Academics
Third Semester
In addition to rigorous, college-preparatory coursework, St. Augustine Prep students participate in a variety of unique programs that complement their academic studies and prepare them to be contributory members of their world.
St. Augustine’s Third Semester program is an innovative academic experience that fosters empathy and global engagement. All freshmen, sophomore, and junior students are required to participate annually in one of these unique courses that complement their academic studies and prepare them to be contributory members of their world. These courses offer Prep students an opportunity to study in an immersive environment which may include foreign and domestic travel, practical or professional study, social work, or intense academic research.
EF Tours, with over 55 years of experience, is the Prep’s educational travel and safety partner.
For both international and domestic travel, EF tours provide policies to maintain students’ health and well-being in keeping with the policies of the governments of the destinations. St Augustine Prep will follow the policies communicated by EF Tours, which may be subject to changes that are outside of our control.
Currently, for international travel, vaccinations are required for both the Galapagos Island and the Costa Rica courses.
With respect to domestic travel, vaccinations are not required at this time, but this policy is subject to change in an event that the destination(s) alter requirements.
All participants are encouraged to get vaccinated for all overnight travel.
Travel during the COVID-19 pandemic involves certain inherent risks related to the chance of being exposed to and/or contracting Covid 19. To read EF’s Covid care promise, please go to https://www.efexploreamerica.com/health-and-safety#covid-care
With this in mind, all participants in NON-EF Tours are required to purchase vaccination insurance and provide proof of purchase by March 10, 2023. Please review https://www.cat70.com/ to select your insurance or find suitable alternative coverage.
Per the U.S. State Department passports must have 6 months of validity remaining on them to use for travel. Therefore, if a passport is set to expire at any point in 2023, it must be renewed prior to travel on Third Semester trips in May and June of 2023.
Renewal dates are subject to your particular trip, but EF generally requires passport information 110 days before departure.
If, at any time up to 110 days prior to departure, you decide that you no longer wish to travel, you have two options:
- Receive a refund from EF, except for $500 (due to the need to reserve a flight and other travel accommodations)
- Transfer your money (100%) into a voucher that can be used on a trip in 2024
Additionally, if travel conditions change due to COVID-related issues within the 110-day window and the scheduled trips are forced to postpone or reschedule, the same options (refund or voucher) will remain in place. These policies are explained in full under EF’s Peace of Mind Program.
Please note: Students traveling on non-EF tours are required to purchase Private Trip Insurance. Information will be provided by the lead teacher of those non-EF tours.
EF Domestic Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 1-888-333-9756 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
EF International Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 1-800-665-5364 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
All international courses are only open to underclassmen, seniors may not register for these courses at this time. Third Semester trips are for students only, parents are not permitted to accompany any of the courses listed.
Click the drop-down menu below to view course descriptions for the Academic Year 2022-2023
Please note: ALL EF Tours require a $95 registration via their course link
Unless otherwise noted in description, course fees are to be paid-in-full at the time of registration.
All students are placed on a waiting list to assure that there are enough participants to run the course. Students will be notified once Third Semester registrations have been completed
Price: $4,264
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Course Minimum: 15
Dates: (Tentative) June 1 – June 9, 2023
Registration: www.eftours.com/
Description: Explore the Emerald Isle and see the sights as old as history. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin as well as Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Stroll through St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of the city, and learn traditional songs of Ireland.
Tour the city of Galway, the River Corrib, and the Bowling Green with an excursion to Connemara where the famed Connemara marble is mined. Stand on the Cliff of Moher overlooking the vast ocean, then onto Bunratty Castle, an ancient Viking outpost dating back to 970 AD. The region of Killarney is filled with adventure – the majestic Ring of Kerry with its castles and 19th-century villages and an old-fashioned sheep dog demonstration. Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, tour the city of Cork and see the National Horse Farm in Kildare. So much to see and do on our 9-day getaway to ancient Ireland.
Click to View Sample Itinerary
EF International Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 888-665-5364 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
Price: $4,724
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Course Minimum: 15 Students
Dates: (Tentative) June 1 – June 9, 2023
Registration: www.eftours.com/
Description: Take a tour of Quito – the capital of Ecuador. Take an excursion to the equatorial line, visit the Intiñan Museum and witness the natural forces at work near the equator. Fly to Baltra Island & see the Twin Craters and the Lava Tunnels, and see wild tortoises of the Santa Cruz Highlands at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Travel by boat to Isabela Island to visit a pink flamingo habitat and a tortoise breeding center. Take a boat excursion to the Tintoreras Lava Islet and go snorkeling. Travel by boat to Santa Cruz Island and swim at Las Grietas canyon and Visit the Playa de los Alemanes Beach. Travel by boat to San Cristóbal Island & Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, hike Tijeretas Hill, and go snorkeling at La Loberia Beach. Fly back to Quito and take a day trip to Otavalo to enjoy a demonstration from a local artisan, and finally visit a waterfall in Cotacachi.
Click to View Sample Itinerary
EF International Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 888-665-5364 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
Price: $4,089
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Course Minimum: 15 Students
Dates: (Tentative) June 1 – June 9, 2023
Registration: This course has reached capacity
Description: Journey into the heart of Central America as you experience Costa Rica and Panama. Begin in Costa Rica, where you’ll discover the volcanic Arenal region and the rich wildlife of Rincón de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste. Activities such as snorkeling and Zip Lining During your time in Panama, explore the area’s abundant flora and fauna at the Biomuseo and see one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal.Take a boat ride on Gatun Lake in the Panama Canal
Click to View Sample Itinerary
EF International Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 888-665-5364 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
Price: $3,995
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: (Tentative) June 1, 2023 to June 8, 2023
Registration: www.
Description: Exploration of the Cities and surrounding nature of the Pacific Northwest (Vancouver, Seattle and Portland). In the cities, exploring the art, culture and personality of each city as well as experiencing the unique ecology of the area. Sites to include: Capilano Canyon Suspension Bridge, Space Needle Observation Deck. Amazon Headquarters, ferry to Bainbridge Island and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Click to View Sample Itinerary
EF Domestic Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 888-333-9756 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
Price: $3,900
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: (Tentative) June 1, 2023 to June 6, 2023
Registration: www.efexploreamerica.
Description: Hawaii is home to archaeological sites, volcanic cones, lush marine life and World War II memorials. Discover Hawaii’s royal beginnings and Polynesian traditions with a traditional luau dinner. Visits include USS Arizona Memorial – USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park – USS Missouri Memorial – Diamond Head- Waikiki and Waimea Valley
Click to View Sample Itinerary
EF Domestic Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 888-333-9756 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
Price: $2,845
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: (Tentative) June 1, 2023 to June 7, 2023
Registration: This course has reached capacity
Description: Introduction to the diverse and fascinating ecosystems of Puerto Rico—where Spanish, African, and Taino influences come together to create a uniquely vibrant culture. Activities include: a guided tour of Old San Juan and visit El Morro, the oldest Spanish fortification in the Caribbean and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Snorkeling along sandy beaches, and exploring the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. (El Yunque) and Puerto Rico’s unique cave systems, Camuy Caverns. Visit the Cabo Rojo Salt Flats, an unexpectedly pink-hued wildlife refuge, and take a boat tour of the bioluminescent bay which contains illuminating microscopic marine plankton that gives the bay its glow
Click to View Sample Itinerary
EF Domestic Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 888-333-9756 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
Price: $2,845
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: (Tentative) June 1, 2023 to June 6, 2023
Registration: www.efexploreamerica.
Description: Become immersed in the beauty of the American West while traveling to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Page, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon National Park. Experience these geographical wonders first hand through tours and hikes, learn more about the history of the parks, park conservation, and the cultures of the people in the surrounding areas
Click to View Sample Itinerary
EF Domestic Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 888-333-9756 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
Price: $2,500 ($500 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 29, 2023 to June 3, 2023
Registration: TBA
Description: Get a better understanding of how Computer science supports conservation of wildlife and of the environment by visiting the Rockies Museum and The American Computer Robotics Museum. Tour Montana State University and see the Conservation of Biology and Ecology program, Fish and Wildlife Ecology, and Water Resources management. Tour Yellowstone by hiking, horseback riding and taking an ATV ride through the park. Other activities include zipling, water tubing in Madison River, and get to know some real cowboys in a rodeo
Price: $2,427 ($500 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to Freshmen and Sophomores only (No Juniors or Seniors)
Dates: May 31,2023 to June 5, 2023
Registration: TBA
Description: Participants will explore leadership strategies, techniques and behaviors that set Walt Disney World® Parks and Resorts leaders apart from all the rest as well as provoke career planning, goal setting and independence. This program offers practical training for students who aim to be productive leaders in their communities and careers. Students will listen to presentations given by Disney Leadership Teams and Disney Imagineers through Disney’s “Yes” program and seminars.
Roundtrip Airfare + 2 Meals Per Day — Snacks will be provided
- Disney Leadership Seminar Program
- Marketing is Universal
- Team Building Program
- Stay at Contemporary Resort
- 3-Day Ultimate Park Hopper Disney
- 2-Day Universal Pass
Price: $1,965
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: (Tentative) June 1, 2023 – June 4, 2023
Registration: www.
Description: Explore American history in our nation’s capital before standing on the fields where Union and Confederate forces clashed in the Civil War’s most pivotal battle—and where President Lincoln delivered his famous address Activities include: Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, the Smithsonian museum, Lincoln Memorial,
Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Gettysburg National Military Park, Visit Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon and Explore the Tidal Basin
Click to View Sample Itinerary
EF Domestic Traveler Support phone number (to enroll by phone or for all outstanding questions that aren’t answered in the parent guide): 888-333-9756 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
Price: $1,550 ($500 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: March 14-16, 2023 (Atlantic City); May 28, 2023 – June 2, 2023 (Las Vegas)
Registration: TBA
Description: Compare the socio-economic impact of casino gambling in Las Vegas and AC. Three days in Atlantic City – March 14- March 16 (Golden Nugget, Ocean Casino and The Borgata). Six days in Las Vegas – May 28 – June 2 –Tour the Mirage, Treasure Island, the Bellagio, the Venetian and the Palazzo Suites. Tour of UNLV and Hoover Dam included.
Price: $1,500 ($500 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 30-June 2 (On Campus); June 3- 4 (Philadelphia); June 5 – June 9 (Washington D.C.)
Registration: TBA
Description: What was our country built upon? How were our Constitutional Laws laid out? Learn the richness of the ins and outs of what and how our country developed its governing body. Take a tour and inside look of Independence Hall in Philadelphia then travel to Our country’s capital in Washington,DC for visits to the Supreme Court, Arlington National Cemetery and the Smithsonian.
Price: $1,150 ($500 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023
Registration: TBA
Description: Travel the world through the culinary experience of a lifetime! Learn from outstanding chefs from Atlantic Cape Community College about proper nutrition, sanitation, recipes that make your mouth water as well as career opportunities! This hands-on learning experience lets you cook and eat everything every day (pasta, meats, poultry, and desserts!) culminating in a banquet luncheon you prepare for your invited guests
Price: $900 ($300 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023
Description: Examine the early life of our national, most reverend Founding Father. We will begin with the birthplace at Pope’s Creek, Va., and explore the formative years as a young surveyor and the strong influence of his half-brother Lawrence on molding his character. Finally, we will travel to Western Pa to experience George Washington’s first military experience in the French and Indian War
Price: $600 ($300 deposit due at registration)
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Lead Teacher: TBA
Dates: May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023
Registration: TBA
Description: Explore nature through overnight camping stays at Bass River State Park, and day trips from the Prep. Activities will include a 3-4 day camping excursion, a nature tour at Woodford Cedar Run, a Kayak tour out of the Wetlands institute in Stone Harbor, as well as Kayak and Nature Trail tours, and other various Nature/Wildlife locations in South Jersey.
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: Dates TBD on Saturday in April/May Habitat for Humanity construction site; May 30, 2023 – June 2, 2023 Site clean-up
Registration: TBA
Description: “Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward our vision by building strength, stability and self-reliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.” Learn to work together to serve others in their local community, to strengthen empathy for others, to learn practical skills and expand your knowledge of housing in the U.S.
Price: $500
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023
Registration: TBA
Description: Canoe and Kayak from Weymouth to Great Egg Harbor Bay in 4 man teams. Learn the basic skills of tent camping and river travel in supervised parks. No equipment or experience necessary to enjoy chilling.
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023
Registration: TBA
Description: In this Third Semester, we will be traveling off-campus daily to provide meaningful service to the community. Everyday will be at a different location than the one before. Last year’s activities included Vineland Veterans Home, Cumberland County ASPCA, Funny Farm Animal Rescue, Ocean Beach Cleanup, Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor and the Sisters of Saint Joseph Community Center (Camden) and Catholic Charities (Atlantic City). These will likely happen again, as well as other opportunities. Students will be back at the Prep in time for the afternoon bus home.
Price: $400
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: December 9-10, 2022/Jan. 2023 (TBA)
Registration: TBA
Description: December 9-10 with transportation/hotel stay event/exhibit tickets and dinner included PLUS January weekend TBD w/ transportation and Hotel stay event. Activities include: Colonial Era walking tour w/Colonial group lunch; Museum of the American Revolution; Constitution Center; Independence Hall; Eastern State Penitentiary; Dinner at Rittenhouse Square, Penn/Drexel College tours and City Series Basketball game at the Palestra
Price: $300
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Registration: TBA
Dates: May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023
Description: To appreciate the beauty and historical heritage in our back yard let’s visit several museums in and around the Philadelphia area (Philadelphia Museum of Art, Jewish History Museum, African American Museum, Mutter Museum, Drexel Museum of Natural Science, Eastern State Penitentiary, Franklin Museum etc..)
Price includes- Easy transportation via Patco 5-day Museum Pass and lunch
Price: $250
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Registration: TBA
Description: Learn to code for game design. Either 2d, MOD Creation or 3D gaming coding available. The choice will be driven by the majority. Develop, create, collaborate, and complete a self-driven coded product; lending itself to all levels of creativity and learning.
Price: $150
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Registration: TBA
Description: Goals: to be able to deal with adversity with physical and mental challenges by working as a team to complete these challenges and learn how to lead, and follow.Activities to include various obstacle courses, mind games, and wall climbing
Price: $250
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Registration: TBA
Description:How does popular media portray ancient cultures and societies? How do these portrayals change over time? How did ancient societies depict themselves in
their own art? Learn to critically examine the depictions of three ancient societies in popular media from the 1960s through to today. Compare and contrast movie depictions with primary text source material, evaluating not only the historicity of the films viewed but also their production and specific cultural contexts. Visits to major museum collections of art and artifacts such as the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Philadelphia, from the target societies in order to experience in person the art produced by ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome are included.
Price: $200
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Registration: TBA
Description:Learn different forms of exercising that YOU can use to live a healthy life. Locations to include Campus, local gyms and studios
Price: $150
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Registration: TBA
Description: Are you torn between the arts, sciences, and humanities? Do you see yourself as a writer, thinker, inventor, scientist, architect, athlete, activist, and creative soul? Do you aim to be a “Renaissance Man” of your time? Follow Benjamin Franklin through Philadelphia and by his example, for he was the quintessence of a Renaissance Man who left a legacy in several fields of thought, study, and exploration. Visit historical sites in Philadelphia associated with this figure, such as the Benjamin Franklin Museum, Independence Hall and Liberty Bell Center, Philosophical Hall and the American Philosophical Society, The Franklin Institute, and Christ Church Burial Ground. Follow Franklin by sampling the 18th-century fare, trying our hand at popular games and instruments of his time, and simulating his writing style. After a few days of exploration in the city, you will return to campus to brainstorm and build inventions or prototypes, practice a new art or craft, or explore an entirely new subject or field. Think: Franklin meets Shark Tank! How would Franklin fare today?
Price: $175
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Registration: TBA
Description: Learn about some of the law enforcement agencies of NJ, their responsibilities, specialized career paths, hiring requirements, physical requirements, critical incident responses and the dangers and and risks associated with police work. Activities to include a visit to the State Police museum in Trenton, guest speakers either on campus or on location where feasible from aviation, investigation arson and bomb units, major crimes/ homicide units, narcotics and undercover units.
Price: $150
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Registration: TBA
Description: Discuss major turning points and battles in World War II and the weapons used. Become a commander and construct a background diagram of a battle. Learn to strategize and utilize Air Brush painting to complete the construction of your specific models.
Price: $175
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Registration: TBA
Description: Students will gain insight to the full process of professional mural design through theory and practice. The course will begin with an overview of basic principles of art and design (no previous art experience necessary!) and a brief look into the history of mural design within the context of public art. Students will collaborate with one another through the creative process to design and produce a large mural on The Prep’s campus.
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Registration: TBA
Dates: May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023
Description: Enter the thrilling world of film noir, featuring private detectives and femme fatales, murder, scandal, and betrayal! Explore the political, philosophical and artistic elements which shaped this form of cinema and gain an appreciation for classic Hollywood movies.
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023
Registration: TBA
Description: Community Service – learning the logistics of campus maintenance and assisting in the upkeep of gardens, fields, classrooms and offices. Learn how to work with and operate a variety of tools and equipment which will transfer to home repairs
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023
Registration: In-Person
Description: The American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels is a man who is undoubtedly a Legendary storyteller. What makes him Tick?
Compare and contrast how the characters and themes are developed in two different mediums from hits such as Misery, Delores Claiborne, the Green Mile, The Shining, the Body and Stand by Me.
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023
Registration: TBA
Description: Become a Uker! Learn how to read basic Ukulele Tablature and chords. By the end of the course,You will be able to accompany yourself using chords and characteristic strumming techniques to play a variety of music. The course will include a short history of American Pop Music from the 50’s -Present.
Price: No Cost
Student Eligibility: Open to underclassmen only (No Seniors)
Dates: May 30, 2023 – June 9, 2023
Registration: TBA
Description: In this course, students are exposed to the background of coaching and what it takes to be a coach. Hear lectures from coaches from all levels on what it takes to be successful. Learn how philosophies vary between high school and college, between different sports, and from coach to coach.
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A look back at Third Semester 2021-2022
Click below for highlights of last year’s Third Semester Program
Signature Programs at St. Augustine
Caritas Project
The Caritas Program is a service-oriented requirement of 100 or more hours through which rising seniors enrich the local and/or global community. Projects are entirely student-designed and student-driven and may be completed individually or in small groups. Recent endeavors include Costa Rica Lacrosse & Service, Summertime Swing Music Tour, and The Garden Project at St. Mary School.
Unitas Program
The relationship between teacher and student is vital to nurturing curiosity and a passion for learning at St. Augustine. Unitas connects freshmen with faculty advisors who support their students in their quest for knowledge.
Third Semester
The Third Semester Program allows underclassmen to become students of the world outside the classroom. Whether engaged in learning opportunities locally or internationally, students are forever changed by these dynamic experiences.
