How to Plan for a Study Abroad Experience

Below find a suggested timeline for a student that will travel abroad when they are a junior. It is recommended that you begin planning a year in advance and speak to your academic advisor earlier rather than later. If you are unsure what your next steps should be, do not hesitate to reach out to our office. 

 

Freshman Year:  

Submit a Study Abroad Interest Form
Attend an Study Abroad information session. Look at the campus calendar for dates. 
Research programs and countries of interest by going to the SUNY study abroad date base. 
Attend the bi-annual Study Abroad Fair in September or February  
Ensure your passport is valid. If you don't have a passport consider applying even if you are not sure when you will go abroad. 
Make your academic advisor aware of your interest in studying abroad 
Check the study abroad website & Instagram regularly for updates, deadlines and events  

Sophomore Year: 

Plan for your study abroad program at least a semester in advance  
Select one program to apply to. If applying to attend another SUNY program, you are responsible for completing that SUNY’s application requirements and the Farmingdale requirements
Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your program and verify course equivalency  
Reach out to the academic Chair of the course you are enrolling in and ask them to approve your Course Approval form
Apply for Scholarships and file your FAFSA 
Pay the program deposit 
Make sure your passport is valid and you have applied for a Visa (if applicable)  
Review country’s information on the US Department of State website and enroll in STEP 
Sign up for a pre-departure orientation organized by the host SUNY
Notify your bank of travel plans
Book flight and upload itinerary to your AXIOM portal
Make copies of all important documents (passport, visa, course planning etc)  
Complete mandatory Health Insurance form  
Research your new country and university ! 

Sophomore/Junior While Abroad: 

Email abroad advisor once you arrive and confirm classes match your course approval form identically  
Ensure any changes made to courses are approved by your academic advisor 
Continue to review the country’s information on the US Department of State website 
Start a blog or travel journal to share with friends and family
Stay on top of deadlines like housing and registration for the following semester  
Request transcript prior to the end of the semester
 

Senior Year or After Returning:

Ensure grades from your study abroad program have been posted to your Degreeworks
Submit a program evaluation 
Attend a Welcome Back reception 
Visit the Nexus Center to learn how to add your study abroad experience to your resume 
Become a Global Student Ambassador and continue to be involved in internationalization efforts