Get Started with Study Abroad!

Step 1: Passport

A passport is “an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the holder” (NAFSA).  You cannot travel internationally without a passport.  In addition, your passport must be good for at least 6 months after you return from your international destination.

Apply for a passport right away if you are considering doing any international study or travel while at Geneseo.  You must apply in person if you are applying for your first passport.

For the most up-to-date and accurate passport requirements, plus everything else passport related (lost or stolen passports, passport corrections), consult the US Department of State passport website. 

There are two places in Geneseo where you can apply in person for a US passport:

• The Livingston County Clerk’s Office: located in the Livingston County Government Center, room 201.  The Clerk’s Office processes passport applications and fees, but does not take photos; you must have your passport photos taken BEFORE you go to the Clerk’s Office.  You can have passport photos taken at the Wal Mart portrait studio, or at most other major drug stores.

• US Post Office: located on Rt. 20A/South St. right next to the intersection of Main and 20A (in the plaza next to the Bank of Castile).  The Post Office processes applications, fees, and takes pictures for a fee of $15.

If you already have your passport, be sure that it is valid for at least 6 months after your intended return from studying abroad.  Otherwise, you must renew your passport.

Step 2: Preliminary Research

Before moving ahead you should do some preliminary research so that you have a rough idea of what studying abroad is all about. Here are a few ideas:

• To ensure that you are familiar with the study abroad basics, review our About and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages.
• Next, familiarize yourself with the program(s) in which you are interested.  To search programs using a variety of filters, visit the Search Programs page.  If you're having trouble figuring out which program(s) you think you may be interested in, don't worry!  It helps to just know what Geneseo has to offer - meeting with an academic advisor or study abroad advisor can help you sort through the rest (see below).
• Read our study abroad blog to hear from former study abroad students and get tips and tricks to prepare for your study abroad.
• For information about costs, scholarships, and financial policies, please review the Policies and Procedures Handbook.  Again, you do not have to worry about specific details at this stage - just get a basic idea of the way study abroad costs are structured.
• Attend one of the Study Abroad Office's events.  Consult our Study Abroad Calendar for a complete list of current study abroad events. Regular semester events include: information sessions, study abroad fairs, dorm programs, multicultural events, and more.  These events will give you a chance to meet study abroad staff and talk with students who have been abroad in the past.  

Step 3: Meet with your Academic Advisor/Major or Minor Department

After you've taken a look at the basics and have some ideas about what you might like to do for study abroad, you should meet with your academic advisor (this step is especially important if you are leaning towards a semester or year-long study abroad experience).  It's important to have a strong understanding of the requirements that you would like to fulfill for your major(s), minor(s), and the General Education Program while abroad.  You should let your academic advisor know that you are planning to study abroad, and discuss your scheduling needs/constraints with them.

If the program you are looking at has a faculty instructor or liaison, it would be a good idea to talk with that person about course concerns.  If there is a faculty instructor or liaison for the program you are interested in, that person's name and email will appear on the program webpage.

Depending on your major or minor, it may also help to meet with someone in your department(s) about staying on track with your Geneseo courses.  In most cases this will be your academic advisor, but if you are a double major, have one or two minors, or have a concentration, you may also want to meet with a faculty member from your other department(s).

Step 4: Learn the Basics

Meet with a Study Abroad Intern

Study Abroad Interns are Geneseo students who have previously studied abroad.  These students hold drop-in peer advising hours and offer their time to assist current Geneseo students in selecting the right program, working through the application process, and learning specifics about their respective programs.

When are Interns Available?

Who are the Interns?

If you have any questions, please contact the Study Abroad Office at studyabroad@geneseo.edu.

Study Abroad 101: General Information Sessions 

Interested in learning about studying abroad? Interested in learning about opportunities available to you? Don't know where to start? Attend a Study Abroad 101 information session to learn more! 

For Spring 2024, Study Abroad 101 Sessions will be held in Union 324 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. on the following dates: 

• Wed. 1/31
• Thurs. 2/15
• Wed. 2/28
• Wed. 3/20

Step 5: Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor

Our advisors can help you dig into the specifics of studying abroad on particular programs or can give you a general overview of what's involved.  In both cases you will be pointed in the right direction for doing more in-depth research.  Appointments can be scheduled with a study abroad advisor on our Advising Appointment page. 

Steps 6-8: Apply

Visit our Apply page to learn more about the steps associated with applying for a study abroad program at SUNY Geneseo.