Families

Travel Resources


Visas & Passports


Department of State: Offers a consular information Web site for every country in the world and current travel warnings.

Passport Services: Information on applying for passports and visas.

Visa Information: Please first contact your host program to find out if they will help you obtain the necessary visa for your stay abroad. If you must apply on your own, apply EARLY.

A visa, sometimes called a study permit or residence permit, represents permission by the government of your host country for you to enter that country and to reside there as a student. While the process for getting a student visa will vary country by country, you will need to apply for your visa before you leave the U.S. The process is not difficult, but it can be very bureaucratic and certain documents must be obtained before you can apply for your visa.

The best place to find current information about student visas and visa application procedures is the website of the relevant Embassy or Consulate General of your host country here in the U.S. On these websites, you should be able to discover whether you need a visa to study in your host country, where and how to apply for a visa, what documents you will need, and any associated costs. If you are studying abroad through a US based program, your program may arrange for your student visa.

While the following list is not definitive, here are some common documents and visa requirements that you may be asked to provide in order to get a student visa:

If you are an international student, please contact the ISSO to let them know you are going abroad. You should also check into any restrictions your U.S. student visa may impose upon you with regard to traveling to other countries, and to re-entry requirements.

Timing is also important when you are applying for your student visa. The processing time for a student visa may be anywhere from 48 hours to 8 weeks. Do not leave this until the last minute!!!

Visas for Australia: This process may now be completed entirely on-line. Please consult the Australian Education Office Web site for information and on-line applications. (Follow instructions for "On-line Visas and Services"). Once the application has been completed, applicants may check the status of their applications from the same site.

If you have a passport from a non-English speaking country, you may be required to take an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) English exam. The TOEFL will not be accepted. Information on the IELTS exam may be accessed from the IELTS Web site. Please check Australia's Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) Web site for additional information.

Visas for Italy: Contact the Italian Consulate as early as possible, as they are now requiring an appointment to apply. Follow instructions carefully.

Entry Clearance for the U.K.: All students arriving in the U.K. for a course of study longer than 6 months, are required to obtain entry clearance prior to leaving the U.S. The new guidelines are summarized on the Britain USA Web site. The U.K. consulate recommends that students apply for entry clearance online. You may also obtain application forms and further information at the British Consulate General's Office.

Please note that students entering the U.K. for less than 6 months are not required to get entry clearance.

If you are having trouble and need help getting a visa, you may want to consult the following:

 


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Study Abroad Scholarships


For more info see Financing Study Abroad back to top

Culture Shock & Cultural preparation


Pre-Departure & Re-entry

Culture Matters by Bruce LaBrackTo meet the specific needs of students studying abroad, "What's Up With Culture?" is an on-line program which includes materials adapted from the Peace Corps training manual designed to assist students reflect on their experiences, understand their reactions to cultural differences, and work through the many adjustments they will make before, during and after their study abroad experience.

"What's Up With Culture?" is composed of three modules:

"What's Up With Culture?" courtesy of Dr. Bruce La Brack, School of International Studies, University of the Pacific.

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General Travel Resources


Student Handbooks

It's Your World

Study Abroad Safety Handbook


Travel and Country Resources

STA Travel: Student discounts for travel as well as the ISIC card are available. Students can also visit STA Travel at its office on the first floor of Lerner Hall.

The Lonely Planet:Travel Guides for countries worldwide.

Welcoming You: A Pre-Departure Guide for US Students Going to the UK: This detailed guide is maintained by the British Council-USA and contains helpful information about study and travel in the UK.

e-Zine: Also check out this free monthly newsletter for students interested in the UK, put out by The British Council-USA.

Glimpse Magazine: Glimpse Magazine is a good source of articles, information and perspectives for students by students.

Abroad View Magazine: More student articles and information about student experiences abroad.

Intercultural Press: A publisher of books and other resources about intercultural communication
issues, with special emphasis on cross-cultural training.

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