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Kansas State University

Before You Leave

 
Passports

You must have a passport to travel abroad, and a passport is your most important means of identification abroad. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid, keeping in mind that some countries now require that your passport be valid for an additional six months after your return to the United States.

If you do not have a passport, or if your passport has expired, apply immediately. We recommend applying at least three months before you plan to travel. You can get a passport at any post office. Call the Manhattan Post Office at 500 Leavenworth at 776-8851 or 776-4202 to make an appointment to come in to the office, which is open between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. You will need to bring:

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship (an original birth certificate or certified copy)
  • Proof of identity (a driver's license will do)
  • A completed passport application form (available in the Study Abroad Office, the Post Office, or downloaded from http://travel.state.gov/)
  • two recent passport-sized photos (two-inch color photographs). You can purchase passport photos from Walgreen’s, Sears, Kinko’s, Wal-Mart, and the UPS store. You can also get them at the International Student Center (call for hours and price).
  • $55 plus $35 (two checks or cash)

Passports take about six weeks to arrive. When yours arrives, sign it and bring it to the study abroad office and let us make a copy.

Guard your passport -- it is valuable! Keep a record of your passport number and the date and place of issue. If stolen or lost, immediately notify local police and the nearest American embassy or consulate. Replacing your passport can be facilitated if you have a record of your passport information.

Visas

Most countries require a student visa. You need a passport before you can apply for a visa, since visas are stamped in your passport. Visas are applied for at country embassies and consulates, and once you have received your letter of acceptance from the host institution and your passport, we will help you apply for a visa.

Immigration and customs

  • Know regulations. Generally, each U.S. citizen may bring back in the U.S.$400 worth of merchandise duty-free.
  • Bring a receipt or proof of ownership if you plan on taking your camera, camcorder or computer. Otherwise, customs agents may try to impose a duty.
  • Do not bring fruits, meats, vegetables back into the U.S. Remember that the U.S. Customs is very strict on produces brought back into the U.S. Do not keep any food from abroad or from the plane when you return home.

Medical Insurance for Students

You must have health insurance that will cover emergencies while abroad. If your program does not provide insurance, you must enroll in the K-State Study Abroad Insurance. In most cases, YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY UP FRONT FOR MEDICAL CARE. Then you can file a claim and be reimbursed later. Students going to Australia or through ISEP will need to purchase additional health coverage.

Health Considerations and Immunizations

Some immunizations may be required for your trip. Check with Lafene Health Center Travel Clinic (532-6544), and make an appointment if any immunizations are necessary. Some immunizations series take up to six months. For more information about pre-travel immunizations, go to Lafene Health Center Travel Clinic Information.

K-State "Before You Go" Requirements

Come to orientation

The mandatory pre-departure study abroad orientations are held each November (for outgoing Spring semester students) and April (for outgoing Summer and Fall semester students). Be sure to invite your parents.

Enroll for study abroad

To enroll for study abroad, log on to KATS and enroll in MLANG 001 as a full-time student (12 hours for semester or six hours for summer study). This does not reflect how many hours will transfer back to K-State, which is contingent upon your academic performance.

Sign and return your acceptance