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Split the total program cost into 13 manageable monthly installments.
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Summer 2024 in Poland & Italy

The Adventure that Will Strengthen You to Respond Generously to God’s Call

Join the John Paul II International Fellowship Program that Will Form You Spiritually, Intellectually, and In Your Humanity.

APPLY TODAY
Limited Time Offer!
Inquiry about Scholarship

13 Weeks

5 Courses

16 Credits

Retreats

Pilgrimages

Service Week

Welcome to The John Paul II Project‘s capstone program. Our International Fellowship semester represents the pinnacle of our formation experience, preparing students to respond generously to their vocations.

Launching in Summer 2024, this new version brings an enriched academic experience led by exceptional faculty who will delve into the truths about God and the human person, encompassing history, theology, ethics, psychology, and the arts.

The discovery extends beyond the classroom, as learning is woven into cultural activities and the spiritual life. St. John Paul II’s legacy guides our journey. From Poland to Italy, students engage with the arts in churches, museums, and castles, encounter the saints on pilgrimage, dialogue with locals and thought-leaders, and embark on adventures in the great outdoors.

The semester is grounded in a strong community life where students mature in life skills, friendship, and virtue through communal work, prayer, and fellowship.  We invite students to courageously open their hearts to Christ, embracing the challenges required for profound transformation.

Embark on a Journey of Learning and Spiritual Growth

✥ Courses

Immerse in intensive modules, where you can focus on one subject at a time. Engage with Krakow-based scholars and experts we’ve brought from the USA and Europe. Continue the learning in Rome, Italy, for a week-long course in the heart of the Church.

✥ Embark on Adventures

After each course, experience weekends that tie together classroom content, the particular richness of the location, and the adventure of the spiritual life. From retreats in nature to pilgrimages in historic cities, enrich your educational journey with hands-on experiences.

✥ Cultural Encounters

Experience the living culture of Poland by meeting local Polish families and encountering the performing arts. Dialogue with Europeans dedicated to building a culture of love and truth and bringing what you learn back home.

✥ Exploration

Dedicate weekends to an independent exploration of Kraków or other cities. Expand your horizons, enriching your experience and fostering a deeper understanding of the world. These discoveries are your self-discovery.

✥ Orientation

Begin your summer term with a week of human formation. Explore Polish faith and the culture that shaped Saint John Paul II. This foundation sets the tone for academic, spiritual, and personal growth throughout your journey.

✥ Embrace the Challenge

Disconnect digitally for profound in-person connections during the introductory week, retreats, and communal meals. The "device-free mode" fosters more profound connections with your peers and helps you to be more present.

✥ Accompaniment

Benefit from regular one-on-one mentorship provided by on-site directors to support your personal growth and development. These personalized guidance sessions are your compass to discern God's call to your life.

✥ Service

In Part II, live out the Gospel's call to radical service. Participate as a volunteer in an English immersion summer camp for Ukrainian refugee children in Kraków, being their guiding light and making a lasting impact on these young lives.

✥ Spiritual Life

Deepening your relationship with Jesus through an interior life. Every day starts with prayer, and every week is marked by communal Holy Hour and private Mass. Discovering the saints’ consecration to Our Lady is woven throughout the semester.

Kraków

Rome

Częstochowa

Wadowice

Warsaw

Wrocław

Tatras

Courses Descriptions

Summer 2024

John Paul II International Fellowship

“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth;
and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth...” (Pope Saint John Paul II)

PSYC | Personalist Psychology of Karol Wojtyła/John Paul II

The objective of this course is to consider the foundations of a personalist psychology within the thought of Karol Wojtyła/Pope John Paul II. Wojtyła’s Catholic anthropology is pondered in conversation with the enduring questions within psychology. Wojtyła’s theological, philosophical, and dramatic writings are analyzed for themes regarding human nature, human motivation, human development, and human personality. Wojtyła’s contributions are considered a potential unifying paradigm within the fragmented field of contemporary psychology. Furthermore, students will have a better understanding of the relevance of Wojtyła’s teachings to our current social, educational, and cultural challenges. This course offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich fabric of human psychology through the lens of this profound thinker and most outstanding spiritual leader of our times.

Professor: Keith A. Houde, Ph.D.

Meet Your Professor

PHIL | Ethics for Contemporary Issues

The objective of this course is to explore John Paul II’s ethics, which established a distinctive system of Personalism, notable in philosophy for its emphasis on the human person and its critical engagement with social issues confronting humanity. Through his teachings, we will uncover a method for addressing many pressing social issues that modern men and women face, encompassing business ethics, society, and politics. Students will delve into topics like morality, responsibility, the contemporary family, business ethics, the concept of “the common good,” solidarity, freedom, moral dilemmas, Just War Theory, the issue of evil, forgiveness, and personhood. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to study and discuss a selection of Wojtyła’s renowned texts alongside works by other prominent ethicists.

Professor: Prof. dr. hab. Władysław Zuziak

Meet Your Professor

HIST | 20th Century Central European History

The objective of this course is to explore the enduring influence of Catholicism on public life in Central Europe, tracing the region’s 20th-century history from the collapse of the Habsburg Empire in 1918 to the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989. Focusing on nations like Poland, [former] Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Ukraine, we delve into the interplay between fascism, communism, and the Catholic Church against a backdrop of increasing secularization, culminating at the Second Vatican Council. Through key figures like Blessed Emperor Karl, Václav Havel, and Pope John Paul II, we examine the political and religious transformations of Central Europe. Students will analyze primary sources, visit historical sites like Auschwitz, and gain familiarity with modern Central European history, the role of Catholicism, and contemporary academic historiography.

Professor: Samuel Trizuljak

Meet Your Professor

ART/COM/THEO | Truth & Beauty in the Eternal City

The objective of this course is to provide an overview of the progression of Christianity in Rome, beginning in the first century AD into modern times. We will look at evangelization in different periods of Church history and focus on various types and periods of art and architecture, especially at some of the giants of art, architecture, and Church history, who played a significant role in spreading the faith to the ends of the earth and in creating awe-inspiring marvels of Rome. We emphasize individual art pieces, churches, and monuments and their symbolic and liturgical meaning. All lectures involve hands-on learning in the streets of Rome. This course welcomes university students with a desire to explore the rich history and wonders of the city at the heart of our Catholic faith, expanding their knowledge of the classical, historical, and archeological aspects of the Eternal City.

Professors: John & Ashley Noronha

Meet Your Professors

THEO | John Paul II’s Theology of the Body

The objective of this course is to illuminate the spousal meaning of the body as Christ reveals it. In his texts, John Paul II elucidates the spousal meaning of the body through a reflection on three panels of a triptych: the first, an appeal to the “beginning” of the human person, consisting of three original experiences (unity, solitude, and nakedness) and the dimension of the gift, and an eschatological vision of the virginal state when man and woman “neither marry nor are given in marriage” (Mt. 22:30); the second, an appeal to the human heart through an analysis of desire, concupiscence, shame, and the purity of heart; and the third, an appeal to the “end” of the human person and the Resurrection of the Body and the Kingdom of Heaven. Lastly, the course will reflect on the sacrament of marriage, the great mystery of the union of Christ and the Church, and conjugal spirituality.

Professor: Robert Mixa

Meet Your Professor

our spiritual growth challenge

Are You Prepared?

“Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (Pope Saint John Paul II)

5 Reasons NOT to Come…

#1 You need to use a pen.

With the rise of AI, developing the capacity to think for yourself is more important now than ever. Oral exams, presentations, and in-class essays await you in tech-free classrooms. Experiencing the culture is part of international fellowship, but you’ll have to do real intellectual work, too. 

#2 Your Instagram will suffer.

We emphasize minimal digital connection for maximum personal engagement — with God and others. With some experiences, such as retreats, meal time, and orientation days being device-free, you might miss “capturing” some beautiful experiences because you’re simply too busy living them. 

#3 You’ll need to welcome risk.

Signing up for this program means you’re signing up for an adventure. While you’re expected to be an adult and take responsibility for your own needs and your attitude, you will not always be in control of what’s going on. You must be willing to surrender control and step into the unknown.

#4 There’s no customer service.

You’re not a customer, you’re a saint in the making. And you won’t be able to solve your problems by messaging a chatbot. Whether it’s a misunderstanding with a roommate or a struggle with the program, you’re expected to deal with issues as they arise face-to-face with the people involved.

#5 It’s hard and uncomfortable.

Community breakfast starts at 7:00 a.m. with a morning offering, and sometimes, you’ll be on breakfast duty to prepare it. With sharing living quarters with roommates and household chores, things are imperfect and go off-schedule. Expect the messiness of family life and the challenge to virtue.

I'll ask again... Are You Ready?

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Limited Time Offer!
Inquiry about Scholarship

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Summer 2024 John Paul II International Fellowship

“Learning to think rigorously, so as to act rightly and to serve humanity better.” (Pope Saint John Paul II)

Click on the drop-downs below to unveil each week's unique experience.

7-Week Program

A down payment of $597, followed by 12 monthly installments, each also in the amount of

$597

BEST OFFER

13-Week Program

A down payment of $897, followed by 12 monthly installments, each also in the amount of

$897

Embark on a transformative journey with our comprehensive orientation sessions, illuminating Kraków’s rich fabric, including visits to the iconic Wawel Castle and the enchanting Salt Mines. A day of pilgrimage to John Paul II‘s hometown, Wodowice, and Sanctuary awaits, followed by an enriching 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.

  • Weekend 1 (May 18 – May 19): Pentecost Weekend
    Prepare your spirit for Pentecost as you embark on a pilgrimage day trip to the Marian Shrine of Częstochowa on Saturday. Sunday invites you to relax and recreate, absorbing the serene atmosphere.

Delve into the profound insights of JPII’s vision of the human person, harmonizing the fragmented landscape of contemporary psychology.

  • Weekend 2 (May 25 – May 26): Wrocław Educational Pilgrimage
    Venture outside Kraków to explore St. Edith Stein‘s hometown, Wrocław, immersing yourself in her contributions to phenomenology.

Continue your exploration of human nature, motivation, and personality as envisioned by Wojtyła in theological, philosophical, and dramatic writings.

  • Weekend 3 (May 31 – June 2): Free Weekend
    The weekend begins on Friday afternoon, offering the freedom to relax, explore Kraków, embark on a day trip to a nearby Polish city, indulge in sports, or journey beyond borders.

Engage with the great ethical thinkers, from Aquinas to Wojtyła, and apply their teachings to pressing contemporary moral questions.

  • Weekend 4 (June 7 – June 9): Tatra Mountain Outdoor Retreat
    Embrace the spirit of Karol Wojtyła with a weekend of outdoor activities, discussions on faith, and fellowship in his beloved Tatra Mountains.

Continue your exploration of moral dilemmas in contemporary public discourse.

  • Weekend 5 (June 14 – June 16): Free Weekend
    Once again, a weekend of freedom begins on Friday afternoon. Relax, explore Kraków further, embark on a day trip, play sports, or travel abroad to a nearby country.

Dive into the history of 20th-century Europe with a focus on Poland’s pivotal role. A visit to the Auschwitz Museum is a part of the experience.

  • Weekend 6 (June 21 – June 23): Warsaw Educational Pilgrimage
    Immerse yourself in the culture, staying with host families, exploring dynamic museums, and praying at the sites of influential 20th-century saints in Warsaw.

Continue your academic exploration of critical events, ideologies, and the heroes and villains of World War II and the battle against communism that followed the war.

  • Weekend 7 (June 29 – June 30): Summer Break Begins
    Summer break begins. The world is your oyster; explore Poland and beyond.

Continue your spirited exploration until either Thursday, July 4th, if you choose to join your international fellowship classmates for the optional (add-on) Alpine Outdoor Retreat in North Italy, or Sunday, July 7th, if you’re heading straight to Rome for our next course, bypassing the outdoor retreat.

  • Weekend 8 (July 4 – July 7): Alpine Outdoor Retreat
    Partake in an epic outdoor retreat in the Alps of North Italy of hiking, prayer, and fellowship in the spirit of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, followed by a Sunday evening arrival in Rome.

Discover Rome‘s heart, where theology, metaphysics, scripture, liturgy, and history converge through the city’s expressive art and architecture. Classes entail morning and afternoon tours, occasionally delving into complex topics.

  • Weekend 9 (July 13 – July 14): From Rome to Kraków
    Saturday offers a free day to explore more of Rome or venture on a day trip to the Mediterranean Sea, Assisi, or beyond. Sunday evening brings you back to Kraków.

Delve deep into John Paul II’s theological anthropology, laying the foundation for his paramount teachings on marriage, family, and sexuality.

  • Weekend 10 (July 20 – July 21): Free Weekend
    Embrace the freedom of the weekend, with options to relax, explore, play sports, or embark on a neighboring adventure.

Continue your exploration of John Paul II’s theological anthropology, enhanced by unique site visits providing context to the Theology of the Body.

  • Weekend 11 (July 26 – July 28): Ignatian Silent Retreat
    After weeks of intensive study and travel, renew your spirit through a centuries-old tradition of Ignatian Silent Retreat, preparing you for the upcoming summer camp.

Intensive training and preparation on Monday and Tuesday set the stage for the launch of our 2024 JP2’s English Immersion Summer Camp on Wednesday. This eight-day camp runs from Wednesday, July 31st, to Wednesday, August 07th. You have the opportunity to make a difference by volunteering at the camp and offering the gift of faith to Ukrainian refugee children.

The camp concludes with your final days dedicated to wrapping up, packing, and preparing to carry the graces you’ve received into your life back home.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.
Orientation sessions, the initial discovery of Krakow, including Wawel Castle and the Salt Mines, a Pilgrimage Day to John Paul II’s hometown and sanctuary, and a 1-credit Media Analysis Workshop.

SPECIAL BONUSES

for the first 10 Enrolled Students

The first 10 students to enroll (paying the down payment; no matter for which offer), once we open the enrollment period on Thursday, December 14th, 2023, at 1 p.m. EST, will:

Get a 10% discount on your Summer 2024 John Paul II International Fellowship in Poland.

A "Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II" book, signed by the author, George Weigel.

A special gift (surprise) when you are in Poland.

APPLY TODAY
Limited Time Offer!

Understand how our International Fellowship admission process works

“The future starts today, not tomorrow.” (Pope Saint John Paul II)

Your Journey Begins Here

Our application window HAS BEEN EXTENDED until Thursday, February 29th, 2024. Do not procrastinate! Apply today!

A response from Our Team

After you apply, staff will diligently review your application within 48 hours, informing you if you were accepted into our 2024 Summer Study Abroad Program in Kraków. Acceptance means you're all set for the crucial step of enrollment.

Securing Your Spot

Community building is fundamental to our study abroad program, leading us to welcome a limited number of students each term. Therefore, once accepted, ensure your place by making your down payment during the designated enrollment period. (Learn more about the enrollment procedures below.)

Application & Enrollment Procedures

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Limited Time Offer!

1. Submit Your Application Online. Be prepared with:

  • Two references and their contact details.
  • Your physician’s name and contact details.
  • A personal statement (200-400 words) explaining your motivation to join the program.
2. We take up to 48 hours for a thorough review. Expect a call if we have questions!

3. We will email you with detailed next steps upon acceptance.

4. You will be able to enroll once you receive your acceptance email.

5. We’re here to provide information, advice, encouragement, and prayers throughout your preparation. Do not be afraid to ask!

APPLY TODAY
Limited Time Offer!

PRICING

Introducing Our Unprecedented Payment Plan for Summer 2024!

Are you dreaming of studying abroad but concerned about the cost? We’ve got you covered! With our exclusive payment plan, you can split the total program cost into 13 manageable monthly installments. That’s right, a small down payment plus 12 equal monthly payments – making your dreams within reach!

7-Week Program

All from the 7-week version, plus:

  • 3 courses + 1 workshop (10 credits)
  • Pentecost at the Shrine of Częstochowa
  • Pilgrimage to St. Edith Stein's hometown
  • Outdoor Retreat at the Tatra Mountains
  • Pilgrimage to Warsaw
  • Visit to the Auschwitz Museum
A down payment of $597, followed by 12 monthly installments, each also in the amount of

$597

APPLY TODAY
Total cost: $7,761

BEST OFFER

13-Week Program

All from the 7-week version, plus:

  • 2 additional courses (6 credits)
  • One-week summer break to explore Europe
  • Outdoor Retreat in North Italy (add-on)
  • Visit Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati's home (add-on)
  • One week of formation in Rome, Italy
  • Course on the Theology of the Body
  • 3-day Ignatian Silent Retreat
  • Service week at our annual summer camp

A down payment of $897, followed by 12 monthly installments, each also in the amount of

$897

APPLY TODAY
Limited Time Offer!

Total cost: $11,661

JP2 Project's Exclusive Refer-a-Friend Program

The More You Refer, The More You $ave!

Maximize Your Savings While Sharing the Experience!
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PROFESSORS

Meet the Summer 2024 John Paul II International Fellowship Faculty

“... and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:32)

Corinne MacDonald, M.A.

The John Paul II Project, Kraków, Poland

Corinne MacDonald, an Ave Maria University alumna, sparked her passion for her academic journey by earning a BS in Biology in 2008. She then received a Licentiate in Institutional Communications at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, where she lived for five years. After marrying Joe in 2014, they spent two years in Florida, where Corinne was pivotal in Ave Maria University’s Mother Teresa Project. In 2017, the MacDonalds founded the John Paul II Project in Kraków, where Corinne currently serves as the Director of Programs and teaches a course on modern media perceptions.

Keith A. Houde, Ph.D.

Ave Maria University, Florida, USA

Dr. Keith A. Houde, a Psychology Professor at Ave Maria University, delves into the intersection of psychology and theology. His expertise lies in theological anthropology and philosophical psychology, with a particular focus on emphasizing the psychological thought of John Paul II. Co-author of “History and Systems of Psychology (7th ed.),” Dr. Houde’s engaging lectures on The Personalist Psychology of John Paul II are a staple in the JP2 Project summer program. Students appreciate his unique blend of psychology and theology, making complex concepts accessible.

Prof. dr. hab. Władysław Zuziak

The Pontifical University of John Paul II, Kraków, Poland

Prof. Władysław Zuziak, a distinguished figure in ethics and former Rector at The Pontifical University of John Paul II, has a legacy in academia. As former Dean and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, his leadership and guidance have been instrumental. Beyond academia, he has contributed to international boards and supervised over 100 successful student dissertations. Students respect his wealth of experience and appreciate the wisdom he imparts as a Professor and Catholic priest.

Samuel Trizuljak, MS

Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic

Samuel Trizuljak, an alumnus of esteemed institutions like Cambridge and Oxford, has nurtured a profound understanding of Catholic thought. His journey led him to Charles University in Prague for his PhD, where he delved deeper into this historical realm. His dual roles as a lecturer and speechwriter showcase his versatility. His recently published book, “At Height to Depth: 33 Advice to Faithful Students,” is a testament to his commitment to student growth. Students value his engaging lectures and practical experiences.

John Noronha, MS, MA

The Truth & Beauty Project, Rome, Italy

John Noronha, a passionate engineer turned educator, blends art, theology, and technology into students’ lives. Teaching at Rome’s prestigious universities, he brings a diverse background with Master’s degrees in Engineering, Theology, and Philosophy. His transition from a corporate tech career to academia reflects his deep passion for Philosophy and Theology. John’s consultancy role for the Vatican, including the Papal Reform Commission, highlights his commitment to driving meaningful change. Students find his teachings inspiring and relevant in today’s ever-evolving world.

Ashley Noronha, MT, STL

The Truth & Beauty Project, Rome, Italy​

Ashley Noronha has been the Rome Correspondent for Relevant Radio Network since 2012. Her career spans television, commercials, voice-over narration, and hosting “Voice of the Vatican.” She notably served as a Vatican Official under Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. Since 2013, she has been a professor at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, where she created and taught the globally recognized course “Media Training for Priests.” She is passionate about aiding organizations worldwide in Conflict Resolution, Crisis Communications, Public Speaking, and Media Training

Robert Mixa

The Spe Salvi Institute, Kraków, Poland

Robert Mixa, the Executive Director and Founder of the Spe Salvi Institute, is also a history teacher based in Kraków, Poland. His journey began as a fellow at the Word on Fire Institute, where his passion for Catholic thought was ignited. He pursued a BA in philosophy at Saint Louis University. He later earned an MTS in biotechnology and ethics from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute at the Catholic University of America. Living near Kraków with his wife, Mixa continues to be deeply committed to exploring and sharing his profound understanding of Catholic philosophy and ethics with his students and the wider community.

Students attend classes at The Pontifical University of John Paul II, located adjacent to the historic Wawel Castle and Cathedral in the heart of Kraków.

Click here to check our courses

What Our Students Say

Nicholas George

Belmont Abbey College, Belmont, North Carolina, United States

Abigail Allen

Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Michigan, United States

Jacob Francois

Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas, United States

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Inquiry about Scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have any questions about our John Paul II International Fellowship? See the list below for our most frequently asked questions. If your questions are not listed here, please contact us.

When do I arrive and depart?
  • For the 7-week summer program, students should arrive in Kraków on May 12, 2024, and depart on June 29, 2024.
  • For the full 13-week summer program, students should arrive in Kraków on May 12, 2024, and depart on August 8, 2024.
No. The full 13-week program is 89 days long. US citizens may visit the European Union for up to 90 days (within 180 days) without a visa. This is important to bear in mind when making your travel plans so as to arrive in the EU early enough or stay too late. However, if you plan to stay for more than 90 days in the EU, please contact our team so they can help advise you on how best to do this.

Just about everything!

  • Rent and utilities at the JP2 Center.
  • Meals (excluding discovery days).
  • Coffee and tea at the residence.
  • Orientation materials.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Airport transportation upon arrival and departure.
  • All ground transportation in Kraków and other locations of pilgrimage or retreats form part of the program.
  • Flight from Rome to Kraków (for the extended 13-week program)
  • Tickets and tour fees for the local cultural experiences, pilgrimages, and excursions form part of the program.
  • Printing services for academic and travel purposes.
  • Access to a washing machine and laundry detergent.
  • Basic cleaning supplies and toilet paper.
  • Tuition for all classes.
  • Book rentals.
Your international flight to Kraków, Poland. Personal expenses such as souvenirs and entertainment. Any expenses during “Discovery Days.” Transportation to Rome, Italy, after summer break.
Yes! Every other weekend is free for students to explore greater Kraków, Poland, or broader Europe independently. These free weekends are part of what we call “Discovery Days.” Note that the free weekends begin by 1:00 p.m. on Friday.
Discovery Days consist of free weekends, one-half day of the educational pilgrimages, and for those doing the full 13-week program- summer break and one full day in Rome. We build in this free time for you to explore and discover the cultural and spiritual riches of the places we are visiting. As such, meals or travel during this time are the student’s responsibility. You may stay at the residence during free weekends, but all meals, starting Friday evening, will be on your own.
  • For students doing the full program (May 12 to Aug 8), there will be a break from June 29 until July 7. 
  • You are highly encouraged to travel during this break.
  • All costs for your travel during this break are on your own. 
  • Students must meet the group in Rome, Italy, for Module 4 on the evening of Sunday, July 7, for the Welcome Dinner. Transportation to Rome is the responsibility of the student.
  • Our traditional Frassati Alpine Adventure is in the footsteps of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati is offered for the second half of summer break. 
    • Students opting in for this retreat must pay an additional fee. 
    • The fee for this trip includes transportation from the Alps to Rome. In this case, the student will meet at the designated location in Turin, Italy, for the adventure.
  • You may stay at the residence during the break, but all meals and transportation will be on your own. 

Yes, you can receive credits for the classes you take in Kraków. Most of our alumni successfully received credits from their home universities, ranging from state schools, non-religiously affiliated private schools, and diversely religiously affiliated private schools. This decision depends ultimately on your home university.

It is the responsibility of the student to secure the transfer of credits with the academic department of their home university. We encourage you to discuss how the courses abroad fit into your academic plan with your academic advisor in advance. The JP2 Project team will work with you, your academic dean, the registrar, and the financial aid department regarding the transfer of credits and potential application for federal and private aid for your semester abroad.

Upon completing your courses, you may receive an official transcript from the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Kraków.

The JP2 Project team is experienced in collaborating with students from diverse majors to see how their courses abroad may fit into their academic plans. Ask us how!

It is possible for individuals who do not need academic credit for the courses to participate in our summer John Paul II International Fellowship. These may be students in university, those who have yet to begin university, or who have already graduated from college. Acceptance of these individuals is examined on a case-by-case basis. These individuals participate as “enrichment students” and must commit to doing all of the required coursework, which facilitates learning. These students may be omitted from the final exams. Those wishing to receive a certificate of completion for the courses taken must complete the final exams.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of others, you have the unique opportunity to participate in the JP2 Project International Fellowship through really significant scholarships.

We wholeheartedly encourage you to contemplate applying for this fellowship if it aligns with your aspirations and you require assistance to bring your dream to fruition.

Please keep in mind, be not afraid, and maintain faith in God’s magnificent plan designed specifically for you.

Depending on the type of financial aid you receive at your home institution, your existing financial aid may also be used for studying abroad, or you may apply for additional financial aid.

First, existing grants or scholarships typically apply to your academic year (fall and spring) and not summer programs. In general, the application for private grants or institutional scholarships is determined by the grant or scholarship provider. In other words, if you receive a scholarship directly from your home university, then it is up to your home university to decide if they will let you use those funds to pay for a international fellowship program that you would do instead of taking courses at your home institution. These cases are rare, but it is worth asking, as some students in the past have successfully been able to use their institutional scholarships and private grants to join our International Fellowship..

To apply for federal aid to an international fellowship, your home university must accept the courses you will take abroad as for-credit courses to further your degree. This means the courses abroad should count for credit, at least as general electives. In this case of receiving credit, your university must apply your existing federal aid package towards your fall or an international fellowship.

During the summer, it is possible to apply for additional federal financial aid and use these funds to pay for a summer international fellowship. The policy mentioned above applies in that you must receive credit at your home institution for these courses to receive this additional federal aid during the summer.

The JP2 Project team is experienced in working with students and the financial aid offices of their home universities in this process.

Rule

Deadline

Refund

More than 90 days before the start

Until February 13th, 2024

100% of everything paid so far

From 89 to 60 days before the start

Until March 14th, 2024

75% of everything paid so far

From 59 to 30 days before the start

Until April 13th, 2024

50% of everything paid so far

Less than 30 days before the start

After April 13th, 2024

No Refund

Students reside at the John Paul II ‘Be Not Afraid’ Center and Sanctuary in Kraków. Just a 10-minute walk from St. Faustina’s Divine Mercy Shrine, The JP2 Center is a beautiful campus dedicated to our patron saint. The housing at the JP2 Center are large, shared suites that can fit up to 10 people (of the same sex). So, yes, you will have roommates! Each suite has one to two full bathrooms, a small kitchenette, and a small washing machine. 

Lodging during excursions outside Kraków may vary from host families to rustic bunks to pilgrim hostels.

Yes! Accepted students will receive access to a more specific FAQ document and packing list upon receiving their first payment installment.

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JP2 Project’s Exclusive Refer-a-Friend Program Terms:

Earn Substantial Discounts: For each friend who mentions you as their referral on their application form and officially enrolls in our program (be accepted and pay their down payment), you’ll receive a significant 10% discount off your program fee based on their payment amount. For instance, if your friend joins the 7-week 2024 International Fellowship in Kraków at $7,761, you get a $776.10 discount. If they opt for the 13-week program at $11,661, you then enjoy a $1,166.10 reduction in your program cost.

Simple Referral Process: Ensure your friend includes your name on their application form. Once they are accepted and paid their down payment, our finance team will automatically apply the discount to your account, reducing your total cost.

The More You Refer, The More You Save: Spread the word far and wide — there’s no cap on how many friends you can bring aboard (up to our cozy limit of 30 students per program)! Each successful referral chops 10% off their program cost from your bill. Envision this: 10 friends join your chosen program, and voilà, you’re studying abroad in Poland for free!

Key Points to Remember:

Referral Integrity: 1) Refund Rule: Your discount remains valid if your referred friends maintain their enrollment and don’t request a refund. While cancellation is rare, we adjust your balance if such situations arise. 2) Fair Play Rule: If two applicants refer each other, you must decide who is referring whom. 

Extra Rewards for Overachievers: If your referrals exceed ten successful enrollments for the same program, your international fellowship will be free, and you’ll also receive any additional referral rewards as CASH! Yes, you’ve read it correctly! This extra cash is yours to enjoy during your stay in Poland. 

*** The offer is subject to change or cancellation at any time. ***

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