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School will begin Monday, January 10, 2011 and end Friday June 4, 2011. The graduation ceremony will be held Saturday, June 5, 2011.

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You must arrive two to three days prior to the first day of class so that you will have time to get settled and adjust to the new time zone. All students are required to attend the orientation course that will be held before the first day of class on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 5 pm. The duration will be approximately 3 hours. Please do NOT arrive more than three days prior to the first day because your living arrangement may not be ready yet.

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You will be placed in a Christian family who are members of the local church. You will have a room that you and another student will share. It is also a possibility that you will live with a group of students in a large house that will be rented by the school. Please let us know ahead of time if you would like to live with a particular student.

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Besides personal items, you should also bring with you:
• Bible
• Concordance
• Christian book of your choice (min. 200 pages)
• Dictionary (optional)
• Notebook, pens, pencils, etc.
• Laptop (optional)
• Photo and video camera (optional)
• Summer and winter clothes
• Towels
• Alarm clock
• Money
• Musical instrument (if you have one)
• Missionary materials (Christian movies, skits/plays, documentaries, Sunday school supplies, soundtracks)
• Driver's License
• Passport
• Green Card (Alien Resident Card)
• I-94 (White card, only if you don't have a Green Card)
• Travel Document (if you have one)
• Social Security card (original)
• Birth Certificate (only if you don't have a green card or a passport)

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If you have the opportunity to bring your own car, we strongly recommend doing so. Students who come to school are from all over the country and not everyone will have their own transportation. Students without a car will be placed with those who do have one. However, with your own car you will have more independence and you will also be able to help with transporting others. In the event that after you tell us that you are bringing your car but then, you are unable to do so due to various circumstances, immediately notify the school administration.

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Breakfast and lunch are included in the cost of tuition. They will be served in school Monday through Friday. Students are responsible for the rest of their own meals.

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The total tuition cost is $2,500 ($500 a month). This includes the cost of education, lodging, and meals (breakfast and lunch). A deposit of $500 and a registration fee of $35 must be sent with the application. The remaining balance must be paid in full prior to arrival. We accept cash, checks and credit cards. An additional $10 processing fee will be charged for each credit card payment. If your application is approved and you are accepted, however later change your mind about coming or your circumstances change, you will NOT receive a refund. If your application is denied, your deposit (but not registration fee) will be returned in full by mail. Please note that your application must be submitted by the deadline - November 30, 2010. A late fee of $100 will be applied to all applications submitted after the deadline. The cost of tuition does not include missionary trip expenses.

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Yes. Each application is carefully and individually reviewed. The final decision will be based on your goals, abilities, recommendations from your ministers and the initial phone interview.

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The temperature averages 30-55°F from January to March. In April, the thermometer reads 70-80 degrees and in May it may reach 95°F. Sunny weather is guaranteed almost every day.

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If you are arriving by airplane, you must email us your arrival information. Please include the date, time, airline company and flight number. A school representative with an SMBS sign will greet you at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and take you to your place of lodging. If you are arriving by car, SMBS representatives will meet you at the local church: Living Stream Church, 2016 Anniston Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32246.

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No. The school curriculum is so abundant with in-school and after school activities that you will not have the time to work. The school's goal is for each student to focus only on their spiritual development and fully dedicated these five months to God.

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Teachers will decide when to give out homework based on their individual teaching plan.

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Each Monday, students will have an exam on the content that was presented the prior week. Questions on the test will be available in both Russian and English languages.

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No. This intensive course does not contain breaks or time off.

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Students are accepted who are at least 18 years old.

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The school's instructors are some of the best in the world. Majority of them are Russian speaking. Lectures, tests, notes, and presentations are all offered in both Russian and English. Synchronized translation into Russian is available for all English lectures using headphones. Assignments and exams may be submitted in the language that you prefer.

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Upon successful completion of the program and all requirements, students will be awarded a Diploma of Completion.

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See the "Campus Life" section

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Yes and it will be strictly enforced. See the "Rules and Regulations" section.

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• Car wash
Involve your church's youth to help you organize a car was for fundraising.
• Sales
You can earn money by selling cookies, baked items, lunches, etc. Ask permission to hold such sales at your church, other local churches, or businesses. Ask your friends to help out.
• Turn to your church
You can ask your church to help pay part of your tuition. With your church's permission, tell them about SMBS and your future missionary trip plans.
• Advertise your missionary trip
Many churches print weekly bulletins, have websites, or publish a newspaper. You can include your missionary trip information and have a wonderful opportunity to tell them about your future plans and ways that people can donate.
• Write letters
Sending letters is one of the most effective ways to collect funds for missionary trips. On average, you can receive up to $2,500 by mailing well written letters to approximately 75 people. You think you don't know 75 people? Think again. Don't limit yourself by just family and friends. Send out letters to everyone who you can think of: friends, relatives, churches, pastors, youth leaders, businesses, Sunday school teachers, other teachers, etc.
• Business sponsorship
Often businesses reserve funds for donations and contributions. Ask your local businessmen to become your partners or to donate money for your missionary trip. Remember, they don't always have to be Christian to make a donation.
• Friends or family members
Ask your friends or family members to sponsor you for the time of your studies at SMBS. For example, find several friends who will donate $10, $20, or $50 a month. This method may cover your living costs while you are at school. Give them your bank number so they can just transfer funds or give them your address so they can mail you checks.
Form for Sponsors
I,______________________ , hereby consent to sponsor______________
monthly for the amount of $_____, throughout the duration of (date)
__________to __________.
X______________________
For people to transfer you money
Your bank:_________________________
Account number: ___________________
Routing number: ___________________
X________________________________

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If you are not fluent in Russian, don't let that scare you. Lectures, tests, notes and presentations are all offered in both Russian and English. You may complete assignments in the language that you prefer.

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Unfortunately, we don't have the opportunity to offer scholarships or any other financial help.

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This school is designed especially for young people. If you are not fluent in the Russian language, do not hesitate. You can submit assignments in either English or Russian. All of our power point presentations, notes, and exams are translated in both Russian and English languages.

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No, unfortunately we are unable to offer any scholarships or financial aid.

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Several days after graduation day we will leave to go on the missionary trip. Students will have 2-3 days for packing and they will not have the opportunity to go back home prior to leaving.

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You will need anywhere from $1,000-$1,300 for the ticket (summer season) and a minimum of $300 in cash for personal expenses. SMBS will pay for the living expenses and for food.

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Yes. They must fill out the Missionary Trip Application Form in advance.

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Each student is personally responsible for ensuring that all necessary documents are completed prior to going on the missionary trip. We strongly recommend that all documnets be ready prior to coming to school.