International Students

If you are an F-1 visa holding student at Franklin & Marshall, there are some particular factors to consider when planning an off-campus study experience.  Your status means that you will need to go through extra processes regarding immigration.  Planning ahead is important.

 

Timing

Consider when is the best term for you to go off-campus, taking into account any necessary travel home to have documents renewed.  Speak to the Office of International Programs staff about the best timing for off-campus study.

 

Keeping Your Passport & Visa Current

Be sure that your passport is valid well into the future. The requirement within the U.S. and when boarding a flight to return to the U.S. is that your passport be valid six months into the future. In order to obtain a visa for study abroad, your passport must be valid through the duration of your program. Passport issues could cause a lengthy delay when applying for your study abroad visa.

You can renew your passport in the U.S. through your country's consulate in the U.S. For purposes of determining which consulate to use to renew your passport, you are considered to be a resident of Pennsylvania as an Franklin & Marshall student.

Also know when your U.S. F-1 visa will expire. If it expires each year, you may have to build a trip home into your study abroad plans to renew your visa. Such a trip would require additional time and financial resources, so think about this matter well in advance.

 

Obtaining a Visa to Study Abroad

It will be your responsibility to obtain a visa to enter the country in which you will be studying, with the help of your chosen off-campus study program. Upon acceptance, your program will send you information about how to apply for a visa, and any supporting documentation.

Each country has different requirements for student visa applications, and requirements can vary depending on your nationality. Research the entry requirements of the country you'll be visiting. Once on the Web site for the specific consulate, you can look at the entry requirements for individuals from your country seeking a student visa.

Most consulates divide jurisdiction by state. Many consulates will allow you to choose whether you will apply to the consulate in your home address jurisdiction or the consulate in your school address jurisdiction. Consult your specific consulate and consider your summer plans (whether or not you will be returning to your home country) when you decide to which consulate you will apply for your student visa. If you apply for your visa from within the U.S., you will do so through the consulate that serves residents of Pennsylvania.

 

Travel to Your Program

If your international flight route involves connections in other countries, check those countries consulate's to find out if you will need a transit visa.  We suggest that you do not travel (for extended periods) internationally before your study abroad program begins, because you will most likely need to begin the visa application process a few months in advance.

 

Advice on Visas for Study Abroad

Your off-campus study program should be the first place you turn for specific advice on obtaining a visa to study abroad.  The program will provide you with a checklist for visa application, and the necessary supporting documentation.

The International & Off-Campus Study staff can advise you regarding the process for obtaining a visa to study abroad, and answer questions about materials from your off-campus study program.

Contact the International Student & Scholar Services staff with any questions regarding maintaining F-1 visa status to study in the U.S., or if you need any documentation to verify your status for your study abroad visa application.

 

Providing Contact Information

Your program will need to communicate with you and send you information by mail.  Be sure to choose your contact information carefully, considering when you will be reachable by mail on campus, and when you will be reachable at home.

 

Financial Aid

International students are eligible for only one semester of financial aid for off-campus study and no financial aid will be granted for study in the student's home country.

An international student receiving Franklin & Marshall financial aid who does not return to campus in the semester immediately following a semester or year-long off-campus study experience is required to reimburse the College for the institutional aid received during the off-campus study period.

 

Other Considerations

If you are studying abroad for the fall semester, do not plan on returning to campus before your program begins. If you spend the summer off-campus, you will be expected to fly directly to your program. You will also need to secure your own storage for the summer and fall since the Arts House can only be used for summer storage until fall classes start. Furthermore, if you need to return to campus during Winter Break before campus housing reopens, you must complete a Winter Break Housing Request Form.