Pre-Departure Orientation:
As part of your study abroad participation requirements, you are expected to complete the online pre-departure orientation and attend all program orientations held by faculty leaders. The online orientation will educate you on dealing with culture shock, what to expect, best travel practices, how to handle emergency situations, and more. Faculty leader pre-departure meetings will answer questions you may have about your program and give you the tools needed to get the most out of your experience abroad!
Students that are participating in External/Exchange programs will meet with the Director of Study Abroad individually to complete their Pre-Departure Orientation. Additionally, they will follow the orientation process provided by their program providers/host institutions.
Full completion of Pre-Departure Orientation and a signed acknowledgment form are required for students to study abroad.
If you have questions, please contact studyabroad@lynchburg.edu.
Passports:
A U.S. citizen needs a passport to depart or enter the United States and to enter and depart foreign countries. Passports are issued by the United States Department of State; processing time is typically 4-6 weeks. For complete details click on the following link to the U.S. State Department.
Visas:
Students traveling abroad to most countries for a period greater than 90 days are required to apply for a visa. The foreign consulate will process an application by reviewing required documents (see specific links below) by applying an official stamp or seal to a page of a valid passport. It is important to plan ahead for a visa application — processing time ranges from one day to four weeks. Some consulates require an application in person, Contact the consulate personally to confirm requirements and fees.
Embassies:
A to Z Foreign Embassies in the U.S.
Important Notice:
This site is meant to provide general information about obtaining passports and visas. The process can be time-consuming and at times frustrating, but holding valid documentation to travel is essential to proper legal status while participating in a study abroad program. Students are advised to contact the issuing agencies directly by phone or in person to obtain the most current requirements, procedures, fees, and deadlines. In the event that you are confused about the visa process, please contact the Study Abroad Office for assistance. University of Lynchburg faculty and staff shall not be held responsible for outdated information.
Photos for Passports & Visas:
Department State Requirements for Passport Photos
You will need to submit two identical photographs of you alone, sufficiently recent to be a good likeness (normally taken within the last 6 months), 2 x 2 inches in size, with an image size from bottom of chin to top of head (including hair) of between 1 and 1-3/8 inches. Photographs must be clear, front view, full face, taken in normal street attire without a hat or dark glasses, and printed on thin paper with a plain light (white or off-white) background. They must be capable of withstanding a mounting temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit (107 degrees Celsius). Photographs retouched so that your appearance is changed are unacceptable.
Photos of the same dimensions can be used for visa applications, ID cards, and other purposes. Be sure to get enough copies.
Insurance provided by University of Lynchburg:
Students enrolled in a Lynchburg sponsored study abroad, international service learning, or internship program will be covered by an insurance policy administered by (EIIA) for the period of time that they are participating in the program. This is basic health coverage. Additionally, it includes an emergency medical policy, medical evacuation and repatriation, and non-medical assist service. More information concerning the insurance plan will be distributed with your orientation materials. Insurance cards and information regarding your plan will be sent via email before your program begins. Additional information and support services can be found on the EIIA web page. Canceling your current U.S. policy is not advised. Disruption of coverage could cause problems when reinstating.
Insurance policy information for July 2018 – June 2019
Trip Cancellation Insurance:
In addition, students are strongly encouraged to purchase travel and trip cancellation insurance that would provide monetary support for non-refundable expenses and service charges imposed by public carriers and travel suppliers, including baggage loss or delay. University of Lynchburg does not represent or act as an agent for, and cannot control the acts or omissions of, any host institution, host family, transportation carrier, hotel, tour organizer or other providers of goods or services involved in the program. In the event of a voluntary withdrawal, University of Lynchburg may be unable to refund student fees; however, students may make claim for unrecoverable expenses through a travel insurance provider.