checklist #2: summer travel preparation - SU Abroad - Syracuse ...

CHECKLIST #2: SUMMER TRAVEL PREPARATION
Congratulations and welcome to Syracuse University Abroad! We are delighted that you will be with us for this
transformational experience. Below you will find a general list of things to do, to think about and to research as
you prepare for your summer abroad. Feel free to contact our office by email (suabroad@syr.edu), or by phone
(315-443-3471 or 800-235-2650) with any additional questions.
SU ABROAD ADMINISTRATION
Complete the ‘Intent to Register’ form and submit it with your advance deposit in the amount of $500 within 10
business days of your acceptance so we can hold your place in the program. This payment is non-refundable as
noted in our refund policy statement, and will be credited to your SU Bursar account. Payment information can be
found on the following website: http://suabroad.syr.edu/finances/payments/advancedpayment.html.
All other “Post-Acceptance” forms (found on Checklist #1) are due as soon as possible, but no later than April
15 th . For more information, and to begin completing your “Post-Acceptance” forms, please visit:
http://suabroad.syr.edu/acceptedstudents/post-acceptanceforms.html.
Non-Syracuse students: Once SU Abroad has received your “Intent to Register” form and your advance
deposit, you will electronically be issued a Syracuse University ID (SUID) number as well as instructions on how
to activate your NET ID. Your NET ID will allow you to access your Syracuse University student account and
other SU electronic resources. Your SUID number will also allow you to access your grades after the program
ends.
It is important to discuss study abroad plans with the appropriate school advisor. All SU Abroad students receive
Syracuse University credit for courses taken abroad. For SU students, this credit is applied toward major or
elective requirements. Non-SU students receive credits either as home-university credit or as transfer credit, and
should confirm their home school policy with their academic adviser. Course syllabi are available upon request.
Attend program-specific pre-departure meetings which will occur in March or April (dates will be announced).
Non-Syracuse students unable to attend in person will be sent the materials covered in the meeting and will be
invited to join us via phone and/or web conference.
TRAVEL PREPARATION
Apply now for a passport or make sure your current one is valid for at least 6 months beyond your program end
date. Please visit the U.S. Department of States Website for more information on how to obtain or renew a U.S.
passport: http://travel.state.gov/.
Check visa requirements with the consulate(s) of the country(s) you will be visiting and obtain visa(s) as needed.
It is the students’ responsibility to obtain the appropriate documentation in order to participate in the program. Be
sure to confirm any requirements as they pertain to you as soon as you have been admitted. Non-U.S. citizens are
encouraged to speak with an international student advisor for assistance. SU Abroad will provide more visa
information for students studying in England, Brazil, China, Ghana, Japan, Turkey and Singapore.
Make flight arrangements. Some programs offer an optional group flight (an email will be sent to you if this
option is available) and others require students to fly independently. SU Abroad will provide specific instructions
for how/when to meet up with your group if you are required to fly independently. Please note that while we
encourage students to pursue flight arrangements, we do not encourage you to purchase your airline tickets before
confirming that the program and courses you plan to take will be offered. Please request written notification from
us that you can book your flight. You will have to present this notification if we cancel the program at a later date,
and you want to be reimbursed for the cost of the ticket.
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If you are not participating on a group flight, please complete Form #6: Independent Travel (found on our
website: http://suabroad.syr.edu/acceptedstudents/post-acceptanceforms.html ). Even though we will not meet you
at the airport, it is important that we know when to expect you to arrive overseas. Note: If you will arrive before
program housing begins, you must arrange for temporary accommodations.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Prepare your budget. Information regarding approximate indirect costs can be found on the very bottom of the
program-specific website. You will also find budgets on the summer programs home page under “Financial Aid”:
http://suabroad.syr.edu/destinations/summer/index.html.
Apply for Summer Financial Aid (if applicable). Keep in mind that the aid you receive during the academic
year is not applied the same way during the summer. In order to qualify for federal loans during the summer term,
you must be considered a full-time student (6 credits or more). More information can be found on our website:
http://suabroad.syr.edu/destinations/summer/financialaid.html.
Be sure to notify your bank that you will be traveling, otherwise they may freeze your account. It is also a good
idea to ask your bank about any additional fees that may be applied when using credit/debit cards abroad (i.e.
international transaction fees). Discuss a plan with your family for getting more money in the case of an
emergency.
Students/ parents will be invoiced for total program costs in late March. Final payment is due by May 1.
Students must be paid in full in order to participate on their summer program.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Although you are not obligated to disclose medical information to us, we ask that you do so by way of Post-
Acceptance Form #3: Emergency Contact Information and Health Insurance Form. For your own safety and
well-being we strongly encourage you to inform us about any physical or psychological conditions, past or
current, and any prescribed medication you are taking and/or bringing overseas. Any information provided will
remain confidential.
Consider scheduling a physical examination with your doctor or at the Student Health Center. Speak with a
Travel Nurse and make sure you receive all appropriate vaccinations; if needed.
Review your health insurance plan to understand coverage while abroad. Purchase additional coverage if
needed. Past participants recommend www.isoabroad.com and www.hthstudents.com; both provide short-term,
low-cost international health insurance. Be sure to take your insurance card with you.
Become familiar with the International SOS website and their resources. All program participants have access to
Syracuse University’s group policy. You still need your regular health insurance but International SOS
provides useful health and travel information: www.internationalsos.com. Log in with 11BCPA000177.
Make arrangements to have medications, prescriptions, saline solutions, extra eye-glasses, etc. ready to take
with you. Pack it in your carry-on luggage. It should be in the original, properly labeled containers. Note: Certain
medications are considered illegal in other countries and cannot be purchased or refilled. Medication cannot be
shipped overseas. Bring enough medication to cover you the entire time you are overseas.
Research a plan for communication with your family while abroad. Check with your U.S. wireless carrier to see
if arrangements can be made to allow use of your current cell phone abroad. Keep in mind that cell phones can
also be purchased abroad and are sometimes cheaper than bringing your own telephone.
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