General:

What is the purpose of FASPE?
The purpose of FASPE is to inform students’ personal and professional lives through a structured program of study that uses the role of their chosen professions in Nazi Germany and the Holocaust as a backdrop for the consideration of contemporary ethical issues.

Who is FASPE for?
FASPE is for students in medical, law, seminary, and journalism graduate programs.

What programs does FASPE have in 2012 and when will they be held?
2012 application-based programs are for medical, law, seminary, and journalism students. The tentative dates for FASPE Law and FASPE Journalism are May 20 – June 1, 2012.  The tentative dates for FASPE Medical and FASPE Seminary are June 17 – June 29, 2012. 

How long is the FASPE program?
FASPE runs for 12 days, with two days in New York, three days in Germany, and seven days in Poland. Program locations include the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York, the House of the Wannsee Conference in Berlin, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim, Poland.

How many students take part in FASPE?
12 to 15 FASPE Fellows are accepted annually for each program.

Who leads the FASPE programs?

FASPE is led by the staff of the Museum of Jewish Heritage in conjunction with prestigious scholars.  The 2011 FASPE Law program was led by Professor Robert Burt of Yale Law School. The 2011 FASPE Medical program was led by Professor Mark Mercurio of Yale Medical School.  The 2011 FASPE Seminary program was led by Father John Langan, Professor Michael Goldman, and Professor LeRoy Walters, all of Georgetown University.  The 2011 FASPE Journalism program was led by Profs. Ari Goldman and Andie Tucher of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

What is the relationship of FASPE to Yale, Georgetown, and Columbia universities?
FASPE curricula were designed in collaboration with professors from Yale, Georgetown, and Columbia universities. FASPE programs are open to students from universities around the world.

How much does the program cost?
All program costs, including international and European travel, lodging, and food are covered.  Fellows are responsible for their own travel to and from New York at the beginning and end of the trip.  FASPE does not preclude any person from participating due to financial need.  Financial aid is available.

I’m a professor with expertise in this field and would like to contribute educationally to FASPE. Is this possible?
Staff welcomes input from experienced professors who have a desire to contribute their knowledge or time to the program. Please email Thorin Tritter at TTritter@mjhnyc.org.

I’d like to support FASPE; how can I do this?
General support is greatly appreciated. If you are interested in making a donation, multi-year gifts, or in sponsoring a student or program, please contact Thorin Tritter at TTritter@mjhnyc.org.  General support can also be given to FASPE via the “Support Us” page.

For Applicants

Who is eligible?
Applicants must be matriculated professional school students. 

Can I apply if I’m not Jewish?  Is this a faith-based trip?
FASPE has no religious affiliation or motivation.  Students of all religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Can LLM/LLD/PhD students apply?  Can DO students apply?

Yes.

I’m an incoming first year student. Am I eligible for FASPE?
Students must be currently enrolled in a graduate program to be eligible for FASPE.  Undergraduate students are not eligible for the program.

I’m graduating from my program this year. Can I still take part in FASPE this summer?
Yes. Graduating students will be eligible for FASPE in the summer following graduation.

I’m a professional and I want to take part in FASPE. Is this possible?
Currently, FASPE is only available for professional school students. The FASPE Steering Committee is considering a program for current professional and retired practitioners in the future.  If this is of interest to you, please email Thorin Tritter, at TTTritter@mjhnyc.org.

I’ve traveled to Poland or Germany before. Am I still eligible?
Yes. Prior travel experience in Germany or Poland does not make an applicant ineligible for the program.

Do I need to speak German or Polish to take part in FASPE?
There is no language requirement for taking part in FASPE. All materials, lectures, and tours will be conducted in English.

I’m not a U.S. citizen; am I eligible for FASPE?
Yes.  Non-U.S. citizens are eligible for FASPE.  Visa restrictions may preclude students from some nations from taking part in FASPE, but staff will work to resolve these issues on an individual basis.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Thorin Tritter at TTritter@mjhnyc.org.

What are you looking for in an applicant?
Preferred applicants bring an interest in the ethics of their chosen profession, leadership qualities, strong academic credentials, an ability to reflect and question deeply, and an enthusiasm for learning and for sharing what they have learned with their colleagues and communities.

If I’m accepted, can I extend my trip and travel independently afterward?
Yes. Staff will work with students to arrange travel to allow independent travel following the program. Any additional costs to FASPE will be covered by the Fellow.

How much free time will I have during the program?

Fellows will have some free time in each city; however the days are long and tightly scheduled.  See the Sample FASPE Itinerary for a better idea of the daily schedule.

Can I get credit for participating in FASPE?
There is currently no credit available for participating in FASPE.  We encourage accepted students to work with their institutions to determine whether receiving credit is possible.

Does FASPE provide health or travel insurance?
No.  FASPE does not provide health or travel insurance to participants. It is recommended that students have their own health insurance coverage during the program.

Will there be travel or seminars on the Sabbath (Friday sundown – Saturday sundown) or on religious holidays?

There will be seminars on the Jewish and Christian Sabbaths for the majority of FASPE programs.  FASPE staff will work with students to meet religious observance requirements and restrictions whenever possible, however, the FASPE Medical, Law, and Journalism programs are not Sabbath observant.  When significant religious holidays fall during the program, FASPE will ensure that Fellows are within walking distance of a house of worship, will not be required to travel during the holiday, and will not miss any meaningful element of FASPE.

Is Kosher/Halal/vegetarian food available during the trip?

Unfortunately, Kosher/Halal food options are not available for most of the trip; however, vegetarian options are provided for every meal.  Staff will work with any Fellows that have food allergies or special dietary restrictions to ensure their needs are met.

What happens if I have to leave the program early?
If students have to leave the program early for any reason (including illness or family emergency), they will have to pay any additional costs incurred by the change in travel plans.

What is required of Fellows after the trip?
Fellows will be required to complete a final project after the trip.  They will have time to meet with their facilitators and talk with other participants about their ideas during the trip.  An outline/précis will be expected 1-2 weeks after the end of the program.  Final projects will be due 4-5 weeks after the end of the program.  These projects can be creative and are intended to be a substantive exploration of the themes, questions and issues that challenged or engaged the Fellow during the program.  Fellows will be invited to present their final projects at the Museum.  Projects of the highest merit will be selected for publication.

What kind of follow up is there after the trip?
Staff will remain in contact with participants and reunion meetings will be held on an annual basis in New York.  The Museum of Jewish Heritage staff is developing programs to engage FASPE Alumni and strengthen this network.

Are there trip alumni that I could speak with about their experiences?
Yes!  If you are interested in speaking with FASPE alumni, please contact us!  We’ll put you in touch.

Do you accept late applications?

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to accept any late applications.

Who should I contact if I have any more questions?

For inquiries related to the FASPE 2012 programs, including application questions, please contact:

Thorin Tritter

Ttritter@mjhnyc.org

646.437.4307