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