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Student Resources

If you are interested in taking courses abroad, talk with your academic advisor. Students must receive approval of their selected courses before traveling internationally. Follow the guidelines below to ensure a smooth process and to meet all the necessary requirements. 

Read through the guidelines provided below and familiarize yourself with proper procedures and the documentation needed to travel out of the country. Be sure to contact your advisor with any questions or concerns.

Select from the steps below to jump to the specific section of interest: 

A group of students wearing green glasses and clothing taking a selfie
Before you leave, look and listen!

Student Experiences Abroad

Tune into the Being Abroad Podcast on our YouTube Channel, where you can listen to exciting stories from students who have had incredible experiences studying abroad. Also, visit our Instagram page to see a stunning collection of photos showcasing students' adventures and cultural immersions. 

Get inspired as you plan and embark on your own study abroad journey. Whether you're looking for tips, motivation, or simply a glimpse into the life of an international student, we offer a wealth of insights and inspiration to help you make the most of your upcoming travels.

UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS

I, Too, Am Study Abroad

The I, Too, Am Study Abroad (ITASA) campaign has been a key element at SUNY Oswego for increasing the participation of underrepresented students in Education Abroad. The centerpiece of the campaign is a discussion series that engages panels of returning study abroad students representing SUNY Oswego’s diversity to speak candidly about their choices and experiences, addressing issues that students face while overseas related to topics such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, and other identity factors.

Past ITASA presentation themes have included Student Identity, LGBTQ+, Internships, STEM/Business/Language Majors Abroad and Student Life Overseas.

who studies abroad?

YOU Study Abroad!

Oswego Abroad is committed to helping all students access international education. We want to be sure that every student will have the tools to succeed both academically and personally during their program. The information listed for each section below is designed to help students navigate their own identities and learn more about how to prepare for their time abroad with identity in mind. While there are many great resources listed, do not hesitate to reach out to our office and/or your program coordinator if you wish to speak further about any concerns or questions you may have. We are here for you!

Disability Resources

First Gen Resources

LGTBQIA+ Resources

Students Walking 2

Gender Resources

Ethnicity Resources

Spirituality Resources

STEM Resources

Athlete Resources

The 5 Big F's of Study Abroad

Coined by Jodi Malmgren and Jim Galvin in 2006, the Five F's of Study Abroad (finances, academic fit, faculty/advisor support, friends/family and fear) are the five big obstacles that students must overcome when looking to study abroad:

  1. FUNDS: All financial aid applies to study abroad, and we offer scholarships! Some programs are even shorter than a semester.

  2. FIT: We help you find the perfect academic and personal match. All classes are pre-approved, so you know how they count before you go.

  3. FACULTY SUPPORT: Oswego faculty love teaching abroad! There are 20+ faculty-led programs each year.

  4. FEAR: New experiences can be scary, but our pre-departure support prepares you to take on the world.

  5. FAMILY: Families are welcome to reach out anytime—before, during, or after the study abroad journey!

Step 1: where to begin?

Before Traveling Abroad

DID YOU KNOW?  1 in 5 Oswego students study abroad — and the number keeps growing! A successful study abroad program begins long before you board the plane. Get your global journey off to a strong start by reviewing the following information and start to tackle what you can now!

Birds eye view of students laying down on a lawn surrounded by notebooks and papers

Academics

Hands counting money

Finances

Birds eye view of medical items from a doctors office

Medical Insurance

Passport and Visa

Passports and Visas

Glasses on top of colorful books

Policies, Handbooks and Forms

Backpacks, cameras and maps

Travel Resources

STEP 2: Be sure to attend!

Pre-Departure Orientation

Now that you've chosen your university and are preparing to go, attending the Pre-Departure Orientation will give you valuable insights into what to expect while abroad. The below modules will be your last step in the orientation process. 

Culture Shock Finances Overseas Getting Ready To Go
Health and Safety Your University Abroad

STEP 3: how to transition back?

Before Returning Home

Be sure you have everything in place for a smooth transition back to your home university. 

Obtaining Your Grades

Getting class grades from your host institution takes a lot longer that what you may be used to in the U.S. Depending on the university, it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks for your grades to be fully processed, for both semester and summer students. Contact your program specialist if you have any additional questions about the process.

Oswego Students: Registering for Classes

You can register for next semester’s courses on myOswego when eligible. Matriculated undergraduates will receive an email with their registration date. Be sure to register on time to avoid a non-waivable $40 late fee. Use myOswego for all course and registration information, and contact the Registrar’s Office for any issues.

Non-Oswego Students: Registering for Classes

Non-SUNY Oswego students should contact their home campus' International Education office for policies and procedures regarding registration at their home campus.

Reserve Housing

Visit the Residence Life and Housing site to apply for housing on campus for the semester after you return from overseas. Be sure to check dates and deadlines! This may mean you will need to reserve housing while you are still traveling abroad.

Program Evaluation Form

We appreciate your feedback! Please take a moment to complete the Program Evaluation Form in your application portal. As a thank-you, we’ll send you a small gift to show our gratitude!

Questions

Still have questions about transitioning back to your home university? We're here to help! Feel free to contact us for more information. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

STEP 4: NOW WHAT?

Keep the Journey Going

You've made it back and can't stop talking about your experience! Before you drive your friends and family crazy, why not put your new found experience to good use by choosing from the options below:

Employment Opportunities

Oswego Abroad employs Study Abroad Mentors (SAMs) and Office Assistants. We are currently not accepting applications. Open positions will be announced and posted to Handshake when accepting applications.  

Students Walking

Volunteer Opportunities

If you've studied abroad and are passionate about sharing your experience with others, become a volunteer mentor! Email [email protected] for more information.

Student in Oswego Sweatshirt Typing on Computer

Quest

Join SUNY Oswego's annual symposium dedicated to sharing the scholarly and creative pursuits of SUNY Oswego students, faculty, and staff.

Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Students

Microcredential Badge

This highlights a student's global and intercultural skills gained through courses and co-curricular experiences.

Contact Education Abroad

100 Sheldon Hall
315.312.2118 
[email protected]