January Term Travel FAQ
Answers to the most common January Term Travel questions can be found here. If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact us by emailing janterm@stmarys-ca.edu
Contact the instructor by email to let them know you are interested. They should meet with you individually or may schedule another session if there is enough student interest. They will only add students to a registration approval list who have received all of the information and agreed to all of the requirements.
Links to our updated travel course offerings for Jan Term '23 page.
It varies by course. Course fees are determined by the cost of airfare/travel, accommodation, excursions, etc by destination. If you have a question about the fee for a course, email the course instructor.
Generally, each travel course takes up the entire month of January. However, each course has its own travel dates and duration.
All courses will have mandatory pre-departure meetings and possibly assignments during the fall semester. Please contact the instructor before registering for the course to discuss your options.
January Term Travel Registration will open on Monday, September 19th - 30th on the travel portal
If you are on a scheduled payment plan, you are up to date on those payments AND you have submitted the deposit, you will be cleared to register.
If you are a parent, you must be set up as an Authorized User by your student in order to pay. Authorized Users log in using the link below and follow the same instructions by going to the Deposits link (on the top menu bar) then select “Jan Term 2023” then select your travel destination. https://secure.touchnet.net:443/C21320_tsa/web
Due to travel course constraints, we are unable to extend the deadline. If you have concerns about your financial aid/loan, please contact Financial Aid as soon as possible.
Phone: (925) 631-4370 or (866) 306-0390
Email: finaid@stmarys-ca.edu
If you do not register for a travel course, your deposit will be refunded to you. However, if you waitlist for a course and are subsequently given a seat, you will be required to pay the course fee.
Yes, however, please be aware that you will be charged tuition in addition to the travel course's fee.
First-year students may travel only domestically and/or nternational courses is specifically designated for first-year students.
No, January Term travel courses are specifically for undergraduates enrolled at Saint Mary’s.
During a normal travel year, you will learn this information at the mandatory post-registration meeting. You will need to complete all of the required forms, submit your passport (international course) or ID card (local or domestic), and upload your signed Health form on the travel portal https://global.stmarys-ca.edu
You can come to the Center for International Programs Office (Dante Hall 110) or the January Term & Seminar Office in the Arcade to receive help.
Yes.
No. All U.S. Passports must be valid through August 2023. If your passport expired before then, you must renew and expedite as soon as possible. Check the State Department website and follow the steps on how to apply and/or renew passports: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html
A beneficiary is someone who would receive any sort of insurance payment in the event of an accident.
It is up to you, but generally, students name a family member as their beneficiary.
By registering for a travel course, you are agreeing to comply with all processes and deadlines. Not meeting those deadlines prevents you from traveling in January Term. If you cannot travel home to see your primary care physician, please make an appt with the campus’ Health & Wellness Center or another local travel clinic. If you are planning on going to the Health & Wellness Center, make your appointment right away in September, rather than waiting until November. They may not have open appointments at that point.
SMC’s Health & Wellness Center consults with the CDC and State Department’s recommendations for the location and the individual country’s laws.
The January Term office shares that information with the instructors and the students during the mandatory post-registration meetings. They will also be posted on our webpage once we receive the finalized lists.
Regardless of whether or not you chose to be immunized, a physician or health care provider will need to complete and sign off on your travel health form to verify that you have no medical condition precluding you from participating in January Term Travel. Please note: if the destination(s) of the course requires proof of vaccination for entry, the January Term Office will not be held liable if you are barred from entry into said location and you will be accountable for determining and being financially responsible travel accommodations in the case of said event.
No, only those traveling internationally will need to submit a passport. You may upload your student ID or driver’s license in place of the passport.
This accommodation will be at the discretion of the course instructor, and if given approval, you will need to submit the Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement to the January Term Office prior to departure.
This accommodation will be at the discretion of the course instructor, and if given approval, you will need to submit the Release and Waiver of Liability Agreement to the January Term Office prior to departure.
All traveling students are covered under the College’s insurance (ACE insurance providers) and should be treated immediately, whether they are ill or injured. Any illness or injury should be reported to the instructor who will, in turn, reach out to the emergency contacts to come up with an action plan.
If a student has an emergency (whether abroad or at home), they are advised to go to the instructor to discuss the situation and the options. They will work with the January Term Office to figure out a solution or plan.