Passports
Obtaining a passport is your responsibility. If you do not
have a passport, which is valid for at least six months
BEYOND the entire period you intend to be abroad, apply
for one immediately. Please refer to the document in your
pre-departure packet entitled “PASSPORTS--APPLYING
FOR THEM THE EASY WAY”
Visas
In addition to reading the enclosed “Foreign Entry
Requirements” information from the U.S. State Department
pertaining to your adopted country, contact the Embassy
or Consulate of your host country to determine if there
have been any recent changes to the stated policy. The Study
Abroad office provides some information on the procedure
but cannot complete the process on your behalf. (Note:
an official letter stating your participation in the Study
Abroad program and Holy Cross’ responsibility to pay
tuition, room and board fees (where appropriate and applicable)
is enclosed in your pre-departure package. This letter is
EXTREMELY important and must be provided when obtaining
a visa. You should not have to surrender the original letter,
as you might need to produce it upon arrival in your new
country; however, some Consulates require this to be on
their files. If this is the case, then ensure that you have
photocopies of the letter in order to carry with you.
Please
Note: We urge you to check the Embassy or Consulate
of your host country for specific entry requirements. BE
PATIENT! It is not an easy or speedy process dealing with
government offices. To avoid frustration on your part –
DON’T LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE!!
Travel/ISIC
Cards
All travel costs are separate from any fees paid to Holy
Cross and, as stated above, you are responsible for all
travel arrangements. Submit to the Study Abroad
office to have a copy of your flight details and travel
plans, etc., just in case we are asked by your overseas
program advisors for this information. Please complete the
form in the pre-departure packet and return it to the office
well before you leave.
Your
International Student Identity Card (ISIC) includes membership
to STA Travel, an agency that specializes in student
travel including flights, trains, buses, hostels, Rail passes,
etc. Council’s worldwide offices are listed in your
ISIC handbook. These cards are issued for the calendar year
NOT for the academic year. When your card expires in December,
we strongly advise that you get a new one because it carries
emergency medical and travel insurance. (See Health Insurance
section in your pre-departure manual.) The cost is around
$25 each.
