The Philadelphia Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I guaranteed housing? Where will I live?
For students attending either our fall/spring semester or summer programs yes we guarantee housing.  For students attending during the fall/spring semester our housing director, staff, and faculty will guide students through the housing process. With our help students will learn how to communicate with property owners, what to look for in an apartment, and how to negotiate a lease. We guarantee that every student will find an apartment with other students in one of our city’s amazing neighborhoods.  Our unique process of independent living, coupled with our support, allows each student to maximize their Philadelphia experience.  For students attending our summer program we usually house them in a local university dorm.

Will I find an internship that fits my interests?
Yes. We help every student find a placement opportunity within their field of interest.  With over 800 internship opportunities in our placement database, we can offer many career options in a variety of fields from accounting to zoology. 

How does the Placement Process work?
For students attending Prior to your arrival in Philadelphia, we’ll ask you to respond to a series of questions and to begin thinking about your interests. After orientation week has passed and you have secured housing, you’ll meet with your faculty advisor to further identify and discuss your professional objectives. Then you’ll select and interview for the internships most likely to help you meet those goals.

Are the internships paid?
No. You will receive 16 hours of academic credit from Hope College. To assure a meaningful, substantial, and productive internship experience you will work closely with your faculty advisor and placement supervisor to make sure you’re richly rewarded in hands-on work experience, professional references and a head start in the workplace.

How much does your 16-week semester-long program cost?
Expenses for your full semester in Philly are similar to what you spend on your own campus for tuition, room, board, and miscellaneous expenses. The main additional expense would be in “social” spending: restaurants, trips and other extracurricular activities.

How much does it cost to live in Philly?
Philadelphia is one of the most affordable cities on the East Coast. Expenses for your semester in Philly are similar to what you spend on your own campus for tuition, room, board, and entertainment.

Does the program have a central location?
Yes, The Philadelphia Center is located in the heart of Philadelphia, just a block from City Hall. Our facilities include seminar rooms, a computer center, a kitchenette, and a large common area.

Do I need to bring my car to Philadelphia?
Philly’s fantastic for walking and we have many great transportation options. We discourage students from bringing their cars to Philadelphia, as parking can be both difficult and expensive to obtain. If you’re interested in exploring the East Coast, the myriad of inexpensive and frequent train and bus routes should do the trick!

How do I get to Philadelphia? What do I bring? Where will I stay during Orientation?
Most students fly, make a weekend drive with their parents, or take a bus. We encourage you to pack lightly for the orientation week and send for the remainder of your belongings after you’ve obtained housing. You will stay at a hotel just one block from The Philadelphia Center during orientation.

I’m an international student. Can I still participate in your program?
Yes - in fact our internships are a great way for you to prepare for your post graduation job search. Participants must be enrolled, full-time, in an American-based college or university. Your unpaid internship will not impact your allotted OPT hours.
When should I apply to The Philadelphia Center?
Many of our participating colleges require students to apply to study off-campus by a specific date, and you’ll need to make sure your materials have been submitted to the appropriate individuals prior to that deadline.

What classes at The Center will apply to my major or required coursework?
The answer to this very important question varies widely from campus to campus. We urge you to speak with some of our friends and liaisons at your campus, and meet with your academic advisor to discover which courses best fit your needs.

Does The Center operate on a semester basis? What are the upcoming program dates?
Yes, we offer the program in the fall (roughly late August through mid December) and spring (roughly late January to early May).

Does The Philadelphia Center offer a summer program?
Yes, Learning Work is an 8-week program through which students can earn up to 8 hours of academic credit through Hope College.

What procedures should I follow in the event of an emergency?
Please keep your friends and families informed of your contact information while in Philadelphia. Cell phones are an excellent way to ensure contact with your family in the case of an emergency. We ask that you provide us, The Philadelphia Center, with updated emergency contact information so we can reach you immediately should the need should arise. We also ask that you provide contact information to your faculty advisors on your home campuses.

As part of the Philadelphia Center’s emergency management program, we use e2campus, an emergency text messaging service for students, faculty and staff.. This notification system sends emergency text messages to students’ cell phones, providing time-sensitive notification about situations that pose the chance of either significant disruption or immediate risk to the safety of the students

I have tons of questions, with whom can I speak to have them answered?
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