Non-Credit International Travel

ESF supports students participating in international conferences, research, service-learning, fieldwork, and other educational experiences outside of traditional study abroad programs. To help ensure participants are prepared and supported while abroad, all ESF-sponsored international travel must be reviewed and approved by the Office of International Education (OIE) in accordance with SUNY policy.  “Sponsored International Travel” is further defined as any activity that is funded even partially by an ESF source (state funds, scholarships, assistantships, employment, fellowships, research funds, etc.) and/or supported, led, or hosted by an ESF office, unit, or employee[EG1.1]. This includes but is not limited to attending an international conference, field research abroad, service-learning abroad, academic competitions abroad, educational site visits abroad and more. 

For credit-bearing activities, please refer to the appropriate Study Abroad Application. 

For non-credit-bearing activities (such as a conference or research activity[EG2.1]), students should first reach out to the Study Abroad Office at [email protected] to meet regarding the planned travel[EG3.1]. Travel to destinations with elevated U.S. Department of State or CDC travel advisories may require additional review and may not be approved. Students are encouraged to discuss these destinations with OIE early in the planning process. After consultation, students will need to complete the complete the Non-Credit International Travel Request Form. 

To help OIE evaluate your travel plans and provide appropriate support, please upload the following documents when submitting your Non-Credit International Travel Request Form:

1. Passport
   • Must be valid 6 months into the future from planned date of return.
2. Flight Itinerary
   • Including both departure and return flights.
3. ESF Study Abroad Insurance Receipt
   • Can be purchased through the ESF Cashier's Office (102 Bray Hall)
   • Note: SUNY Study Abroad Health Insurance, including medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, is required for all approved non-credit international travel sponsored by ESF.
4. Health Information Form
5. Agreement and Release Form

4. Health Information Form
5. Agreement and Release Form 

Deadlines and Timeliness

All submissions are due no later than one month in advance of travel. Note that this form is a request form and does not guarantee approval. Upon receipt of this form and accompanied documents, OIE will review. OIE will review completed requests and notify students of the decision by email, typically within two weeks. If you attempt to complete this form without having first met with the Office of International Education, we strongly encourage you to email [email protected] to set up an appointment first.

Special Situation: Research in Your Home Country (International Students Only) 

International students traveling abroad to their home country will not need to complete the Non-Credit International Travel Request Form. Instead they may complete a Research in Home Country Form. International students deemed eligible for this option may also be eligible for a waiver of the international student insurance requirement pending approval and planned departure dates. For more information, please email [email protected].