Study Abroad

• Syracuse University Study Abroad website
• The School for Field Studies
• Study Abroad Opportunities in Landscape Architecture

Planning to study abroad? Get the answers to all your burning questions!

Q: I want to study abroad, but where do I start?
A: Visit 110 Bray Hall and check out the Study Abroad books as well as Syracuse University's Study Abroad website and StudyAbroad.Com.

Q: When should I start?
A: Start planning a year before you intend to go. This gives you ample time to research a program of study, host institutions, finances, etc.

Q: Can I study abroad through ESF or do I need to find another host/sponsoring institution?
A: You can study abroad through ESF or Syracuse University’s Study Abroad program. You may also study through several private colleges as well as other SUNY institutions. The host institution will affect many factors, including, cost & financial aid, program of study, credits earned, etc.

Q: When is the best time to go?
A: Generally the best time to study abroad is your sophomore or junior year

Q: How will I pay for it?
A: Financial aid and scholarships are two great ways to help finance your study abroad experience. Visit the financial aid office to find more details about studying abroad and its impact on your financial aid package.

Q: How will it impact my program of study at ESF?
A: You will need to check with the host institution about earned credits upon your return. You will have to petition to transfer the credits from the host college. You should talk with your advisor about this process, as well as how many credits will transfer and apply to your program at ESF.

Q: Does it have to be directly related to my major?
A: No, but the closer it relates, the more credits are likely to be applied to your program. A study abroad experience is an excellent opportunity to expand on your skills and experience in your area of interest. Check out your options.

Q: What other things should I be thinking about?
A: Important documents, finances, health, nutrition, safety, leisure, etc. You may find information on such topics in 110 Bray Hall.

Things to Think About!

Important Documents	Budget & Finances	Health & Nutrition	Safety & Security	Pre-Departure Checklist	Tips from Students

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Important Documents

Passports:  All travelers between countries must have a passport.  This is your official identification as a citizen of the United States. You must have a valid passport to show border and custom authorities when you enter or leave the U.S. and when crossing most other national borders.  Passports are issued at any office of the U.S. Passport Agency.  For more information write to:  

• Bureau of Consular Affairs
  Office of Passport Services
  Room 386, Dept. of State
  1425 K Street
  Washington, DC   20524
  202-647-0518 (voice)
  
• National Passport Information Center
  1-900-255-5674

Do Not Delay Applying For A Passport.  The Process Takes A Minimum of Two to Four Weeks, Even Longer In The Busy Season!

Visas: A visa is official permission to visit a country.  When you are accepted into a program you should get information of the visa requirements of the country or countries you will visit.  Don't delay in following instructions.  Copies of "Visa Requirements of Foreign Governments", a publication that lists entry requirements for US citizens traveling to most foreign countries are available free from:   

• Office of Passport Services
  Dept. of State, Room 306
  1425 K Street NW
  Washington, DC   20524
• http://travisa.com

Immunizations: Because of specific health concerns and conditions in various countries, proof that you have received certain immunizations may be required.  You can demonstrate that you have had the required immunizations by having this information listed on an "International Certificate of Vaccinations".  This form is issued by the US Dept. of Health Education and Welfare and approved by the World Health Organization.  It must be filled out and dated by the physician or medical clinic which provides the immunizations.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC): The ISIC affirms  your student status which may provide special privileges and discounts throughout the world including such things as reduced or free admission to museums, theaters, concerts, and cultural as well as historical sites.  The ISIC is sold in the US through:

• Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)
  205 East 42nd Street
  New York, NY   10017
  1-888-COUNCIL 

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Budget & Finances

Budget: It is important to plan a budget of your expenses. Bring an emergency fund of a minimum of $250 to cover all necessities and allow you to live on the means available. Prepare to bring the recommended amount of money for start-up costs.

Finances: Arrange with your bank to have $100 in local currency to bring with you. To check out current rates, visit www.travlang.com/money.  Travelers checks are the safest and most convenient way to carry money.  Make sure you have credit cards, bank cards, telephone cards, etc., which you are planning to use. Obtain rail passes, hostel cards, etc., as needed. You may consider purchasing insurance for personal liability property loss, trip cancellation, etc.  

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Health & Nutrition

Health: The risk of becoming ill while studying abroad may depend on three important factors.

• Making adequate pre-departure preparations.
• Knowing the health and safety risks involved in the country you are visiting.
• Utilize medical care when necessary!

Some Not-Too-Uncommon Diseases:

• Diarrhea - usually strikes a couple of days after arrival in a new area of the world and seldom lasts longer than five days. Maintain adequate fluids to prevent dehydration. Consult a physician if the case is severe.
• Tetanus - commonly known as "lockjaw," an infection of the nervous tissue produced by a common wound or injury. Cleanliness is one of the most effective methods to prevent this infection. Tetanus immunizations are available.
• Hepatitis A - transmitted orally through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, clams, oysters, etc.
• Other Infectious Diseases - certain viral, bacterial and parasitic infections acquired abroad may not result in an immediate illness. Should you become ill after returning to the United States, see your physician.

Prescriptions: Should you currently be under the care of a physician or medication or injections, be sure to check with your personal physician for any advice or recommendations concerning your welfare while studying abroad. If you need medications regularly, take an adequate supply with you. Do not buy medications "over the counter" while you are abroad.

Health Insurance: Be sure that you have adequate health insurance and that you understand your family policy. The ISIC card provides basic coverage only. Should you require medical attention while abroad, it may be necessary for you to have sufficient cash on hand to make a payment.

Medical Care Abroad: The on-site coordinator or director of your program should be able to help you contact the appropriate physician or other medical authority when attention is required.

Food & Water: If chlorinated tap water is not available, be advised that only the following may be safe to eat & drink.

• Beverages, such as tea and coffee, made from boiled water.
  Canned or bottled carbonated beverages
• Fresh fruit & vegetables - select these food items with care. Only eat fruit   you have pealed yourself.
• Street-Food - it is advisable to avoid such food sold by street vendors unless you know the food is safe to eat.

Be cautious of your food and liquid intake. Be sure to wash any fruits and vegetables beforehand. Check for expiration dates - do not eat anything that may be expired.

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Safety & Security

Tips for securing valuables:

• Packing - do not carry everything in one place!
• Cash - never carry large amounts of cash. Keep receipts for your checks separate from your travelers checks. Try using a small necklace pouch or a money belt.
• Credit Cards - take only the cards that you will use on the trip.
• Insurance - keep all names and phone numbers, as well as your policy numbers, with you, in a safe place.
• Luggage - mark all luggage, inside and out, with your name and address. COUNT YOUR PIECES EACH TIME YOU MOVE!
• Medicines - take all you need for the trip. Take copies of your prescriptions.
• Passport - carry with you - separate from your passport - two extra passport pictures, passport number, date and place issued, and a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Do's & Don't's: Here are some essential do's & don't's which will serve you well.

• Keep a low profile and try not to make yourself conspicuous by dress, speech, or behavior in ways that might identify you as a target.
• Avoid crowds, protest groups, or other potential volatile situations.
• Be wary of unexpected packages.
• Report to the responsible authority any suspicious persons loitering around residence or following you.
• Make sure your residence director, host family, or foreign university official always knows how to contact you in an emergency.
• Develop with your family a plan for regular telephone or e-mail contacts.
• Be aware of local health conditions abroad.
• Know local laws - systems of justice are not universal.
• Use banks to exchange your money - do not carry more than you need for the day.
• Do not impair your judgment due to excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs.

Things to Think About!

• SAVE all your money now, so you can do everything you want to while abroad (don't buy that new pair of jeans, wait, so you can purchase a bus ticket to Paris for the weekend).
• Get all of your applications and recommendation letters in on time.
• Get your plane reservations early.
• Petition your classes before you go. This is particularly important for ESF students going through DIPA because you need to petition both SU & ESF courses.
• Live on-campus while abroad, so you experience more of the college atmosphere and culture.
• Keep an open mind.  Different places have different cultures.
• STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. Hang out with the "regulars" (area residents) instead of only fellow Americans.  You will have a better time and more places to stay while you travel :)
• Site-see!  You don't know when you'll be able to return to see the sites, so do everything while you have the chance.
• Be ready to put real effort into your school work.
• Talk with people that have gone abroad.  What did they like, what should you expect?
• Bring a credit card. They are quite handy when making travel arrangements. 
• Open a checking account in the country you are visiting.  It makes it much easier to cash checks, transfer money and use the  ATMs.