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Student Research Abroad
Office of International Education

Students who are conducting research abroad related to their ESF academic program are REQUIRED to comply with the college policies for all international programs including submitting the complete packet of Student Research Abroad Forms with supplemental documentation to the Office of International Education prior to departure. If students do not comply, they will be "unregistered" for the associated coursework and will not receive credit.

Paperwork to be Submitted to the Office of International Education prior to Departure:

Completed pack of Student Research Abroad Forms
(Participant Information; Travel Information; Agreement and Release; Student Health Information; Physician’s Statement; and Waiver of Insurance)
A copy of passport photo/identification page and passport expiration page
(An international traveler's passport should be valid at least 6 months beyond the anticipated date of re-entry to the U.S.)
A copy of visa (if applicable)
A copy of flight itinerary
A copy of international health insurance card/plan
A copy of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage card/ plan if it is not included in the general international health insurance coverage

If you do not have comprehensive health insurance with medical evacuation and repatriation, you may purchase the SUNY plan at the Cashier's Office for $83/ month (2009-2010 cost).

SUNY Study Abroad Health Insurance Brochure

Preparing for your Travel Abroad

Passports
Any individual traveling internationally (beyond the territories and borders of their country of citizenship) must have a valid passport at all times while outside their country of citizenship. It should be valid at least 6 months beyond the end date of your study abroad program. You will be required to show border and custom authorities your passport when you enter or leave the U.S. and when crossing most other national borders.

Standard processing of passport applications typically takes 4-6 weeks but can take from 10-12 weeks during peak application periods so be sure to apply in a timely manner. Information about expedited passport services is available online.

You must submit your application materials in person at the nearest Passport Acceptance Facility if:

You are applying for your first U.S. passport or
You are under age 16 or
Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16 or
Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged or
Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago or
Your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change

You may renew your passport by mail if all of the following are true:

Your Most Recent U.S. Passport:

Is undamaged and can be submitted with your application
Was issued when you were age 16 or older
Was issued within the last 15 years
Was issued in your current name or you can legally document your name change

Take the Green Passport Pledge and acknowledge sustainable travel and the interconnectedness of the world’s people and the environment.

Additional Passport Resources

Foreign Entry Requirements
Most countries require visitors who are planning to study or work abroad to obtain visas before entering. Be sure to review the country-specific information on the U.S. Department of State website to determine entry and exit requirements and check with the embassy of the foreign country that you are planning to visit for up-to-date visa and other entry requirements.

Immunizations

Be sure to access the Center for Disease Control’s website to obtain information regarding health and immunization recommendations for your travel destination and then obtain any necessary vaccinations and medications.

International Health Insurance including Medical Evacuation and Repatriation

Health and accident insurance is required of all ESF students while abroad. Such a policy should minimally include basic medical and accidental death and dismemberment coverage. Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage is also required. The coverage should be in effect for the entire period away from home. Individuals who do not have adequate coverage must purchase the comprehensive insurance ($83/ month) or supplemental Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance ($6/month) provided by SUNY at the ESF Cashier's Office (102 Bray Hall).

Country-Specific Information
Before departing, take the time to do some research about the people and their culture, and any problems that the country is experiencing that may affect your travel plans. Be sure to access the background notes and country-specific information for your travel destination on the U.S. Department of State website and the country profiles on the BBC’s website.

Travel Alerts
Travel Alerts are issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions, generally within a particular country, that pose imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, coups, anniversaries of terrorist events, election-related demonstrations or violence, and high-profile events such as international conferences or regional sports events are examples of conditions that might generate a Travel Alert. Please access the U.S. Department of State’s website to determine if there is a travel alert for your destination.

Travel Warnings
Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff. Please access the U.S. Department of State’s website to determine if there is a travel warning for your destination.

Registering your Travel with Department of State
Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency. Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Cultural Adjustment
For students living abroad initial adjustment is often difficult as one must become familiar with a new culture and and city. Cultural adjustment often includes a series of highs and lows that are quite normal and often experienced universally. Additional information about culture shock, reverse culture shock, and coping strategies is available online.

Additional Resources

Student Research Abroad Office of International Education

Student Research Abroad
Office of International Education