Planning for Study Abroad provides an overview of the study abroad program selection and application process. It discusses choosing a program based on factors like location, duration, courses, and cost. Programs can be run through Binghamton University, other SUNY schools, or external providers. Course credits need approval from academic advisors. Costs vary by program but financial aid often applies. The application process involves paperwork, references, and deadlines that are typically months before departure. Acceptance initiates pre-departure planning like finances, insurance, and information sessions.

1. PLANNING FOR STUDY ABROAD
An Overview of Program Choices, Course Approval, Program Costs
and Applications
Office of International Programs
RC-G1
607-777-2336
oip@binghamton.edu

2. ~WHAT CAN I LEARN HERE?~
1. How do I choose a program?
2. Where I can I learn about programs?
3. Who runs study abroad programs?
4. What types of programs are available?
5. How do I get approval for my classes?
6. What is the Global Studies Minor?
7. How much does study abroad cost; what factors
affect the price?
8. How do I apply for a program?
9. What happens once I am accepted?

3. 1: HOW DO I CHOOSE A PROGRAM?
What features vary for each
program:
• Cost
• Location
• When the program is offered
• How long the program runs
• Coursework available
• Depth of cultural & language
immersion
• Housing arrangements
• Excursions & activities

4. 1: HOW DO I CHOOSE A PROGRAM?
Be sure to take notes
when researching programs online, so
you can easily return to any programs
that catch your attention
~
International students attending
Binghamton University may also
studied abroad—check with ISSS
regarding any visa requirements or
other procedures you need to know.
What are you looking for?
• How long do you want to be abroad: a short term,
summer, semester or academic year?
• What semester will work best for your degree
progress?
• How many degree requirements do you want to
complete while abroad?
• Do you have any personal connections or interest
in specific locations?
• Are you looking for an academic experience,
volunteer work, or internship (or a combination)?
• Do you want to live in a dorm, apartment or
home stay?
• Do you want to live with international students
or other Americans?
• How much language instruction and/or cultural
immersion are you looking for?
• Do you meet the GPA and degree requirements to
apply for the program, and have enough time to
complete the application?

5. 2: WHERE CAN I LEARN ABOUT PROGRAMS?
Researching programs can be the most
time-intensive part of the process.
~
One can start with search engines and
general brochures. Then once you
identify a program that interests you,
visit the program sponsor’s website for
details. Also review any websites by
the foreign university/institution.
~
Approach the process as you did when
you were looking at colleges a few
years ago, and visit OIP any time you
feel stuck!
• Binghamton’s Office of
International Programs (OIP)
• Brochures
• Walk-in advising
• Advisor appointments
• General information sessions
• Topical information sessions (early each
semester
• Study Abroad Fair (fall semester)
• Common Websites
• http://oip.binghamton.edu
• www.sunysystemabroad.com
• www.studyabroad.com
~many other search engines are available~

6. 3: WHO RUNS STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS?
Binghamton University students can
participate on programs operated
by:
A. Binghamton University
B. Other SUNY Campuses
C. Non-SUNY sponsors

7. BINGHAMTON’S PROGRAMS
Approximately 30 programs available
• Billing: SUNY Tuition and any Program Fee/Tuition Differential are
paid to Binghamton University and OIP
• Credits: appear on Binghamton University transcript and will affect
GPA. Students can obtain credit approval for majors or minors through
their department advisors.
• Federal Financial Aid: Applies—bring a program cost sheet to
Financial Aid. They can review your aid package, and confirm whether
it can be adjusted based on program cost.

8. SUNY PROGRAMS
Binghamton students can participate in programs offered by other
schools within the SUNY system, with some differences:
• Billing: There are 2 Bills
• SUNY Tuition is paid to Binghamton University’s student accounts.
• Tuition Differential is paid to the SUNY Campus sponsoring the program
• Credits: appear as SUNY transfer credit once approved, and do not
affect GPA. The transcript supplement is attached to your Binghamton
transcript and becomes a part of your permanent record. *If you
already have a large number of transfer credits, meet with advising to
review how this may affect degree progress.
• Federal Financial Aid: : Applies—bring a program cost sheet to
Financial Aid. They can review your package and confirm if it can be
adjusted based on program cost

9. NON-SUNY PROGRAMS
• Billing: All payments go directly to the program provider. Students are on a
leave-of-absence from BU if they choose a Non-SUNY program. The program
provider will be the institution to provide proof of full-time enrollment.
• Credits: Please meet with department and school advisors to confirm your
credits will be accepted before applying. All credits will be transfer credits.
• Federal Financial Aid: Not all programs will qualify. Please make an
appointment with OIP to review eligibility before applying.
Students are welcome to participate in programs outside the SUNY system.
Programs outside of the SUNY System offer varying costs, levels of academic
quality and administrative support. While students are welcome to visit OIP to
discuss these programs, the staff at OIP may not be familiar with program
features due to the large number of options available.

10. 4: WHAT TYPES OF PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE?
Program designs tend to fall into three categories:
• Direct enrollment with a university
• Self-contained programs designed by the sponsoring school
• A blend of these two approaches
Learn more….

11. DIRECT ENROLLMENT PROGRAMS
• Offer a strong academic focus
• Many institutions are in English-speaking countries or offer coursework in English
• Students are enrolled directly with the university and may access the full course catalog
• Students are fully integrated with the university’s academic and social life
• Housing options may include dormitories, flats and home stay
• Tend to be full-semester or academic-year programs
• May offer exchange opportunities
Tip: Visit the university’s own website to learn more about course
options and other details to gain a sense for the school’s personality

12. SELF-CONTAINED PROGRAMS
• Not affiliated directly with a foreign university—courses, instructors,
housing and excursions are determined by the program sponsor.
• Tend to be designed for study abroad students--often one takes
coursework with and lives with other Americans abroad.
• Often have a strong focus on culture and/or language.
• May be available during semester, summer or short term.
Examples: Binghamton’s Semester in London and Spanish Language & Culture
in Madrid/Malaga

13. BLENDED PROGRAMS
Internships can be found as
part of a program, or as a
‘stand alone’ experience.
Examples: Binghamton’s summer program in
Fudan, China incorporates business visits as
part of the courses. Students can also review a
broad range of volunteer program through
sponsors like the International Partnership for
Service Learning & Leadership.

14. 5: HOW DOES CREDIT APPROVAL WORK?
It may take 2-3 months
after the program ends
for your transcript to
arrive and be posted to
your academic record .
If you pre-select courses
and obtain approval
before you go, it can
help speed the process!
~
If you plan to graduate
immediately after the
program, check with the
Registrar’s Office
regarding how this may
affect when your
diploma is released.
~
Students in pre-med,
the School of
Management and
Watson should meet
with their advisor to
review the best period
to go abroad. Look at
summer and short term
options if a full semester
seems difficult
As you research and identify one or two
favorite programs, print out your course
options and bring to the appropriate office
for review:
General Education Courses
• Binghamton Programs: OIP approves
courses
• SUNY and Non-SUNY: School advising
office approves courses
Major and Minor Courses:
• All Programs: students obtain approval
from the department

15. 6: WHAT IS THE GLOBAL STUDIES MINOR?
Often students find courses they’ve
already taken fulfill requirements for
the minor, reducing the need to take
additional classes.
Students need to enroll in the Global
Studies Minor before they study
abroad due to a pre-departure course
The Global Studies Minor is a unique
program which builds on the existing
‘Global Interdependencies’
requirement. It enhances your study
abroad experience with activities that
encourage reflection and analysis
Requirements are outlined online:
http://www2.binghamton.edu/oip/global-
studies-minor.html
Contact staff at globalstudies@binghamton.edu
to review how this program can work with
your current courses.

16. 7: HOW MUCH DOES STUDY ABROAD COST?
As you identify favorite program
opportunities, ask the sponsoring
campus for a detailed cost sheet that
will outline what items are included in
the program fee and what is the total
cost of the program
There is no simple answer
Every program will have its own unique price.
Detailed cost sheets usually can be found
online at the program sponsor’s website.
Binghamton University and SUNY Programs
cover the expense of sending a student
abroad by combining SUNY Tuition PLUS a
program fee/tuition differential (if the
program costs more than SUNY Tuition)
Non-SUNY programs are not necessarily more
or less expensive. It is important to confirm
if credits can transfer back and if financial
aid applies to the program before applying.

17. 7: HOW MUCH DOES STUDY ABROAD COST?
What is an “Exchange” Program?
Exchange program opportunities may be available for direct enrollment
programs.
If you are selected as an exchange student, you pay designated costs (e.g
tuition, fees, housing) to your home campus. The student selected at the
partner university pays the same designated costs to their home school.
With an exchange, each student is paying these costs at a domestic rate, so
this reduces the overall expense of sending a student abroad, and can
make a program more affordable.
You do not necessarily need to travel the exact same term as the other
student; you are each just creating a space at the other institution. Check
with the program sponsor regarding whether a program has an exchange
option and if there are spaces available.

18. HOW MUCH DOES STUDYING ABROAD
COST?
COMMON FACTORS THAT
AFFECT A PROGRAM’S COST
TIPS FOR FINDING AFFORDABLE
PROGRAMS
• Tuition/fees at the program
institution
• Housing and meal
arrangements
• Books and supplies
• General cost of living
• Airfare
• Local transportation,
regional travel and
excursions
• Exchange rate
• Be flexible with destination—
Europe is often pricier than
other regions of the world.
• Major cities may be pricier
than smaller towns.
• Sometimes a location with a
higher program fee may
actually be less expensive
overall if airfare, cost of living
and exchange rates are
favorable; look at the bottom
line of a cost sheet.

19. 8. HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PROGRAM?
Most spring programs have
deadlines from mid-September
through October
~
Fall and academic-year programs
are often due from mid-February
through early April.
~
Summer and short-term programs
may have rolling deadlines, where
applying early may reduce costs.
Look over the application dates
carefully.
OIP also has the general SUNY application in
the office. Check with the program sponsor
to ensure you have all of the required
application pages for your program.
Be sure to note the application deadline—every
program is different due to processing and
visa requirements
Complete paperwork neatly and ensure it is all
submitted by the deadline. Use a word
processing program or type when possible!
Students should anticipate applying for only
one or two programs, demonstrating they
have researched the best options for their
goals.

20. HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PROGRAM?
Work Backwards!
Begin with items that you rely on others to complete to ensure they will be
submitted in time:
• Reference letters—SUNY programs generally require two
academic references
• Transcripts—SUNY programs require one
• Study Abroad Statement—make sure your response
indicates why the program is the best fit for you
• Application forms: SUNY application and any forms
required by the host school or program
~Notify the program sponsor if you realize any pieces will be delayed~

21. HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PROGRAM?
Application Checklist
 Complete all paperwork
neatly
 Provide a copy of the
application to the Office of
International Programs
 Submit all forms to the
program sponsor by the
deadline
The program sponsor should contact you
if any paperwork appears
incomplete. They can also provide
the most accurate timeline of when
you will hear a reply
~
If you meet the program requirements,
the paperwork is done neatly and
are submitted on time, and your
essay shows the program design
matches your study abroad goals,
you should have an excellent
chance of being accepted!

22. 9: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I AM ACCEPTED
Pre-departure Planning Tips:
•Review costs with the program
sponsor so you understand the billing
procedures; meet with financial aid to
confirm your aid package and how
funds can be released.
•Meet with your academic advisor to
confirm credit approvals
•Purchase the international medical
insurance offered by the program
sponsor; or be very clear about how
your current medical coverage will
work at your program location
•Attend pre-departure information
sessions to obtain program and
location-specific details .
•Purchase refundable airline tickets in
case you need to modify your dates or
any issues occur with the program
The program sponsor will send you an
acceptance letter and packet
containing instructions and required
forms
Binghamton University Students that are
going on a program run by another
SUNY school or outside of the SUNY
system should contact the Binghamton
Office of International Programs to
confirm participation, review
registration procedures and receive
pre-departure information

23. GOOD LUCK PLANNING YOUR STUDY
ABROAD ADVENTURE!
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