to Concentration Camps and museums.
Emergency Action Plan: GP aligns all Health & Safety protocol and standards with those outlined by both the Center for Global Education and the Forum on Education Abroad. In place are step-by-step procedures and a chain of command to be followed in the event of a serious injury, illness, death or other emergency connected with students abroad. To read more on our action plan click here.
All course program costs, inclusions and exclusions can be found on their respective program pages. For all but the coach abroad program, flights are NOT included in the cost of the program however through Global Players partnership with STA Travel, student-athletes secure special rates on airfare. See Dates & Prices as well as What's Included? for more information.
Student-athletes will stay in various types of housing including hostels, self-serving apartments, dorms, homestays and camping. Clean, approved hostels are the housing of choice for all tournament participation and home stays are ideal for our Out of Bounds, service weekends. For the longer duration of their studies student-athletes will be placed with other Global Players in student housing- either dorms or apartments throughout the city. Our programs aim to challenge and immerse participants in the culture by providing them with the resources to navigate the city independently or in small groups as if they were locals. Example of program Housing.
We have on-site staff that is on call to support you in making your “home away from home” comfortable. With that said, our accommodation will be a different experience so we ask as part of cultural immersion to welcome the variance from your “norm”. You may not have down pillows or Tempur-Pedic mattresses but you will have clean, well-suited, comfortable accommodation that encourages interaction with other student athletes and locals. See Emergency Action Plan for line of command with issues while abroad.
We employ a “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” philosophy when it comes to our programming. In other words, when our student-athletes are abroad we provide them with the necessary resources to travel like then locals do. In Prague, that is by tram, subway and walking. In Amsterdam, that is by bike or public transportation. The average time to class varies for each program but the average is about 20 minutes depending on the mode of transportation. It is also important to note that the “Path to Class” is part of the initial orientation so all student-athletes are clear on their daily commute.