As referenced from the US Department of State website, there are 3 main areas that parents should keep in mind as their student studies abroad:
Be Informed
Parents should thoroughly research their student's destination well before their travel date. This includes understanding passport and visa requirements, assessing health and safety conditions in both the immediate and surrounding areas, reviewing local laws, and ensuring their student knows what to do in case of an emergency. For a comprehensive checklist, visit travel.state.gov.
For more information, please review SUNY Oswego’s Office of International Education and Program’s (OIEP) Passport and Visas information. NOTE: After acceptance to a study abroad program, students will be instructed on the visa process for their chosen program and country, if necessary.
Be Connected
Before a student departs for their overseas destination, they should enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This program provides important safety updates and helps locate the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in case of an emergency.
Parents are encouraged to sign up for STEP so they may stay informed about safety conditions in their student’s host country.
In case of an emergency, there is help available 24/7 by visiting the emergency section on the travel.state.gov website.
OIEP Emergency Plan: In the event of an emergency, your student’s host university will notify our main office, ensuring prompt attention to the situation. OIEP provides 24/7 emergency assistance, which can be accessed by calling our main office at (315) 312-2118 or the SUNY Oswego Campus Police Department at (315) 312-5555.
Students planning to study abroad receive detailed emergency contact information during their pre-departure orientation.
Be Safe
Health insurance coverage while overseas is mandatory. All participants will automatically be enrolled in SUNY study abroad insurance through United Health Care Student Resources (UHCSR). This coverage includes health insurance and emergency assistance, as well as evacuation and repatriation benefits. Insurance costs are included within the program differential and billed by the OIEP.
OIEP will also provide students with a pre-departure orientation that details health and safety abroad. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend.
We recommend that you also consider purchasing travel insurance. SUNY has partnered with Haylor, Freyer and Coon Insurance Agency to provide students with additional coverage options. Students are also welcome to find their own agency. NOTE: Haylor, Freyer and Coon travel insurance is not required. You may find other products that best meet your specific needs.
