FAQ
Frequently Asked Study Abroad Questions
Documents
Passport
What is a passport?
How long does it take to get a US passport?
How long is a passport valid for?
How do I get a first time passport or renew my passport?
How long does my passport have to be valid for after I study abroad?
Should I fill in the emergency information in my passport?
Should my parents or guardian have a current passport when I am abroad even if they do not plan to visit me?
Visa
What is a visa?
How do I know if I need a visa for study abroad?
How long does it take to get a visa?
Do I have to give my actual passport to the consulate when I am applying for a visa?
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
What is the International Student ID card?
What is the premium ISIC card?
What is the cost to upgrade and how do I upgrade?
What are the deadlines to upgrade if I should decide to do so?
How long is the ISIC card valid for?
Passport
What is a passport?
A passport is a form of international identification that states your citizenship and other important information needed by immigration.
How long does it take to get a US passport?
Processing can take four to eight weeks, expedited service is available for an additional charge.
How long is a passport valid for?
A US passport is valid for 10 years if you were 16 or older when you applied.
How do I get a first time passport or renew my passport?
If you are applying for a first time passport or need to renew your passport you can find applications and renewal forms at post offices or online at Travel.State.Gov. If you are applying for the first time or your passport was issued before you turned 16, you must apply for your passport in person.
How long does my passport have to be valid for after I study abroad?
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after you complete your time abroad. Some countries will not grant a visa if it is less than six months, other countries require only 3 months.
Should I fill in the emergency information in my passport?
Yes, but use pencil so that you can change it the next time you go abroad. Always use the program address. If your passport is lost, perhaps it will be returned to your abroad program.
Should my parents or guardian have a current passport when I am abroad even if they do not plan to visit me?
It is always wise for a parent or guardian to have a valid passport while you're away, just in case an emergency comes up that requires immediate travel. If neither of your parents have a current passport, there is a one-day passport service available. Of course, there is an additional fee for this service.
Visa
What is a visa?
A visa is an official document, stamp, or seal affixed within your passport, which allows you to enter a foreign country for a particular purpose, in this case it is for study.
How do I know if I need a visa for study abroad?
Check with the study abroad office or go online to www.travel.state.gov to look up country specific information. It will be found under entry/exit requirements. Some visas are done before you leave and others are granted upon arrival in a foreign country.
How long does it take to get a visa?
The process can take anywhere from a few days up to three months.
Do I have to give my actual passport to the consulate when I am applying for a visa?
Yes, since a visa is a stamp in your passport you must have your passport before you can obtain a visa.
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
What is the International Student ID card?
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a globally recognized student identity document. It provides basic travel accident insurance along with other benefits such as student discount airfare. You can check out the benefits at www.myisic.com. The ISIC card with the basic travel accident insurance plan is given to all students on GU sponsored programs. GU Students and students from area colleges who are traveling individually may purchase the ISIC from the GU Study Abroad office.
What is the premium ISIC card?
The premium card has more travel accident insurance and a $2000 personal effect coverage benefit. Meaning, if you lost your computer, camera etc and have the original receipts you may be covered under this benefit. The basic plan does not cover personal effects.
What is the cost to upgrade and how do I upgrade?
The cost of the upgrade is $50.00 and paid online via CASHNet. Cardholders will be notified with a confirmation email from GU Study Abroad that their upgrade has been accepted. The issued ISIC card and number remain the same after the upgrade.
What are the deadlines to upgrade if I should decide to do so?
The premium upgrade must be processed PRIOR to traveling abroad but by the dates listed below to allow time for processing between GU Study Abroad and the ISIC Issuing Office.
- Spring 2012: Upgrade by December 31, 2011
- Summer 2012: Upgrade by April 30, 2012
- Fall 2012 / Year 2012/13: Upgrade by August 31, 2012
- Spring 2013: Upgrade by December 31, 2012
How long is the ISIC card valid for?
The ISIC is valid one year from the date of issue. Let GU Study Abroad know if you are doing multiple study abroad programs so we can work with the dates to make the card valid for the duration of your programs.
