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We hope you find the following sections helpful in navigating different topics regarding education abroad. Regardless of whether you are just getting started, or if you have returned from your program, our staff is glad to answer any questions you have.

Visit the IEGI COVID-19 FAQ page for up-to-date information regarding the pandemic and its impact on education abroad. 

If are looking for more assistance, please stop by our drop-in advising hours or email us at iegi@binghamton.edu. 

Getting Started

• Where can I research programs?

  Students can explore administered by ������������ and approximately . Students wish to research non-SUNY options; however, financial aid and academic credit may not transfer over.

• How do I set up an advising appointment?

  After reviewing the online program brochure page, you can schedule an appointment with the appropriate advisor at the links below.
• Why should I study abroad?

  Education abroad brings many benefits and opportunities. Students are able to develop deeper cross-cultural communication, understanding, and acceptance. Students will make professional connections through faculty, peer, volunteer, or internship work. The benefits of studying abroad are limitless for academic, professional, and personal growth. Students may wish to seek out major, minor, gen-ed, or elective credit. Whatever your field, and wherever you end up, you will be part of the global marketplace: Employers are looking for the skills you can build during a program abroad.

• When can I study abroad?

  Traditionally, most students have studied abroad as juniors, and that remains a popular time. However, students can study abroad as early as the summer after their first year and as late as the summer after their senior year (by delaying degree conferral until August). Some students even study abroad more than once!

• When should I start planning?

  We recommend beginning to plan your time abroad about six months to one year in advance. Researching early will enable students to fully consider program options and how they will benefit their academic and personal goals. It is never too early to start planning.

• Do I need to know a foreign language?

  Foreign language skills are not always required to participate in a program abroad. There are program opportunities in many English speaking countries. Many non-English speaking countries will also have course offerings in English. Please note: some programs do have a language requirement in order to participate.

• Can I study abroad more than once?

  There is no formal limit on how many times a student can study abroad. We recommend discussing this option with your academic advisor, to ensure that your degree progress remains on schedule. Transfer students may also need to determine if they need more ������������ residential credit and will need to select a ������������-sponsored program or if they can complete more transfer credits earned by participating on an Other-SUNY or Non-SUNY program.

• Do I need a passport or visa to study abroad?

  Students are required to have a passport for any and all international travel. A student's passport should not expire sooner than 6 months from the anticipated end date of the program abroad.  The regarding obtaining or renewing your passport and current processing times. 

  Visa requirements will vary based on the location of your program, how long you will be at the location, and the citizenship of your passport. Students on programs that will require a visa should expect to remain in the U.S. for the processing time of their visa.

  Inform your Education Abroad Advisor if you will travel on a passport from a country other than the United States. If so, you are responsible for understanding and completing the application process.

• Can I study abroad as a senior or after I walk at commencement? 

  Yes! You can study abroad as a senior. If you plan to go abroad the semester of your intended graduation, you will need to work closely with your academic advisor as well as your program advisor to ensure completion of degree requirements. 

  It is possible for seniors participating in the May graduation to study abroad the summer after; however, they must postpone their degree conferral date to August. We recommend that students work closely with their academic advising office for details regarding this process. Students will need to be mindful of their post-graduation plans and the timeline in which you may need your conferred degree/final transcript.

• Can I study abroad as a transfer student?

  Transfer students will need to determine with their academic advisor if they are eligible to complete additional transfer credit or if residential credit is needed. This will determine which programs on which a transfer student can participate. If residential credit is needed, a transfer student would need to select a ������������-administered program. If additional transfer credit can still be received, students may select from Other-SUNY or Non-SUNY programs in addition to ������������ programs. 

Researching and Applying to Programs

• What are the different education abroad program types in which ������������ students could participate?

  ������������ students can participate in three different types of education abroad programs: ������������ Programs, Other-SUNY Programs, and Non-SUNY Programs. While IEGI staff are most knowledgeable about ������������ programs, we recognize that the education abroad interests of students differ and we encourage you to consider all of your program options, which are described below.

  • • The Office of International Education and Global Initiatives (IEGI) manages these programs and currently offers approximately 50 programs in over 20 countries. Many programs accept participants from other SUNY campuses and non-SUNY institutions. 
    • ������������ students should consider the following details about participating in a ������������ program:
      • Registration: You will remain registered at ������������ for academic credit during your time abroad and will pay the SUNY tuition rate based on your residency (in- state or out-of-state) as part of the program costs.
      • Billing: You will pay all the other expenses related to your education abroad experience (such as a tuition differential or program fees) to either ������������ or according to the directions you receive from your education abroad program advisor.
      • Academic Credit and Grades: Credits are added directly to your ������������ transcript as residential credit and grades will apply towards your ������������ GPA. (This can be helpful for transfer students). Your education abroad credits become part of your permanent academic record at ������������.
      • Earning Major, Minor, or General Education Credit: Individual academic departments will approve major and minor credit. Your college's academic advising office will approve General Education credit.
      • Using Financial Aid: Federal and New York state financial aid may be applied to the costs of a ������������ University program, if eligible. If you intend to use financial aid for education abroad, you must meet with a financial aid counselor to learn how your aid package may apply toward your program expenses.
    • Students from other campuses who are considering a ������������ program should contact the education abroad office at their home college or university to learn how participating in a ������������ education abroad program will work for them. 
  • • The education abroad offices throughout the SUNY system communicate regularly with each other and coordinate arrangements for students to participate in each others' programs. SUNY schools offer approximately 600 programs in more than 100 countries.
    • There are several ways to research Other-SUNY programs:
      • Visit the
      • Review the
      • Search for the education abroad (or study abroad) office at each SUNY campus to view their up-to-date list of programs or start an application.
    • Once you identify a program that interests you, you must contact the SUNY campus managing the program to ensure it is currently active, discuss program details, and submit an application.
    • After you are accepted to an Other-SUNY program, you must . 
    • Other important details for ������������ students to know about studying abroad on an Other-SUNY program: 
      • Registration: If you participate in an Other-SUNY program, you will remain registered at ������������ University under a placeholder registration during your term abroad.
      • Billing: Because you will be registered at ������������, you will pay SUNY tuition and required university fees to ������������. You will pay all the other expenses related to your education abroad experience (such as a tuition differential or program fees) to either the SUNY campus that is administering your program or to an external entity in adherence to the directions you receive from the other SUNY campus.
      • Academic Credit and Grades: You will receive transfer credit and your course grades will not count toward your ������������ GPA. A transcript supplement with the credits you earn on an Other-SUNY program are automatically included with your ������������ transcript every time it is issued. In other words, the education abroad credits will become part of your permanent academic record at ������������. 
      • Earning Major, Minor, or General Education Credit: Individual academic departments will approve major and minor credit. Your college's academic advising office will approve General Education credit.
      • Using Financial Aid: Federal and New York state financial aid may be applied to the costs of an Other-SUNY program, if eligible. You may apply federal and state financial aid toward your program. If you intend to use financial aid for education abroad, you must meet with a financial aid counselor to learn how your aid package may apply toward your program expenses.
  • • We encourage you to consider an education abroad program through a non-SUNY institution when it fits your education abroad goals. 
    • Once you are committed to participating in a Non-SUNY program, please . 
    • ������������ students who study abroad on a Non-SUNY program should be aware of the following:
      • Financial Aid Eligibility: Financial aid is not applicable to most non-SUNY options. If you normally use financial aid and are considering a Non-SUNY program, email iegi@binghamton.edu with a link to your program details so we can review whether the program is eligible for federal and state financial aid.
      • Leave of Absence: Students who participate on semester or academic-year Non-SUNY programs will be on leave from ������������ during the term(s) they are abroad.
      • Transfer Credit Approval: Your college's academic advising office (e.g., Harpur, Decker, School of Management, etc.) must approve all credits from Non-SUNY programs to count toward your degree progress. Individual academic departments will approve major and minor credit. Your college's academic advising office will approve General Education credit.
      • Transcript: You will need to contact your program provider for the transcript each time you need to provide your complete academic record. ������������ cannot provide an academic transcript for a Non-SUNY provider.
      • Earning Major, Minor, or General Education Credit: Individual academic departments will approve major and minor credit. Your college's academic advising office will approve General Education credit.
    • These websites may be helpful for researching Non-SUNY program options:
    • When researching Non-SUNY programs, you will encounter a huge range of options. Be sure to carefully investigate the programs that seem attractive, especially for academic quality and risk management procedures. Contact the program sponsor directly to find out more about the program. Determine the level of student support the program provides and make sure you understand the program's health and safety measures. Asking to be put in touch with a recent participant is also an excellent way to find out more about a program. 
• What is the application deadline for programs?

  Every program has its own application deadline, so it is important to note this information while you are researching programs. Most programs will have an application deadline the semester before you go abroad.

  Apply for summer, fall, and academic year programs in the spring semester. The deadline for these programs is March 1, or sooner. Be sure to check the specific program brochure page for exact dates.

  Apply for winter, spring, and spring break programs in the fall semester. The deadline for these programs is October 1, or sooner. Be sure to check the specific program brochure page for exact dates.

• When should I start an application to study abroad?

  Our program applications open the semester before the intended program dates. We recommend that students allot at least 5 business days  to complete an application, as not all application materials can be completed within the same day and may take additional time to be completed and/or received by the IEGI. While some students succeed at finding a program at the last minute, the process is much less stressful and there is a stronger chance of locating the best program possible when ample time is given prior to the application deadline.

• How do I apply?

  Each program will have its own application requirements. Some common application pieces include: 

  • Application form
  • Study statement
  • 1-2 academic recommendations
  • Official transcript
  • A judicial review

  Some programs may also require an interview with the faculty-leader, a meeting with an Education Abroad Advisor, resume, or a language proficiency recommendation. Be sure to read the application instructions closely so you understand what needs to be submitted by the deadline.

• Does my credit standing impact how soon I can study abroad?

  To be eligible to participate in a ������������-administered program, ������������ University students must complete 1 academic year before enrolling in an education abroad program, regardless of credit standing. For example, if you are a first-year student, you can study abroad the summer after your first year. Transfer students must complete one semester at ������������ before participating in an education abroad program, regardless of credit standing.

• What should I consider when choosing a program?

  Students may want to consider things like program type (direct-enroll or faculty-led), duration (semester, academic year, summer/winter sessions, or spring break), location, price point (exchange programs are very cost effective), and what you want to study while you are abroad. Programs can vary significantly, so determining what is most important to you will help in narrowing down your options.

• How do I notify the IEGI that I am participating in a non-������������ program?

  If you are participating in an Other-SUNY program, you will be required to notify the IEGI by completing a application. If you are participating in a Non-SUNY program, you will be required to complete the application. 

• Will my judicial record impact my education abroad application?

  All SUNY education abroad programs require a judicial review. The existence of judicial records at the student’s home university does not necessarily mean denial of admission to a program; however, the information must be reviewed by the partner abroad, program advisor, and/or faculty advisor responsible for the program in order for a determination to be made.

  Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that this may impede their ability to study abroad or participate in a program.

• Can I meet with students who have already gone abroad?

  We encourage students to connect with our ! These students are recent education abroad alumni who are trained to assist students that are interested in education abroad programs.

  You may also ask a program advisor about the possibility of speaking with students who have been on a program in their portfolio. 

Preparing to Depart

• I have dual citizenship. Do I need both passports to travel? 

  If you are a student that holds more than one passport, you will need to travel with both passports to ensure safe entry and exit from the U.S. and host country abroad. 

  It is essential that you make your program advisor aware if you have dual citizenship; this will allow them to provide further guidance during the application process.

• Are group flights purchased for programs?

  Flight arrangements vary by program. It will be noted on the program’s brochure page if a ������������-administered program requires a group flight. All other programs require that students book their flights independently. If students still wish to travel together, they may opt to book their flight independently with other participants on the program. 

• What do I need to know for booking my airfare?

  The IEGI strongly recommends that participants purchase refundable flight tickets, in the event of an unforeseen circumstance occurring. After you have been accepted or nominated to your education abroad program, you will receive an email from your program advisor delineating your next steps. Please closely follow this specific guidance.

• Can you assist me in subletting my apartment?

  The IEGI does not participate in subletting student apartments while you attend a program abroad. For information on subletting your apartment, it is best to reach out to Off-Campus Housing for assistance.

• How do I manage current housing arrangements for the semester I go abroad?

  If you currently live on campus, it is very important for you to notify the Office of Residential Life as soon as you know you will study abroad so your room can be made available to another student. You must notify Residential Life before their deadline each semester to avoid their cancellation charge. You must cancel your housing within 48 hours of receiving your acceptance letter. You should go online to the Residential Life website, fill out the cancellation form, and then visit your Area Office to provide your acceptance letter. 

  If you live off campus, please note that the ������������ IEGI does not assist students with apartment subletting or other local housing arrangements while they are abroad or returning. For information on subletting your apartment, it is best to reach out to Off-Campus Housing for assistance.

Living Abroad

• Can I apply to study abroad for another semester if I am currently abroad?

  If you are interested in an additional semester abroad, you will need to communicate with your current IEGI program advisor to discuss the possibility of extending your stay on your current program. If you wish to participate in a different program the following semester, you will need to complete the application process for that program while you are abroad. Students who are interested in extending their current program abroad should work closely with their program advisor, as this situation will have additional visa implications.

• What housing options will I have on my program?

  Housing options vary for each program. The possibilities include campus residential halls where you may stay with other U.S. students, international students, or students from the host campus; home-stay; or various types of off-campus apartments or residences.

  Meal plan options also vary by program.

  Housing arrangements often influence students’ choice of programs, so be sure to learn about the housing for the programs you are considering. Please note that in some cases you may be required to live in the housing option designated by the program.

• Do I need to have a cell phone while abroad?

  All students enrolled in ������������ programs are required to have a working cell phone capable of making and receiving both local and international calls throughout the duration of the program. 

  It is the responsibility of each participant to acquire, either in the host country or in the United States, a cell phone that will operate at their program location for safety purposes. Cell phones must be activated and connected to a cellular network (either local or roaming). Students cannot rely solely on Wi-Fi access to receive calls and/or send SMS messages or access data. Cell phones must be turned on at all times, well charged, have a voicemail set to accept messages, and be carried continuously throughout the program by the participant regardless of whether they are in their host-city or visiting other cities/countries. 

  Students may choose either to use their current carrier and plan or purchase a SIM card upon arrival in the country. If you choose to purchase a SIM card, you must have an unlocked phone, preferably a GSM phone, which are mobile devices that allow for the easy switch of SIM cards. Contact your cell phone provider for additional information and speak with your Education Abroad Advisor about how to research options.

  Costs associated with the cell phone, including any rental fees and calling plan purchases, are not included in your estimate of costs sheet and are your responsibility. 

• Can I vote while overseas? 

  Students can make arrangements to submit an absentee ballot while abroad on their program. Additional details and information for New York registered voters is available on the . If you are registered to vote outside of New York, please refer to your . Finally, please keep in mind that your county’s Board of Elections Office is there to assist you in better understanding this process and would be a terrific resource if you have any questions. 

• What is culture shock and how can I manage it? 

  Living and learning successfully while abroad usually means adjusting to a different lifestyle, food, climate, and time zone; this adjustment often includes learning to communicate in a foreign language. In the early weeks, you will probably feel excited about your new experiences and environment. Soon, you may find the excitement of new surroundings and sensations increasingly replaced by frustration with how different things are from home or disappointment in how you feel your education abroad experience is going. This frustration and confusion is known as culture shock.

  Culture shock is extremely common, and it is expected with all students who study abroad. It is considered a natural (and perhaps even essential) part of adjusting to a foreign culture. Symptoms can include depression, sleeping difficulties, homesickness, trouble concentrating, an urge to isolate yourself, and irritation with your host culture. Even if you are used to being away from your family, you can still experience culture shock when you travel abroad since you are adjusting to a completely new and different environment.

  There are many ways to combat your feelings of disorientation until they pass (as they usually do): 

  • Learn as much as possible from local residents about their culture.
  • Keep in touch with other U.S. students. Find out if there is a local hangout for U.S. or other foreign students. It can sometimes be helpful to meet with them and share experiences, and try to keep the discussions positive. Remember: you’re not alone in what you’re experiencing!
  • Keep yourself busy doing things you enjoy. When you have free time, visit museums, go to movies, and tour local sites of interest.
  • Keep in touch with your family and friends at home. Letters, phone calls, video chats, and e-mail contact will make you feel less isolated.
  • Try to keep your long-range goals in mind. Experiencing a new culture will inevitably involve some frustration and feelings of loneliness as you leave the familiar and incorporate the new, but they will not last forever.
  • Try to eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise when you can. If you are using any routine or prescribed medications, keep up with your routine. Often culture shock feels worse when you are overtired or not taking care of your body.
  • Connect with your on-site advisor for additional suggestions and support.

  If you find that feelings of irritability and depression linger, be sure to connect with a doctor or counselor. The SUNY overseas health insurance provides coverage for mental health support. Your Education Abroad Advisor and/or the international students office at your overseas location should be able to direct you to counseling or support organizations.

Returning from a Program

• How can I get involved when I return to ������������?

  We love it when our students are excited to share their experiences abroad with others! Visit our page on Returning Students to learn more about becoming an Education Abroad Ambassador, joining the Global Networking Group, submitting an entry for the Photo Contest, and more! 

• When will my transcript arrive?

  It typically takes up to 4 months for transcripts to be received and credits to be processed for education abroad programs. This timeline can be due to the different academic schedules and processing times of partner universities abroad. Students should also be mindful of any delinquencies or debts owed, as the institution abroad may choose to hold their grades until students do not owe money to the provider or partner university.

• What is reverse culture shock?

  When students return from their study abroad experience, they commonly have an adjustment period, which is similar to the initial adjustment they had to living abroad. Visit our and review the “Understanding Re-entry” and “Returning Home 101” handbooks to learn more, including how to locate resources to manage reverse culture shock.  

Finances and Scholarships

• How much does it cost to study abroad?

  The cost of studying abroad varies depending on destination and cost of living, institution, program length, airfare, and personal expenses. Typically big cities will have a higher cost of living and therefore be higher in price. Students looking for budget friendly options are encouraged to consider exchange programs; these programs are a great way to make study abroad more affordable. The IEGI can assist in finding a program that fits a student's  specific financial needs and advise on scholarships and how to apply these to a program.

  Be sure to look at program details and cost sheets to determine the specific costs of the programs you are considering. If you are considering a semester-long program, participating as an can be a great way to make study abroad more affordable. The IEGI can help you find a program that meets your financial needs and look for scholarships to assist with study abroad expenses.

  ������������ students can also compare the cost of their program against the cost to attend ������������.

• What is the difference between study abroad and exchange programs?

  The term 'exchange program' means that a university has made an agreement with an overseas partner to exchange students in both directions. In a ������������ exchange program, the outbound student typically pays ������������ tuition and the standard semester fees on behalf of the inbound student, and the inbound student covers the costs of tuition and fees for the outbound student who is visiting the school abroad. An exchange option is typically only available during the fall or spring semester (not during the winter or summer terms). 

  All ������������ exchange programs are described as exchange—or exchange and study abroad—in program materials. For Other-SUNY programs, it is best to visit the website of the sponsoring campus to review the full program description and details. If it is still not clear, contact the international programs office at the sponsoring campus to ask.

  There is no separate application process for ������������’s exchange programs. We consider all applications that are completed by the deadline for the available exchange places. If there are more applicants than exchange places, we will make a decision based on a combination of financial need and academic merit.

  Some of our programs have more exchange places than others, and you can find out how competitive the program is by connecting with your Education Abroad Advisor. For Other-SUNY programs, it is best to contact the particular SUNY campus to find out who may apply for exchange places and whether their program is competitive.

• What scholarships are available to me?

  There are various different types of scholarships available. The IEGI offers internal scholarships based on academic merit or financial need that can be applied to your education abroad program. These scholarships are also typically due at the same time as education abroad program applications, so you will want to research funding opportunities ahead of time and be sure to submit your scholarship application on time.

  Additionally, students can explore department based scholarships and external/national scholarships.

  Please visit our scholarships webpage for more information.

• Can scholarships I receive on campus be applied to my semester abroad?

  Some scholarships that are received on campus can be applied to your education abroad program. You will need to contact the distributor of your scholarship for details and requirements. 

• Can I apply my financial aid to a program abroad?

  Most federal and state financial aid can be applied to ������������ and other-SUNY abroad programs, if eligible. Connect with your academic advisor if you receive NYS Aid to better understand the types of classes that you need to take abroad to have your aid transfer over. 

  Financial aid is not applicable to most Non-SUNY options. If you normally use financial aid and are considering a Non-SUNY program, email iegi@binghamton.edu with a link to your program details so we can review if the program is eligible for federal and state financial aid.

• How does billing work in coordination with class registration?

  Students will be billed the same way they are billed for a semester on campus. We recommend that ������������ students register for classes at ������������ for the fall and/or spring semester that you intend to go abroad. Upon registration for your education abroad program, any classes for which you previously registered (with the exception of Global Studies minor and the experiential education course for the Scholars program) will be dropped. You will be billed at a full-time status for your education abroad program. 

  In general, students will be billed for the number of credits they plan to earn abroad during winter or summer programs.

  If you are a ������������ student participating in an Other-SUNY program, you will receive a bill from both ������������ and the Other-SUNY campus. You will be billed ������������ tuition and fees, while the Other-SUNY will bill for any other program-related expenses.

  If you are an other-SUNY student enrolled in a ������������ program, you will receive a bill from both ������������ and your home campus.

  Students participating in a Non-SUNY program will not be billed by or enrolled at ������������ for the duration of their education abroad program.

• I need proof of my financial aid award for a visa appointment. How do I obtain this document?

  ������������ students can obtain their award letter from their BU Brain account at my.binghamton.edu. The ������������ Financial Aid office provides a link to a helpful video on how to locate this letter on its website.

  Students from other institutions will need to contact their school's financial aid office to learn how to obtain this paperwork.

Courses and Credits

• How does credit work? 

  The credit approval process varies based on your program sponsor: 

  • When ������������ students participate in a ������������-sponsored program, the credits count as ������������ residential credits and are calculated into your GPA. The grades and credit hours are part of your ������������ transcript record.
  • ������������ students who study abroad through an Other-SUNY program receive transfer credit and the grades from the program will not count towards your GPA. The SUNY campus sponsoring your program will send a transcript supplement to the IEGI when your grades have arrived to expedite credit processing. This transcript supplement is the official academic record of your education abroad coursework and it will be included with your ������������ transcript order. The grades and credit hours are visible to anyone who reviews your ������������ transcript.
  • Transfer credit is not guaranteed for Non-SUNY programs. You should get approval from your academic advisor and major (or minor) academic department prior to participation. When you complete the program, you will need to send the transcript to Undergraduate Admissions for processing as transfer credit; it will not count towards your GPA. You will also need to contact your program provider each time you need a copy of the academic transcript for your program.
• Will my courses count towards major, minor, or General Education requirements? 

  Many times they can. Individual academic departments will make this determination. We encourage students to plan for study abroad as early as possible, since this helps students to find the program that best fits their academic goals and ensures they will remain on track for graduation while studying abroad. 

  ������������ students on a ������������ program can obtain pre-approval for major/minor courses before they go by submitting the .

  ������������ students on an Other-SUNY program will complete the transfer credit petition form for their school; you can obtain this form from your academic or department advisor.

  ������������ students on a Non-SUNY program must confirm the credits can transfer back towards your degree; we recommend that you meet with your college academic advising office before you apply to a Non-SUNY program so you know if the credits will be accepted.

  ������������ students can confirm if courses from any education abroad program sponsor will count towards General Education credit by completing their college's approval process.

  Other students on ������������'s programs should contact the appropriate advising office at their home campus to learn more about the credit approval process.

• Can I take courses as pass/fail? 

  Students who study abroad on ������������-sponsored programs may choose to take one class on a pass/fail basis if it meets the following guidelines:

  • The class is not a requirement for their major or minor.
  • The student has not exceeded the pass/fail limit allowed by ������������.
  • The pass/fail request must be submitted in writing (e.g. by email) to the IEGI by the date delineated by their Education Abroad Advisor.
  • Non-������������ students should contact the academic advising office at their home institution to ensure the pass/fail grade will be accepted.
• What is the Global Studies Minor? 

  The Global Studies Minor (GSM) is an innovative, individualized, and interdisciplinary program which builds a formally recognized intercultural, globally-engaging experience into a student’s degree. Through the GSM, students examine pressing issues confronting today's world and relate it to the full range of their overall studies, personal interests, and future goals. Learn more on the Global Studies Minor website. 

  You must declare this  minor the term before your education abroad program, so be sure to review this option as early as possible! 

• Are there limitations to the amount of credits I can take while abroad?

  There are strict credit limits for winter education abroad programs. Students participating in a ������������-administered winter education abroad program may not be enrolled in more than 4 credits of coursework. 

  Students participating in a semester-long education abroad program must be enrolled full-time (as anything below full time can have financial aid implications).

Health and Safety

• Do I need to purchase international health insurance? 

  The SUNY Board of Trustees requires that all students participating in any SUNY program purchase the SUNY-sponsored international student health insurance.

  This policy is currently provided through (UHC) for the length of the program. Students accepted to ������������'s education abroad programs will automatically be enrolled. If you will be spending additional time abroad, we also recommend that you include those dates in your coverage. 

• What if I need a prescription filled while abroad? 

  The SUNY mandated international student health insurance policy (provided through ) provides prescription coverage. We also recommend discussing prescription needs with UHC and the appropriate staff in the IEGI, as prescription availability can vary by country. (Certain medications may be illegal in program locations.) 

• What is the STEP program? 

  The (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. STEP also allows U.S. Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

• I need to discuss health and safety questions in more detail. How can I speak with someone about my situation? 

  Drop-in advising specifically for Health and Safety information is held every Tuesday in our office, Old Champlain room 240 (OH 240).

  • Semester hours: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
  • Summer/Winter hours: 1:00pm to 3:30pm

  If you cannot make these hours or prefer to send an email, please contact us at iegi@binghamton.edu for assistance.