Study Abroad
Research

SUNY ESF students are encouraged to pursue opportunities that will best meet their personal, educational, and professional development goals. Students who are conducting research abroad related to their ESF academic program or participating in non-academic programs abroad (e.g., Engineers without Borders) 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 or their on-campus organization/affiliation may encounter repercussions.

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

• Completed pack of Student Research Non Faculty Non Credit Form
• Upload:
  • Agreement and Release Form
  • Health Information Form
  • Copy of Passport
  • Proof of purchase of study abroad health insurance (e.g.: receipt)
  • Flight itinerary
• NOTE: If you are an international student, please contact Office of International Education (OIE).

The comprehensive SUNY education abroad insurance plan is REQUIRED. No exemption from the health insurance fee shall be allowed except for international students researching in their home country.

Pre-Departure Orientation

All students traveling abroad must receive pre-departure training on a variety of topics including health and safety, international health insurance, and cultural adjustment.

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.

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.

Department of State Resources and Registering your Travel with Department of State

Travel Advisories are issued by the Department of State for each country to inform about country specific risks, laws, and other travel advice. Be sure to review the travel advisory for your destination(s). Each country is placed on a level of 1 - 4 in which Level 1 is "Exercise Normal Precautions" and Level 4 is "Do Not Travel". Travel to a Level 4 country is never approved for ESF students. Travel to a Level 3 country ay be reviewed on a case  by case basis.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program 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.