F.A.Q. Traveling

Limited  Power of Attorney
The Study Abroad  Agreement-Transfer Credit Programs and International Distance Education. By signing the Limited Power of Attorney section, students  give the Office of Study Abroad authority to  (1) access transcripts and records held, (2) continue or withdraw enrollment,  (3) contact financial aid about disbursements,  (4) discuss finances and academics with designated persons, and (5) bill student accounts for  study abroad fees.

General  Power of Attorney (Sample)
A  document a student should prepare and have notarized  so that a trusted person in the U.S. can handle  financial and legal affairs at the student's  request while the student is abroad.

Durable  Power of Attorney for Health Care Decisions (Sample)
A  document a student should prepare and have notarized  so that a trusted person in the U.S. can handle  medical decisions on behalf of the student abroad  if the student is incapable of making these decisions.

Are  study abroad students subject to the laws of  the host country?
Yes. Students  must comply with the laws of the country in  which they are studying or traveling. Since  these laws differ from place to place, students  can find up-to-date information about legal  affairs in all countries by reading the U.S.  State Department's Consular  Information Sheets.

Does  U.S. law supersede the laws of the country?
No. Students  are subject to the laws of the country in which  they study or travel which may be stricter or  more lenient than those of the U.S., especially  with regards to the use of alcohol and drugs.  U.S. law does not supercede other countries'  law, and students who have legal problems while  abroad need to consult with the U.S. Consulate  or Embassy for assistance.

Do  students need a passport to study abroad?
Yes. U.S.  citizens need a U.S. passport, and Permanent  Residents and international students going abroad  need the passport of their country of citizenship.  Having a passport  makes it easier to transact financial matters  abroad, plus it is the best proof of identity.  Any one needing to obtain a student visa must  have a passport.  Passports need to be valid for at least 6 months following the end of  your proposed program.

Should  I wait until I am accepted into the program to apply for a passport?
No. Due  to the higher demand for passports because air travel to Mexico and Canada now requires a passport,  the time to process passports may be as much  as 12 weeks. Students with strong motivation  to study abroad should obtain a passport as soon  as possible to avoid delays.

Where  do U.S. citizens apply for a passport?
The  main U.S. Post Office of all major cities (including  Las Cruces) will accept applications (and take  required photos). The total cost is about $110  (including photos) and the passport is  valid for 10 years for persons 18 or above.  Students may also apply on line with the U.S.  State Department.

What  is a visa?
A  visa is a document provided by another country  that gives citizens of other countries permission  to enter their country and establishes under  what conditions they may stay in that country.

What  type of visa will students need to study at  language institutes?
Depends. Students  attending language institutes for short duration  (usually 90 days or less) can usually travel  on a tourist visa. But those  going long duration (more than 90 days) may need  to obtain a student visa.
 Some countries, such as Spain, require student visas for students going  more than 90 days and applicants must take their documents in person  to the Consulate serving New Mexico (Houston for Spain).
 Students should visit www.embassy.org for  a list of foreign consulates and instructions for visas. The U.S. State Department's Consular  Information Sheets also provide information on visa requirements  of all countries. Visa requirements change frequently, so students must  do there homework early so they are not prevented from studying abroad  because they failed to obtain a proper visa in a timely manner.

Will  students have to pay a fee for the tourist  or student visa?
Yes,  in many cases. Fees vary so check  with the appropriate Consulate.

Will  students have to pay an exit tax upon leaving  the country of their program?
Sometimes. Many  countries, especially in Latin America, charge  a departure tax before you may board your flight home. The amount varies from $25 to $50, and  can be paid in cash and sometimes by credit card.  Plan to have the money to pay this tax, unless  it was included in the cost of your air ticket.

May  I take a car into Mexico or Central America  so I can travel to my language site?
This  is not recommended, but it is possible.  Students  must comply with the vehicle registration and  insurance requirements of the country or countries  in which they will drive.
 
Where  do students find discounts for travel abroad?
Students  can purchase the International Student  Identity Card (ISIC) from  the Office of Study Abroad to obtain travel discounts. International  Student Exchange Identity Cards (ISE) also  has discount programs. The International  Student Exchange Program has several  sponsors that provide travel discounts, phone  cards, and other benefits. The Office of Study  Abroad also has lists of other organizations  providing student discounts.  Somne  other useful sites are: Student  Universe • STA  Travel • Kayak • Travelzoo • Expedia • Orbitz