You'll discover a world of opportunities through Study Abroad. Immerse yourself in new cultures and prepare to work in our ever-shrinking global community while you also earn credits for your degree. ASC Pioneers explore Ireland, Italy, Japan, and many other international destinations through Open SUNY.
We encourage students and parents to research our programs, understand the application process, and explore scholarship opportunities. Let’s set sail on this transformative journey together!
Student's Info
Academics
Students from all majors are eligible to study abroad and earn degree credit. A critical piece of studying abroad is considering your academics. Students studying abroad on an Alfred State College or SUNY study abroad program will receive credit and the courses will appear on your transcript.
After identifying a program that interests you, you will want to set-up an appointment with your academic adviser to discuss your plans to study abroad. You should gather course descriptions for available course work at your host location. You should work with your academic advisor and the transfer adviser, Jason White, to determine that you will stay on track with your degree and graduation requirements while abroad. The Coordinator of Study Abroad is not able to advise on course equivalencies or substitutions, so meet with the advisers early in the planning process.
Study Abroad Tips
Make a general academic plan understanding the courses that you need to take to graduate.
Determine the best time to study abroad including Term, Length of program, Available course work.
Work to determine how courses offered abroad will satisfy degree requirements; general education, major/minor requirements, electives.
Are there any graduation requirements that should not be taken abroad? For example, are that classes that are only offered at specific times at Alfred State College. Are there some courses that make more sense to take abroad, such as cultural or language coursework. Are you able to keep any general electives available to take abroad?
Plan for your semester abroad and the following semester. Have a sense of how you will register for courses for the following semester while you are abroad. Have any advising discussions prior to departure, be sure to have your adviser's contact information and meet any checkpoint requirements.
Academic Policies
Students studying abroad for a semester are expected to take a course load of at least 12 credits per semester. Each program can set a maximum number of credits, typically 15-18 credits.
Students applying their financial aid package towards their study abroad program must ensure that the courses taken abroad satisfy a degree requirement needed to graduate. If the course does not fulfill a graduation requirement you cannot access financial aid.
Returning Students
Students must determine if their host institution will automatically send a final transcript or if they will be required to request it. The transcript needs to be sent to the Study Abroad Coordinator.
Passports & Visas
Passports
Apply for your passport as soon as possible. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your study abroad program (some countries require longer) If your passport has less than six months remaining after your programs end date or will expire while you are abroad, apply for a replacement passport.
Visit the USPS passport information page for more information on applying for or renewing a passport.
Visas
Many programs require that you obtain a visa in addition to your passport before entering the host country. Requirements vary based on the purpose and duration of your visit as well as your citizenship. Please be informed about what the visa requirements are for your program.
Pre-Departure Forms
Students are required to submit the following:
Identity Abroad
Learning about social and cultural norms will help you understand how aspects of your identity may be perceived and treated in your host country. Experiencing new worldviews and perspectives can foster intercultural dialogues but may also present challenges. Below are resources that you can utilize to prepare for your time abroad.
Some things to consider before arriving in your host country:
- What is the perception of U.S. citizens in your host country?
- What is the historical relationship between your host country and the U.S.?
- How is race and ethnicity viewed differently in your host country versus the U.S?
- How will local legislation affect how you express your identity in your host country?
- Are there any laws affecting the LGTBQ+ community in your host country?
Source: Navigating Identity & Diversity Abroad
Accessibility Abroad
LGBTQIA+ Abroad
Race, Ethnicity, & Nationality Abroad
First Generation Students Abroad
Parent's Info
Introduction
Parents or family members may have questions when their student decides to study abroad. Parents are welcome to reach out to the Study Abroad Coordinator to set up a time to chat.
Studying abroad can be a transformational experience for you student. Planning is essential to a successful experience; you are invited to encourage your student throughout the preparation phase.
Encourage students to:
- Research available programs.
- Research the application process.
- Meet with the study abroad coordinator.
- Meet with their academic advisor: to understand how their study abroad program fits with their academic plan.
- Meet with financial aid: to understand how their financial package applies to study abroad.
- Explore scholarship opportunities.
Finances
Financial Aid
In many cases students can use their financial aid towards their study abroad program. Students should make an appointment to speak with a financial aid adviser to discuss their financial aid package and the program they are interested in participating in. Bring estimated cost sheets and any information you have in regard to depart approval of course work for transfer credit.
Scholarships
Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships. Students should confirm requirements and deadlines with sponsoring organizations. Students can research financial aid sources for private sector scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans online and in print. A few examples would be Fast Web and Funding your Education Abroad.
National Scholarships
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
- Boren Awards
- Critical Language Scholarship
- Freeman Awards for Study in Asia
- Fund for Educational Abroad Scholarships
- Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Program
- Gilman-McCain Scholarship for Military Families
- Defense Language and National Security Education Office
- Fullbright U.S. Student Program
Department of State
U.S. Department of State provides safety and security information to help you determine the risks of travel in specific locations. Travel advisories, alerts, and other important details are available for each country. Close attention should be paid to entry and exit requirements, local laws, customs, and health conditions. You can also find the address and phone number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. More information can be found at Travel.State.gov.
Students should enroll in the Department of States Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (S.T.E.P.) to receive information about local safety concerns and to connect with the nearest embassy or consulate in the event of an emergency. Parents can also sign up to receive the updates where your student is studying.
The Department of State lists country specific emergency numbers and you should know the equivalent of 911 to get immediate help in case of emergency. You can find these equivalents under the “Safety & Security” tab for each country.
Emergency Contact Information
- Study Abroad Coordinator: 607-382-1132
- University Police: 607-587-3999
Health Insurance
SUNY provides a comprehensive health insurance plan that will provide coverage and emergency assistance for Alfred State students studying abroad. The plan's coverage gives students reliable medical services while traveling internationally mitigates the risk of health-related problems abroad. The coverage includes assistance to students in cases where medial evacuation is necessary.
United Healthcare can be accessed through their website or by downloading the mobile app.
