Getting Started

You’ve heard your classmates and friends talk about their experiences studying abroad, and you’ve decided you don’t want to miss this exciting opportunity. You’re ready to explore a new culture, meet new people and expand your knowledge of the world, your academic field and yourself.

So now what?

There are nearly 600 Binghamton and SUNY programs available. You’ll discover that each study-abroad opportunity offers different academic challenges and cultural immersion experiences. There are options in English or in foreign languages, and you can choose to stay within your major or explore new subjects for elective credit. Some programs are based at foreign universities, where you will be fully integrated into the foreign university-community, while others are programs in which you are housed and take courses with other American students. Some programs take you out of the classroom for field trips, volunteer work and hands-on opportunities within your field, while others challenge students with award-winning professors and exciting academic and research opportunities.

Sound overwhelming? We are here to help.

Here are some easy steps to get you started: particular majors and areas of the world.  We will begin another round of general and topical information sessions at the beginning of spring semester.

• Review the Planning for Study Abroad Powerpoint. This covers the topics commonly reviewed during the information sessions offered at the beginning of each semester, and is a handy resource for students and parents throughout the study abroad process.
  
  
• Come to Come to our office during our walk-in advising hours to speak with an advisor:

  Mondays 1:00-2:00
  Tuesdays 3:00-4:00
  Wednesdays 3:00-4:00
  Thursdays 1:00-2:00
  Fridays 1:00-2:00
  

• Do some initial research into programs on your own. You may want to visit our Study Abroad Resource Area — where we have lots of program brochures and information. Also go to program options, explore the Binghamton University programs and utilize the online search engines. Be sure you understand the differences between Binghamton programs, other SUNY programs and non-SUNY programs, especially in terms of credit recognition and financial policies.
  
  
• Once you’ve been to an information session (see the google calendar on our Study abroad homepage) and done some initial research, you may want to call our office or stop by to set up a one-on-one advising appointment with the program expert for the programs or areas of the world you are considering.
  
  
• Once you have identified the program (or programs), you want to apply to, go to Application Process to review application procedures.  You can download
  Binghamton program applications from our website, or get a hard copy in our office.  If you have chosen a program sponsored by another SUNY school or a non-SUNY program, get the program application directly from the sponsoring campus or organization.
  
  
• Once you have applied, don't forget to stop by our office to let us know you are applying to study abroad. You will need to fill out a short form with our office so we can get you in our system.   Download the Form Here, complete it and just drop it off!

Feel free to come back and see us, give us a call or send an e-mail any time during the application and pre-departure process!