Predeparture Services
Academic Advising and Counseling
A successful study abroad experience begins by reviewing then selecting an appropriate host university program. The SAF counseling staff members have personal experience studying abroad and are trained to help students and their parents understand the variety of study abroad opportunities offered by the SAF. Determining the appropriate study abroad site will depend upon many factors including academic major, admission criteria, academic calendar, program fees, and location. Students are not required to make any payments to the SAF during the process of initial inquiry and counseling.
Application Processing and Paperwork
After the SAF counseling staff helps students determine a host university that will be a good academic and cultural match, they assist students in assembling all the required application documents. The SAF counseling staff will present a complete file to the host university for an admission decision and students can expect to receive an admission notification within three to four weeks. Our services include all of the communication costs of securing an admission including express mail services, long-distance telephone calls and international fax communications.
Admission Packet
Once an academic admission decision has been made students will receive a complete admission packet. Included in the packet will be an SAF Study Abroad Participation Contract that must be completed and returned to the SAF to finalize participation on the program. A non-refundable program deposit will be due at this time.
Housing
In addition to the contract, the admission packet will include information on housing options and meal plans. Students will be asked to complete a housing preference form to indicate the type of accommodations (living environment) they prefer. Options will vary from university to university, but all choices will be described in the packet. Also included will be the SAF’s Preparing for Study Abroad. This guide provides information about, obtaining the appropriate student visa, securing insurance coverage for the duration of the program abroad as well as information on safety concerns and advice on travel and packing.
Student Visas
Most students will require a visa to study abroad on a SAF program. The SAF supplies students with visa application instructions, advice regarding the visa interview, and any required documentation as outlined by the host government. In the U.S. for example, the SAF will provide students with either an I-20 to apply for an F-1 Student Visa or a DS-2019 for an Exchange Visitor Visa (these immigration documents are supplied by the host university). While the SAF counselors will do everything they can to assist students in securing a visa, applying, obtaining and paying for a student visa from the host government is always the student’s responsibility.
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