Know Before You Go

Check Your Email!

Your approval email will include a checklist of next steps and additional post-acceptance forms for you to complete. These steps may vary based on the program you are applying to, so be sure to refer to your specific acceptance email. Some of the post-acceptance forms include:

• Study Abroad Contractual or Consortium Form
• Off-Campus Study Data Form
• Emergency and Health Form
• Program-Specific Application

Attend Pre-Departure Orientation

This orientation is mandatory for all students traveling abroad for study or research purposes. It is designed to help students prepare for their experience abroad and be aware of available campus, program, and external resources. Topics include:

• Using international health insurance
• Caring for your physical and mental well-being abroad
• Safety concerns and emergency preparedness
• Exploring your identities abroad
• Cultural transition
• Sustainability in travel

Acquire SUNY International Health Insurance

All students studying abroad must purchase the SUNY international health insurance, which includes comprehensive medical coverage as well as emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage. This insurance can be purchased in the Cashier’s Office in 102 Bray Hall.

Registration and Credits

CRX 103

If you are going abroad for a semester, you will be registered for the CRX 103 course as a placeholder until your credits can be transferred in. You do not need to take action to register for this course.  

Credit Transfer

In order to initiate the transfer of credits after the completion of the program, you will have to submit your official transcript from the off-campus program to the Registrar’s Office. (In many cases the off-campus program will send a transcript directly to ESF; you should confirm this with them.) The credits for courses in which you achieve a “C” average or higher will then be transferred in (not the grades). The credits will appear in the “Advanced Standing Credit” section of your transcript. 

Course Approvals

If prior to or while you are studying off-campus, any of the courses you included on your Academic Plan (page 2 of the Off-Campus Study Request Form) change, be sure to complete a new version of that form and obtain the signature of your Advisor and the Curriculum Coordinator. If you are already off-campus, you should email the completed form to your advisor and ask for assistance in obtaining the signatures.

Register for your Return Semester

Prior to departing for your off-campus program, you should meet with your academic advisor to discuss your course registration for the semester following your off-campus experience. If possible, you should select tentative courses and see if your advisor would be willing to submit your registration on your behalf during the pre-registration period. The registrar will accept registration forms where the advisor signs on behalf of the student; your advisor should make note on the form that you are currently studying off-campus, have had a remote advising session, and that they are submitting the form on your behalf. Please be sure to maintain contact with your advisor while you are off-campus and confirm your course enrollment during the registration period.  

Obtain a Passport

Visit the Department of State Passport Information Page for details and application instructions. 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 six 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.

Apply for your passport early! Standard processing times an take as long as 8-11 weeks.

You can apply for a passport at Moon Library.

Did you know you can self-select your gender marker on your US passport, including a new “X” gender marker?

Foreign Entry Requirements

Many 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. OIE and your program administrator (ESF, partner provider, or other SUNY study abroad office) will assist you in the visa application process.

Stay Informed: U.S. Department of State

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