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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University

Center For International Studies
Exploring the World - Study Abroad
Center for International StudiesApplying to St. Cloud State UniversityComing to SCSUAfter you've arrivedExploring the World

TRAVEL RESOURCES

Before You Go:

  1. Passport Information
  2. Visa
  3. International Student ID Card (ISIC)

Things to Consider :

  1. Emergency Protocol & Tuberculosis Information
  2. Registering with the US Embassy in your country
  3. Railpassses
  4. Discount Airfare Abroad
  5. Hostels / Youth Hostel Cards
  6. Money: Budgeting and Exchanging

Once Your Return:

 

Before You Go:

1. Passport Information

  • U.S. Dept of State Passport Information and Application
  • Within St. Cloud, passport applications may be processed through Stearns County
  • The passport application fee is $67. The execution fee is $30. The total is $97.
  • Routine processing of passports takes 6-8 weeks. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.
    • " Processing times can vary depending on workload and occasional unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters.  During busier times, such as the summer travel season, we encourage customers to expedite their applications if traveling in less than 8 weeks."
  • Passport Photos may be purchased through Copies Plus.
  • Lost or Stolen passports should be reported to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate immediately.
  • If you have any questions about passports please contact CIS. top

2. Visa Information

  • U.S. Dept of State Visa Information and list of Country requirements.
  • For SCSU sponsored study abroad programs, the staff at CIS will assist students with the visa process. Visa fees are included in overall program costs. More details will be available at pre-departure orientation.
  • For non-SCSU participants, it is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain visas, where required, from the appropriate embassy or nearest consulate of the country you are planning to visit.
    • Check with your program provider to learn if they assist with this process.
  • Processing and visa fees vary, and most are not refundable. top

3. International Student Identification Card (ISIC)

Is the most widely accepted proof of student status available. It automatically provides you with minimal accident and sickness insurance. The card also entitles you to special privileges and discounts including reduced or free admission to museums, theatres, cinemas, concerts, and cultural and historic sights. New benefits for identity cards include discounts on international phone calls on AT&T's USA Direct Service and discounts on wiring money with American Express. Always show your card when buying tickets for events to see if they might give you a discount. Possible discounts are rarely advertised so be prepared to ask. The card is valid for the calendar year in which it is issued.

Card fee is $22 -
ISIC card fees are included in the program fee for all SCSU students and faculty participating in SCSU sponsored study abroad programs. For non-SCSU participants the ISIC card is included with the application fee. top

 

Things to Consider:

1. Emergency Protocol and Tuberculosis Information

Should an EMERGENCY (medical, security, safety, etc.) arise while studying abroad, the SCSU Public Safety switchboard is available to receive calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Their staff are trained to accept calls from study abroad participants or their families, they will take your information and contact the appropriate individuals as quickly as possible. It may be beneficial to print off additional copies of the CIS Emergency Protocol Information form for family members. pdf format

The wonder of travel, new people and new environments can expose you to a wide array of illness that you may not be thinking about. It is important to remember this while you are abroad and to take the necessary precautions. One disease in particular which we would like to bring your attention to is Tuberculosis or TB. In the attached pdf we provide you with information on this disease. pdf format top

2. Registering with the US Embassy in your Country

Registration at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (in the country you are visiting) makes your presence and whereabouts known.If necessary a consular officer will be able to contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary. They cannot assist you if they do not know where you are. top

3. Railpasses

Railpasses are a great way to travel when backpacking across Europe. If you plan to spend several days seeing numerous countries this is usually the most cost efficient. However, if you are on a limited trip (under a week) and plan to see only 1-2 areas, it is usually best to look at buying direct tickets versus the pass. Find ticket and rail prices at Eurail or RailEurope

  • Railpasses must be purchased in the United States top

4. Discount Airfare

Discount airfare is a great way to expand your travel area while abroad. Numerous websites offer great deals and travel packages including STA Travel, EasyJet, Ryan Air, JetBlue, etc.

SCSU sponsored programs typically include roundtrip airfare from Minneapolis top

5. Hostels/Youth Hostel Cards

This pass will entitle you to take advantage of inexpensive youth hostel accommodations anywhere in the world. A youth hostel may be anything from a remodeled villa, a basement of a home, or a log cabin on the side of a mountain. In any case, they are typically clean and cheap.

6. Money: Budgeting and Exchanging

  • You should contact your bank and credit card companies before you leave the country and let them know that charges will be coming from overseas.
    • ask these companies if there are any additional surcharges to withdraw money overseas
    • ask about the limit you can withdraw per day or about any other security holds that might cause problems
  • Be careful what kinds of cash machines that you choose to use. International hotels are a good place to find safe ones.
  • Exchange rates often change daily. Check out today's rate.
  • Give a trusted relative or friend access to your account so they can help you if there is a problem.
  • Consider Power of Attorney. top