Study Abroad or Research Outside the U.S.
Office of International Education

F-1 students may study or conduct research abroad as part of their U.S. program of study.

Eligibility Requirements for Studying Abroad

• Have been maintaining immigration status;
• Have been enrolled in a full course of study in the U.S. for at least one full academic term prior to the study or research abroad;  
• Will remain registered at SUNY- ESF and continue to pursue a full course of study while abroad;
• Completed the ESF study abroad request process including receiving the Dean’s approval;
• Submitted the Approved Study Abroad Data Form and a copy of the study abroad program acceptance letter to the Office of International Education; and
• Registered for an appropriate 496 section for the study abroad period

Eligibility Requirements for Conducting Research Abroad

• Have been maintaining immigration status;
• Have been enrolled in a full course of study in the U.S. for at least one full academic term prior to the study or research abroad;  
• Will remain registered at SUNY- ESF and continue to pursue a full course of study while abroad;
• Has submitted an advisor recommendation letter for “Conducting Research Outside the U.S” to the Coordinator of International Education.
  • A template for this letter is available on the “Forms” page in the “Advisor Recommendation Letter Template” section of the page.
  • Be sure to select the appropriate template based on the student's visa status (F-1 vs. J-1)

Upon submitting all required documentation, the Coordinator of International Education will update the SEVIS record and add a remark indicating that the student is pursuing a full course of study while engaging in authorized study/ research abroad. A new I-20 will be issued to document this authorization and will need to be presented when seeking readmission to the U.S after the time abroad.