Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Mitchell Hamline Study Abroad

Student Resources

Below is information that will help you prepare for your travels.

Student Resources

  • Passport

    A passport is a travel document, usually issued by a country’s government, that certifies the identity and nationality of its holder for the purpose of international travel. Standard passports contain the holder’s name, place and date of birth, photograph, signature, and other identifying information. All students must have a passport valid for six months beyond the date of return to the United States.

    Processing times can vary depending on the time of year, and occasional unforeseen circumstances. During busier times, such as the summer travel season, students are encouraged to expedite their applications if traveling in fewer than 6 weeks. Please note there is an additional fee for expedited service.

    Apply for or renew your US passport

    Passport processing times

    Routine 4-6 Weeks
    Expedited 3 Weeks
    Expedited at Agency 8 Business Days

  • Visa

    What is a visa?

    A visa is a conditional authorization granted by a country to a noncitizen to enter and temporarily remain within that country. Visas typically include limits on the duration of the noncitizen’s stay, the dates they may enter, or the number of permitted visits.

    A visa is commonly a stamp endorsed in the applicant’s passport or other travel document. Students must apply in advance for a visa, sometimes in person at a consular office, by mail or over the Internet.

    Do I need a visa?

    Some countries do not require visas for short visits. To find out if you need a visa you should contact the foreign embassy of the country in which you hope to study.

    How do I get a visa?

    It is your responsibility to obtain your visa. The documents required for a visa application vary from country to country. To start the process, you will need the acceptance letter from Mitchell Hamline or from your program sponsor. Other documents you may need include a round-trip plane ticket; proof of designated immunizations; proof of health insurance; and other documents.  The documents you will need are determined by each foreign country and may change frequently. To ascertain what the visa requirements are for your country, contact the foreign embassy.

    Embassies are based in Washington D.C. and have consular offices around the United States through which you apply. Embassies usually require that you apply through the consulate that is in the district of your permanent address. As a student in Minnesota, you need to work with the embassy in Chicago.

    Because visa requirements and procedures change frequently it is important that you understand what is required for your country of destination and begin the application process early.

    How long does it take to get a visa?

    Visa processing times vary depending on your country of destination. Because of that, advance travel planning and early visa application are important.

    Note: Because you are required to relinquish your passport to the embassy or consulate that will issue your visa, remember you may not be able to travel abroad during the visa application process.

    How much does a visa cost?

    Fees vary. Furthermore, the fees may change frequently and with no notice. You are responsible for paying the consular fee for your visa.

    If you are not a U.S. citizen, your visa may differ from those for U.S. citizens. Be sure to review carefully the requirements as stated by the foreign embassy.

  • Getting ready: A traveler’s checklist

    Studying abroad will require careful planning on your part.

    These are important steps you can take to prepare for a safe and rewarding trip anywhere outside the United States:

    • Learning about travel alerts and warnings for your destination
    • Required travel documents
    • How to get ready for an emergency
    • Driving overseas
    • Packing tips
    • Documents to photocopy

    See the checklist on travel.state.gov

  • Learn before you go

    The State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) provides country specific information for every country of the world. You will find the location of the U.S. embassy and any consular offices, information about whether you need a visa, crime and security information, health and medical considerations, drug penalties, localized hot spots, and more.

    Look through the State Department’s Country Specific Information to find information about your destination. You can research the entry and exit requirements, get more details about necessary documentation, and find out how to apply.

    See Country Specific Information on travel.state.gov

  • What to do in case of an emergency

    The Department of State will play an important role during a crisis or emergency overseas. The extent of their help will depend on the nature of the crisis, and it will range from simply providing you with information on conditions in the country, to warning about areas of unrest, to recommending you leave the country.

    Preparedness in case of an emergency is key to a positive outcome.

    Learn what to do in each of the following situations:

    In an Emergency, call Overseas Citizen Services

    • From the United States or Canada: 1-888-407-4747
    • Everywhere else: +1-202-501-4444

  • The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

    The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

    Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.

    Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.

    Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

    Create a STEP account

  • Financing your study abroad experience

    The Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1992 has established that students can receive financial aid for the costs of studying abroad, provided they are enrolled in a program approved by the home institution. In addition, it is important to understand that students are eligible to receive grants, loans, or work assistance regardless of whether the study abroad program is a requirement of their program of study.

    Websites about financing study abroad

  • Study abroad and your health

    Required vaccinations

    Keep in mind that some countries require international visitors to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (known as a Yellow Card) or other proof that they have had certain inoculations or medical tests before entering or transiting their country. You can find that information at the State Department’s Country Specific Information.

    Vaccinations and other health precautions

    Health insurance coverage outside the U.S.

    Before you go, you need to learn what medical services your health insurance provider will cover overseas. Most of them may pay “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad. Few, however, will pay for a medical evacuation back to the United States, which can easily cost up to $100,000, or even more, depending on your condition and location.

    Regardless of whether your insurance is valid overseas, you may be required to pay for care when you receive it.

    If your insurance policy does not cover you abroad, consider purchasing a short-term policy that does. Many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

    Taking prescriptions or other medications: What you need to know if you take prescription medication

    Pack enough to last your entire trip, including some extra in case you are unexpectedly delayed.

    Carry your medications in their original labeled containers, and pack them in your carry-on bag in case your checked baggage is lost or delayed.

    Ask your pharmacy or physician for the generic equivalent name of your prescriptions in case you need to purchase additional medication abroad.

    Get a letter from your physician in case you are questioned about  your carry-on medication; some countries have strict restrictions on bringing prescription or even non-prescription medications into the country without proper medical documentation.

  • Traveling with disabilities

    While abroad, remember that attitudes, accessibility, and accommodations for people with disabilities vary a great deal from country to country. It is important that you research your host culture to learn if support will be available.

    In most cases, accommodations can be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with your program coordinator or host institution. Because of that, it is imperative that you disclose your needs early on in your application process.

    Countries differ as far as standards of accessibility for students with disabilities. In fact, some may not require accommodations similar to what you would find in the United States.

    Advance preparation is key! Ensure your travel is accessible, safe, and enjoyable.

    See Traveling with Disabilities on travel.state.gov

    Studying in UK as a disabled student

    Other websites for travelers with disabilities

    Disabilities and study abroad: print resources

    A World of Options: A Guide to Inter­na­tional Exchange, Com­mu­nity Ser­vice, and Travel for Per­sons with Dis­abil­i­ties, edited by Christa Bucks, Mobil­ity Inter­na­tional USA, 1997

    New Man­ual for Inclu­sions of Per­sons with Dis­abil­i­ties in Inter­na­tional Exchange Pro­grams, Mobil­ity Inter­na­tional USA, 1996

    Able to Travel: True Sto­ries by and for Peo­ple with Dis­abil­i­ties Able to Travel: True Sto­ries by and for Peo­ple with Dis­abil­i­ties, edited by Ali­son Walsh, The Rough Guides, 1994

  • Diversity and inclusion in education abroad

    Mitchell Hamline is committed to encouraging diversity and fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of their race, sexual orientation, disability, gender, religion, or any other difference in background or identity.  Diversity of participation in education abroad is essential.  However, we recognize that students from underrepresented groups face distinct challenges when considering and preparing for their overseas experience.

    Being a “minority” in a “majority” environment can be challenging. You may face unwanted attention or biased attitudes due to different aspects of yourself you will bring along with you, such as your skin color, hair type, the way your dress, or physical appearance. Some of these challenges may also be due to cultural differences and norms. Knowing how to address these challenges is essential to a successful experience abroad.

    Handling racial and ethnic challenges overseas

    Depending on where you go, your physical appearance is one of those aspects of your identity that will either distinguish you as an “outsider” or it may help you “blend in.” Being a racial minority in your host country can lead to challenging or uncomfortable situations. The following websites may help you prepare for these situations.

  • Resources for female students

    Attitudes towards women and gender-ascribed roles vary a great deal across cultures. It is important that you research these cultural differences before you go. Seeking the guidance of a cultural informant, especially a female one, will be very helpful. To avoid unwanted attention and as long as you feel comfortable, try to emulate the behavior and dress code of the local women

    Inclusion and study abroad: print resources

    Gutsy Women: Travel Tips and Wis­dom for the Road by Mary­beth Bond, Trav­el­ers’ Tales, Inc., 1996

    Trav­el­ing Solo by Eleanor Berman, Globe Pequot Press, 1997

    Are You Two…Together? A Gay and Les­bian Travel Guide to Europe by Lind­say Van Gelder and Pamela Robin Brandt, Ran­dom House, 1991

    Detour’s Lon­don: An Alter­na­tive Guide by Jonathan Nichol­son and Jonathan Williams, Detour Pub­li­ca­tions, 1993

    Hand­book for Women Abroad, edited by Jane Wemhoener, 1991, avail­able from Kenyon College, Office of Inter­na­tional Edu­ca­tion, Gam­bier OH 43022

  • Resources for LGBTQ Students

    You will find that attitudes towards sexuality and gender vary considerably across cultures. Do your research before your overseas experience so that you know what to expect and how to stay safe and avoid discrimination.

Video: The importance of having six months’ validity left on your passport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAWAvQ1Rux0