Planning to travel abroad for studies, teaching, or research? The Office of International Programs is here to provide you with the tools and guidance to make your journey effective, enjoyable, and safe.
Whether you are traveling as an individual, with a group, or part of an exchange, we are here to help with both the major and minor challenges – passports, visas, finances, tickets, safety, security, health, communication, and more.
How to get passports and visas
The U.S. Department of State website is a great place to learn how to get a passport and acquire a visa for the country you plan to travel to. Information from this source includes:
- Step-by-step guide to the visa application process
- Embassy and consulate listings
- Emergency reports
- Travel warnings
- Resources for living abroad with a family
Passports
Passport applications can be downloaded from the U.S. Postal Service website. Thousands of Post Offices accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State. Most of those locations can also take your passport photo. Several retail businesses also offer passport photo services.
Photos can also be obtained from any source that will produce images that meet passport requirements. See the U.S. Department of State website for:
Visas
Every participant is responsible for determining if a visa is necessary for their participation in this program and applying for any such visas. This determination is based on the participant’s nationality, the destination country(ies), and the purpose and length of stay in the destination(s).
United States citizens can use the Department of State website to determine if/when/where visas are necessary and how to acquire a visa if needed. Know what will be expected of you earlier rather than later – travel to an embassy or consulate for an in-person appointment may be required.
If your visa application requires a Letter of Support from your Home University, fill out a request to have this letter created.
Travel resources
A multitude of resources can help you with your travel plans. Here are links to some of the major ones.