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International Education at Nazareth College

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Answers to the FAQ's are arranged in a sort of chronological order for study abroad: collecting knowledge: preparing: studying abroad. Your question or a variation of it is probably found in one of the categories listed above. Also, you can think of your question in terms of its most important words and then "Find" it in the text by entering Cntrl-F. No Study Abroad FAQ site can have all the questions and answers. The " Links" below can help you locate specific information about countries, updated passport regulations and much more. For other questions, please contact the Center for International Education (585-389-2371.)

General Information Links:

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Academic Questions

1. How do I find out about study abroad programs?

We suggest you visit the Center for International Education (CIE) on the campus in the Golisano Academic Center, Room 121. Our telephone is 585-389-2371. You should also contact the Coordinator for a Residential Program you want to attend. Information about the Exchange Programs can be found on this website and at the CIE Office.

2. I don't speak the language where I want to go; or, I don't speak the language well enough. Can I still succeed in a non-English environment?

Yes you can. All Nazareth College Residential Programs and Exchange Programs accept students who are not yet proficient in the target language. The Nazareth-in-Berlin Residential Program is designed for non-German speaking students or students with very little German. The other Residential Programs accept students who can show evidence of promise in the language and other courses. The Exchange Programs through Nazareth College are conducted in English (including Osaka).

3. Why should I study abroad if it doesn't seem relevant to studies in my major or to my intended career path?

A study abroad experience always indicates to prospective employers that you accept challenges and will bring valuable human experience to the job. With study abroad experience and a professional internship (available abroad or at home), you can show evidence of a superior educational path. Most students are not aware of the international dimensions of their chosen profession. Today that includes almost every field. Students who study abroad have an edge on those who don't. Above all, the experience adds valuable knowledge, builds individual confidence, and enriches your life in unique ways.

4. Does it matter where I study abroad?

Actually, no, but you should work on your strengths. A study abroad experience in a quality program can provide you with valuable knowledge and skills that are transferable across professions and international borders. Of course, if you have some preparation in a particular language, you should seriously consider a country where that language is spoken. Also, people who have studied abroad in country X often find themselves interacting with country Y in their profession, because their employer relies on their skill transfer abilities.

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5. Do I have to study at an accredited program abroad?

Yes. Nazareth College will accept credits in transfer only if the program is associated with Nazareth College or if the program is accredited by a U.S. institution of higher education. You must speak with the Center for International Education (585-389-2371) if you are unsure about a program that interests you.

6. Do I get grades and credits transferred back to Nazareth College?

You will receive grades and credits for all Nazareth College programs. You will receive only credits for courses taken abroad through other institutions. In most cases, credit from these outside programs will be accepted at Nazareth College only if the grade earned abroad was a C- or better.

7. Can I go on a study abroad program through another university?

Yes you can. To do this you will have to transfer credit back to Nazareth College. You must take a leave of absence from Nazareth, register at the host institution and pay all costs there. Federally subsidized loans are usually transferable on a pro-rated basis; College-specific grants or scholarships are not.

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Application and Acceptance Procedures

1. How do I apply for Nazareth Programs?

First, inform yourself on this website about the program/s you are interested in. Then contact the Coordinator of the Program or the Center for International Education (585-389-2371). All the relevant forms can be downloaded as PDF files from this website. The completed forms must be returned the Program Coordinator or to the CIE.

2. How do I apply for programs sponsored by other institutions?

First, you must do your homework, either on the Internet or by direct contact with the host institution. Before you apply to other programs and pay their non-deductible application fee, you must consult with the Center for International Education (585-389-2371).

3. How much can my professors and advisor/s help me in the application process?

Your professors and advisor/s can only give you guidance, advise you about your degree plans and write letters of recommendation. Do not expect them to "run" your application forms around the campus, if you have not completed the work in time or the semester has ended and you are scheduled to go home.

4. Can I apply late or just before the application deadline?

In some cases it is possible that the deadline for application has been extended. But don't assume this will happen. Post-deadline applications often must be rejected for a number of reasons. The application process requires several important steps that include consultation with several offices and the return of letters of recommendation. Make sure, as early as possible, that you ask recommenders to complete their letters. Do not be shy in reminding them about the letters. Also, to obtain a U.S. passport has become a lengthier process than before. And for some countries, obtaining a visa can cost you the most time. (You must have the passport before you obtain a visa.)

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5. Will I be able to graduate on time if I study abroad for a semester or a year?

Generally, yes, if you plan your course strategy early on with the help of your Academic Advisor and the Program Coordinator. Semesters abroad are always easier than an entire year. The course load required by some major programs make it very difficult for their students to be away from the program for any length of time. (This should not deter students who see the personal and academic value of a study abroad experience.) Sometimes, students choose to graduate a bit later, in order to gain the experience in a study-abroad program. Some students can afford to go in their junior year, some in their sophomore year. A few can fit in a fall semester abroad in their senior year. And still other students choose to study in one of the Short Term Programs.

6. Do I automatically receive credit for Nazareth Perspectives, Writing Intensive, Global Area courses and courses in my major/minor when I study abroad?

You must first obtain formal approval for each course taken abroad to satisfy a specific requirement. Otherwise it will be counted only as an elective. Obtain the Transfer Credit Approval Form from the Academic Advisement Office or the CIE Office and obtain all required departmental signatures.

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Scholarships, Costs and Payments

1. Are there scholarships available for study abroad?

Yes, and yes. First, Nazareth College students generally retain all scholarship and loan support when they study abroad at a Nazareth Residential Program or an Exchange Program. All students - Nazareth and Visiting - should search for additional scholarship aid from governmental agencies and foundations. Please visit the Students Scholarships section of our web site.

2. Is it better cost-wise to study through Nazareth College or with another program?

This question has several answers. You can answer this best, only after you have done your research from a "cost - benefit" approach. In general, all undergraduate students matriculated at Nazareth College are eligible for all financial resources for which they would qualify if they were studying on the Nazareth College campus. Detailed information is available in the College Catalog or in the Financial Aid Office, Smyth Hall, Room 132 (tel. 585-389-2310). Visiting students are advised to consult with their home campus Financial Aid Office for any other support they may receive from their institution. There is no opportunity for students to receive U.S. Federal "work study" funding while studying abroad.

3. What about arranging my financial package for study abroad?

If you are a Nazareth student on a Nazareth-sponsored program, your financial aid and payment program matters are taken care of by the College Bursar's Office, exactly as though you were remaining on the campus. All students must inform the Financial Aid Office (585-389-2314) in advance that they intend to study abroad. (Nazareth Commuter Students must make special arrangements for the change in housing costs.) If you are a visiting student on a Nazareth-sponsored program, your financial aid loan and payment program matters are also paid at the Nazareth College Bursar's Office. (You must first arrange the temporary shift of education loans from your home institution to Nazareth College. This does not happen automatically.)

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Travel Documents

1. Am I required to have a passport?

Yes, all persons, whether U.S. citizens or international students, must possess a valid passport for study abroad. Some countries require that your passport remain valid for a period of 6 months after you will have returned home. You are strongly advised to make a photocopy of the first two personal information pages in your passport and keep this photocopy separate from your passport at all times. In the event you lose your passport abroad, you can take this photocopy to the nearest U.S. Consulate to obtain emergency papers. The U.S. State Department has ceased issuing duplicate/replacement passports abroad, in most cases, a change from their former practice. You would most likely be issued emergency ID documents for return to the U.S. Protect your passport from theft or loss! Click here for U.S. Passport information.

2. Is a visa required?

Yes, generally. The process is different from country to country. For some countries you must obtain the visa before you depart the U.S. For other countries, you may obtain the visa in the country, once you have arrived. All visas require a fee. Some visas require proof of good health and that you have never had or do not have certain diseases. Obtaining a visa before you depart may take considerable time. Consult with the program's coordinator for visa application procedures. You must have a valid passport before you can apply for a visa.

3. What other travel documents do I need to take?

Yes. Of course, you must have your transportation tickets (airline tickets). It is advisable to carry your driver's license, because it has your photo, although you will not be driving while abroad. For some countries you must have proof of immunization and be able to indicate this on a special yellow card obtained from your county health agency. It is always wise for students abroad to obtain an International Student ID card beforehand. (Some programs require it.) These can be purchased at the Nazareth Center for International Education, at several major travel agencies or on line. Of course, also take your college or university Student ID card with you.

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What to Pack

1. Do all students going abroad pack the same items?

No. What you pack depends on what climate you will be in, what kind of culture you will live in and how long you will stay.

2. What is a general list of items to pack?

Here is a general list for moderate climates. Alter it according to a woman's or man's needs. (Remember, in most countries you will be able to buy anything locally that you forgot to pack. Don't panic and don't overpack. You will have to be carrying everything - yourself - there and back. And remember, you will always come back with more than what you took with you.)

Underwear at least 8 - 14 changes
Socks
 the same (some dark for formal wear)
Belts two; one nice and one useful
Ties (men) two (buy a third one there for kicks)
Shoes one good walking pair and one nice pair
Shoe polish for the nice pair
Trousers/pants two to three pair for everyday use; one good dark pair for formal wear
Short pants depends on the climate
Jogging stuff yes, if you're into it (but don't make it heavy material)
Sports jacket (men) just one for formal wear; should match ties and trousers
Dressy dress (women) one or two for formal wear, to the opera or a formal dinner
Sweaters two or three of them, light and heavier, depending on the climate
Jacket/coat depends on the climate
Pajamas one light and one heavier for season change
Bathrobe maybe you can use your jogging stuff
Swimming suit only if it suits you
A hat? observe the local customs about wearing one
Umbrella A collapsible, cheap one.
Book bag You use your carry on luggage bag; great for trips
Walkman/CD don't forget the CD's
Shaver (men) only if you have a small transformer for 110 to 220 volts.
Small transformer don't forget to pick up the wall adapters at a local electronics store
Small toiletries kit regular stuff in it for your specific needs (more available abroad)
Small sewing kit you will need this
Medications prescription stuff; (small amounts of: tylenol/aspirin/advil; tums)
Washcloths/towels take two or more; they're handy (towels too, depending on location)
Ziplock bags One of the handiest travel items
Black plastic bag/s two or three go into a suitcase and take no space; you'll find a use.
Glasses reading and sun
Camera/film don't carry higher than 400 ASA speed; the airport machines zap it,
(that's the truth, although they deny it; use a small lead pouch, if you want)
Family photos a host family or new friends will want to see them
Small flashlight useful at times.
Alarm clock don't get fancy, wind-up or battery powered
Dictionary heavy but very useful
Bandaids for blisters on your feet if you don't usually walk a lot at home
A gift? Take one for a host family

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3. What should I not pack?

If you take items on board airplanes or across borders that are illegal, you will suffer the consequences. Do not pack items to carry on board aircraft, which are sharp or can be interpreted as a danger to health and safety. All such items will be confiscated from you at airport security stations. Do not take electrical items requiring 110 volts (hair driers, etc.) unless you also take the appropriately power-rated transformers and wall plugs. It is usually better to purchase these items abroad.

Traveling Abroad

1. Can I find valuable travel information on the Web?

Yes you can. But be careful. Many offers come with a cost, and frequently you cannot know what you're getting until you get there. Check out these websites as a starter:

Lonely Planet Travel Guides
Worldwide Database of Hostels
Rough Guides

2. Are there good books I can use when I travel?

Yes. Larger bookstores will have a good choice of travel books that give hotel, travel and sightseeing information. You might start with the "…forvisitors.com sites, such as www.spainforvisitors.com.

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Transportation

1. Does my payment to the College for study abroad include air fare and train connections to the study site?

No. Nazareth College does not charge or pay for air travel or ground transportation to and from the study site. Students will be responsible for the cost of their round trip air fare, payable directly to a scheduled airline or a travel bureau. Your program Coordinator can will inform students about the best flight connections for timely arrival at the study site. Questions about travel are amply covered at orientation meetings on the Nazareth Campus or for visiting students through advisement by telephone or email. Students traveling across the Atlantic or to South America should leave one calendar day ahead of the scheduled beginning of the program to arrive on time. Students flying west across the Pacific will lose two calendar days, because they will cross the International Date Line. For some programs students will need to fly to a hub city in the country and then transfer to another airplane or to train transportation to reach the study abroad site.

2. How can I find the best air fare price and connection?

You can book a flight through a travel agent in your area or you can call an airline and book over the telephone. It has become more cost effective for students to search the Internet for the best prices and connections. Be careful to avoid certain charter flight arrangements that do not guarantee the flight or the flight date. Tickets purchased over the Internet may be an E-ticket, or a ticketless ticket. (In the future, you may be charged an extra fee to obtain a paper copy of the ticket.) Many Internet ticket agencies are available on line. Sometimes you will be required to show the same charge or debit card to the airline ticket agent as you check in, if you purchase your ticket by phone or Internet. If you book a flight close to the departure date, expect to pay a much higher price. Nazareth College can accept no responsibility for the manner of airline and train ticket purchase.

www.studentuniverse.com
www.orbitz.com
www.priceline.com
www.travelocity.com
www.studentportal.com
www.itravelosophy.com
www.cheap-international-airline-tickets.com

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3. Can I go early or stay in the country at the end of the program?

Yes. If you go early, it will be understood that you will find your own way to the study site. If you stay on in the country or travel after the program has concluded, you will have to calculate the extra costs. If you plan to stay with your original host family, you should expect to pay directly for housing and food costs. If you decide later on to lengthen your stay, you will be charged up to $150 extra and maybe more to have your airline tickets rebooked.

Money Abroad

1. Where can I get foreign currency?

It is generally not a good idea to get foreign currency through your U.S. bank. Their fees are usually much too expensive. You can change money abroad by taking travelers' checks to a bank or the travelers' check office located where you are going. (Most travelers' checks come with insurance against theft or loss.) You can also use charge cards and debit cards in many locations in developed countries to obtain cash or to pay for items. It is frequently not necessary for you to take all the money for your expected out-of-pocket expenses with you. You can obtain it electronically on an as-needed basis or even have money wired to you. You should discourage parents or friends from sending you money by a personal check written from an American bank. The cashing period usually takes weeks. As you arrive in a country, change only enough money at the airport that you will need for the next few days (say, for a weekend). You will get much better exchange rates and fees at banks in metropolitan areas. Also, money changing agencies usually charge higher rates as well.

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2. What is a certain currency worth in U.S. dollars?

The value of money changes daily, depending on its value against the U.S. dollar. You can use a website program to Convert Currencies.

Health

1. Do I have to be super healthy to study abroad?

Every one of us has something wrong or potentially wrong with us. Routinely, students going abroad take prescription medication with them and have no problems. Of course, you should always consult closely with your physicians about the advisability of study abroad. If you have a condition that must be monitored by a specialist during your stay abroad, you will need to disclose this to the Program Coordinator, for your safety.

2. Can I get prescriptions abroad?

Yes, almost always in developed nations, but you should take a long-term supply with you. Keep the prescription documentation with you as you travel. Your prescription might come under a different brand name. Always consult with your physician before leaving the States. Always know what kinds of medications you may have an allergic reaction to; and keep a list of these with you at all times.

3. Do I need shots?

For travel in Europe, you do not generally need any special medical injections. To obtain a visa in some countries, you must disclose any diseases you have had or presently have. In less developed areas of the world you are strongly advised or required to have injections against local diseases. Consult with the Program Coordinator or the CIE for more information. Also, check out the U.S. Government CDC website. Travel Health Online is also a helpful website for information.

4. Do I need health insurance?

Yes, Nazareth College requires that all students in its programs abroad have appropriate coverage. Of course, you should always carry your family's health insurance card and other pertinent information, even though the program abroad may provide you with its own health, accident or liability insurance. The student pays for these services, just as home campus insurance must be obtained.

5. Can I obtain my own, extra travel, health, accident or liability insurance, if I want?

Yes. There are several companies that provide these services. You can usually find information through any travel agent in your local area.

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Safety

1. Does Nazareth College have standards for safety and security for its programs abroad?

Yes. Procedures are in place for our programs, to help maintain the safety of students in everyday situations and in possible emergencies. The Security and Safety Department at Nazareth College maintains a set of guidelines and procedures that apply to crisis management. All first calls will be directed to their office. Nazareth College, through CIE, retains the right to cancel programs abroad if the destination location is determined to be unsafe.

2. Am I responsible for my own safety?

Generally, yes. You must be alert when studying abroad, just as you are responsible for yourself in a stateside college environment. All Nazareth College programs abroad include orientation sessions on personal and group safety. For website information on safety, go to: U.S. State Department Safety Information; and Safety Information for Road Travel.

Living in Another Culture

1. Will it be hard or easy to live in another culture?

That depends on you. If you have made it a point over the past months or years to learn about the target culture, you will be much more prepared to appreciate the place where you will study. Students who have not been serious about preparing mentally for the experience abroad will generally have more work to do, once they arrive in the country. You can prepare by consulting with the program's Coordinator and by reading, such as the on-line Intercultural Communication Study Guide, available on the University of Hawaii website.

2. Will my program abroad prepare me for the cultural differences?

Yes. All reputable residential and exchange programs abroad will set aside time before and during the experience abroad for you to learn specific things about the culture. Frequently, programs will provide an accompanying Orientation Guide, which you receive once you are in the program or arrive on site.

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Working Abroad

1. I have Federal Work Study hours in my present financial aid package. Can I use this abroad?

No. Generally, there are no provisions made for students to earn money from the home campus. Work Study money is strictly a U.S. based financial aid program. Students should calculate what extra support they will need while abroad to replace the Work Study hourly pay. Usually, this does not place a heavy burden on the student.

2. Can I work while abroad?

Usually not. It is almost always illegal for people on study visas to work in a country. Nazareth College does not have the ability to obtain work permits for students abroad. The program Coordinators will know about any exceptions for their Residential Program. Internships abroad are unpaid. Some programs abroad through other colleges or universities have limited provision for some paid work.

Performing Public Service Abroad

1. I have worked with service organizations at home or on my campus.
Can I continue this type of activity abroad?

Yes. Volunteer organizations are always looking for people to help. Frequently, these agencies are very happy to have the help of university students. Some Nazareth College Residential Programs have formal contacts with service organizations in their area.

2. I am looking for a program abroad where I can focus on volunteer service. Is this possible?

Yes. Some students go abroad after graduation, such as to the Peace Corps. There are other organizations that are looking for students who want to serve internationally, such Mobility International.

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