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Study Abroad Resources

Studying abroad is one of the most exciting experiences you'll have as a student at Snow College! We understand that you have a lot to consider and organize as you begin planning your trip, so we've gathered up helpful links and information on this page. Be sure to visit here often so you take full advantage of all the tools available.

Passports and Travel Visas

  • See the official U.S. government website to apply for or renew your passport. The average processing time for U.S. citizens is approximately six weeks, so be sure to start your application with plenty of time before you need to travel.
  • You must ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date to the U.S.
  • You might also need a visa depending on your destination country. Explore the international travel section of the government website to learn about visa requirements and other travel needs.
  • We advize you to make 3 photocopies of your passport and visa. Leave one copy at home with a responsible person, submit one copy to your program director or the Center for Global Engagement office, and take one copy with you to help replace your passport in case the original is lost or stolen.

Health and Safety

  • Browse through the information on the U.S.A. State Department travel page.
  • Learn which immunizations you might need, and check the Center for Disease Control.
  • Health and Travel Insurance - If you're travelling alone, we can advize you on insurance plans to consider. If you are travelling with a group, such as on a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program, you might enroll on Atlas group travel insurance, which has been a reliable provider for students and staff on past trips. Whatever insurance is purchased, it should include medical, emergency, and repatriation.
  • You are advized to carry proof of medical insurance with you and retain any forms and receipts necessary for reimbursement from your insurance provider.
  • It's mandatory that you register with the U.S. STEP program. This connects you as an international traveler with the embassy in the country where you plan to travel in case they need to be contacted.
  • Emergency plan - Each trip must have a plan in case of emergencies. Check with the Center for Global Engagement for examples.
  • Before you travel, you must also review, print and sign the Liability Form.
  • We suggest that all students travelling abroad should obtain a physical health examination and complete the Participant Vital Data form before travelling. Unexpected health costs will be your own responsibility.
  • Bring any necessary medications and medical supplies to cover your entire stay abroad; carry prescriptions in original and clearly marked containers.

Code of Conduct:

Students are required to attend pre-departure orientation meetings.

Students are expected to follow all Snow College conduct policies while travelling and representing the school and all program specific rules. Students may be dismissed from the program at their own expense for violation of the code of conduct. Examples include: cheating or plagiarism in academic work; forgery or misuse of legal documents; destruction of property; sale or possession of illegal drugs; failure to participate when required to do so; violation of the laws, rules and regulations of the host site or country; behavior that endangers others; flagrant disregard of local customs and beliefs which might result in offending host country citizens.

Helpful Guides and Resources

U.S. Government Scholarships and Private Financial Aid

In addition to searching on scholarship databases like IEFA, we encourage you to check this list of external scholarships. There are also various government-funded options for you to explore:

  • Gilman Scholarship for Pell Grant Recipients: If you are currently receiving a Pell Grant, then you are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship for study abroad. Learn more about the Gilman Scholarship and the application deadlines and timeline.
      Tip! If you are planning to study abroad in the spring, the deadline is typically in the previous September. If you intend to study abroad in fall for a semester or full academic year, the deadline to apply is usually in March of that year.
  • Boren Scholarships and Fellowships: For undergraduate or graduate study in languages and fields of study that are critical to U.S. national security. The on-campus deadline is three weeks before the Boren deadline. Please complete all parts of the Boren application before our deadline and schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor to review before you submit the application.
  • Critical Language Scholarships: CLS institutes provide fully funded group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences for seven to ten weeks for U.S. citizen undergraduate students. The application deadline is typically in December.
  • Gilman-McCain Scholarship: A national scholarship named after the late senator John McCain, this provides awards of $5,000 for child dependents of active-duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. See their website to learn more about the application deadlines.
  • Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals: CBYX is a year-long fellowship program to study, work, and live with a host in Germany. It's ideal for participants in business, engineering, technical, vocational, and agricultural fields. The application deadline is usually in December.
  • Freeman Asia Scholarship: Provides funding for U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financial need who are planning to study overseas in East or Southeast Asia.

 

Fundraising and Crowdfunding for Study Abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but we know it can also be a big financial commitment. To help cover program costs, many students have successfully used crowdfunding platforms and fundraising efforts. For example, these are some popular sites to start your funding campaign: Fund My Travel, GoFundMe, Indiegogo, Go Get Funding and Rally.org.

You might also consider reaching out to local civic organizations such as Rotary Clubs, PTAs, as well as your cultural or your religious community, which may offer grants or sponsorships for educational travel. They might be willing to sponsor a coffee session, dinner, or raffle, with the proceeds going towards your study abroad fund.

Other ways to raise funds include:

  • Instead of presents during holidays and birthdays, ask for financial gifts towards your trip.
  • Raise money by doing odd jobs in the community such as painting and decorating, cleaning, mowing lawns, or washing cars.
  • Organize a local sale and include signage to explain you’re raising money for studying abroad. You can sell home baked goodies, used books, pre-loved clothing, gadgets, personal items, etc.
  • Share your skills in exchange for a small fee. You can offer lessons for a few hours and teach others something new such as cooking, quilting, crafts, yoga, sports, computer skills, dancing, language skills, etc.

By sharing your story, goals, and passion for global learning, you can rally support from friends, family, and even your wider community. Keep in mind that fundraising is not just about asking for help. This is a chance to build a community that believes in you and wants to be involved in your international journey. If you do receive funding, keep donors updated along the way and be sure to show your appreciation upon your return.

Standard 10 Day Packing List
  • Passport!
  • $100-$200 spending money in cash and ATM card
  • Mobile device and charger
  • Headphones (consider noise-reducing headphones if you're sensitive to sound)
  • Camera and/or a video camera, memory card, and charger
  • Travel converters for sockets to charge devices
  • Travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and ear plugs
  • Snacks and a refillable water bottle
  • Travel journal and pen
  • Books and magazines
  • Guide books, travel guides, maps, language guides, etc. (if you will need any of these upon arrival at your destination, put it in your carry-on)
  • Hand sanitizer or wet wipes
  • Medications and prescriptions in original packaging (you’ll want to make sure you have these in your carry-on bag just in case something were to happen to your checked luggage)
  • Lightweight clothing that can be layered
  • A dress shirt(s), skirt(s), or dress(es)
  • Pants and/or shorts
  • Sweaters
  • T-shirts
  • Belt
  • Pajamas/sleepwear
  • Underwear and socks
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes and flip flops
  • Dress(es)
  • Costume jewelry (anything valuable might be best to leave at home)
  • A swimsuit or swim trunks
  • Rain jacket or umbrella
  • Hat for sun or colder weather
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
  • Makeup
  • Pepto-Bismol, Band-Aids, aspirin
  • Deodorant
  • Towel
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries
Airport Security and Customs

Airport security and baggage screening in the United States has increased significantly. Visit tsa.gov to familiarize yourself with the current regulations for both checked and carry-on baggage. When you arrive in your host country, you will be required to go through Immigrations and Customs. You will want to have your passport accessible. Expect to answer questions about the intent of your visit and how long you will be staying. Please plan for extra time to get through security and other airport checkpoints.

Electronics

In many countries the voltage, electrical sockets, and electrical plugs differ from that in the United States. Be aware of the voltage of your electrical appliances. You will want to bring a converter if your electrical appliances are not double voltage. Be considerate of the number of appliances you take. The type of plugs used in different countries can be very different. If you do not know the standard plug for your host country, you may consider buying a conversion kit with adapters for many different countries.

Physical and Mental Health

You are going to be in a new country with time changes and new food/drink. Make sure to take care of yourself. Eat properly, get lots of rest, exercise regularly, and only drink water that is safe to drink. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Pay close attention to your mental and emotional well-being. It is normal to experience some degree of culture shock and/or homesickness. Don’t be afraid to talk about it with your peers or your group leader.

Culture Shock

Study Abroad is an amazing opportunity with wonderful experiences. You undoubtedly have expectations of things you will see and experience. We encourage you to keep an open mind about the places you will go and the people you will meet. We know as you enjoy and embrace the differences in your host country that your study abroad experience will be deeply enriched.

Sexual Harassment Prevention

Because of the cultural differences between the United States and some countries, what may be considered casual conversation or minor flirtation in the United States may be considered sexual encouragement in your host country. To help protect against sexual harassment, always travel in groups. If you feel uncomfortable about a situation, get out of the situation immediately. We encourage you to take Snow College’s training on sexual harassment prevention. If you feel you are a victim of sexual harassment or misconduct, report the matter to your program director immediately.

Additional tips: