Predeparture Planning

CC Global Education has created a thorough Canvas course providing all the resources you need in one place, to answer almost every question we have heard from students getting ready to study away. This self-guided, non-password-protected course can be accessed at Canvas Predeparture Orientation Course.

We strongly encourage every student to work through the sections of this orientation, as you prepare for departure, in addition to any program-specific materials your faculty or study away program provides to you, specific to your location. We welcome any feedback if there is something you were curious to learn on the Canvas orientation but didn't see listed, and we will be happy to add to it if there is something we missed!

A Warning for Students Planning on Multiple Study Away Program or International Trips

Students who are enrolling in multiple programs, whether individual blocks or longer programs, within a 6-month period (spring + summer for example) should meet with Global Education BEFORE CONFIRMATION OF ENROLLMENT to ensure that additional visas are not required.

ISSUE #1 LIMITED LENGTH OF STAY
Even in countries which allow entry without a visa, the entry period is often limited to a 90-day visit within any 6-month span. And for the EU this is shared across all countries, so a 50-day stay in France and a 50-day stay in Italy cannot happen with the same 6-month period, eventhough they are 2 separate countries.

When enrolling in multiple programs, especially, for example, CC Summer Blocks Away + either Fall or Spring semester, the total duration of stay may exceed 90 days, which creates a visa concern. We see this issue most commonly with the EU, but it can be true if you pair a semester in the UK with our London Summer Block, or other single-country combinations of programs.

Since most CC-led study away programming is not eligible for longer stay student visas as they are not located at local universities, it may not be possible for a student to complete multiple CC-led programs within the same year, or to pair a program with other international travel to the same destination or region, due to the limited duration of the tourist visa (entry with passport).

ISSUE #2 OBTAINING MULTIPLE VISAS

Back-to-back programs can also cause issues for obtaining visas, since most countries require you to turn over your passport as they process the visa, and most require that you submit your visa request within a limited 90 or 180 day period. So, for example, a student on a summer program in Spain may not be able to provide their passport to acquire the visa needed for a fall semester in Germany.

If your plan is to "double up" on study away programs, you will need to meet with Global Education to discuss visa issues. If one of the programs is a partner-led semester or year away, they too should be informed of your plans as they may have requirements for you to provide your passport for longer stay visas necessary for their program. 

Passports Are the First Step in International Travel and Applying for Entry!

In order to apply for entry into another country, you must have a passport in your possession which is valid for 3, 6, or even 12 months beyond your return date. The standard requirement CC proposes for its faculty-led programs is a 6-month cushion between the end of the program and the expiration of the passport, but you should always verify this for the specific country's passport you will be traveling on and the country where you will be going.

If you do not currently have a passport with adequate validity, you should apply for a new passport immediately.  It can take several months to obtain a new or renewed passport, so an early start on this process is essential. 

• U.S. Passport Information Hub
• Current Processing Times for U.S. Passports (new and renewal)

OBTAINING OR RENEWING A PASSPORT

FIRST TIME PASSPORT: If you do not hold and have never held a passport, currently receive need-based aid from Colorado College, and are in need of financial support to apply for a passport to participate in your study abroad program, you may apply for an Academic Opportunities Grant to help cover some of those expenses.   

PROCESSING TIME: Standard passport processing times for U.S. passports can range from 8-16 weeks for standard processing. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee and usually is estimated to take between 5 to 8 weeks.

IMPACT OF PASSPORT DENIAL: Students who are unable to travel with a CC-led study abroad program due to an inability to acquire or renew a passport by the departure date could face significant financial ramifications for a last-minute withdrawal from the study away program. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that they are able to obtain any required travel documents in time for initial program departure. 

THE BRITISH ETA 

All travelers to the United Kingdom who do not normally need a visa, including all U.S., Canadian, Australian, EU nationals, or Mexican passport holders, as well as those from several other nations, need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). ETA is an electronic document that will be linked to your passport.  Airlines will require proof of the ETA in order for you to board a flight to any UK airport.  

At present, the ETA is not required for travelers who do not clear customs at a UK airport, remaining in the "secure zone" of the airport before a connecting flight, however, this is a temporary exception which may be changed in the near future. Travelers with connecting flights in the UK should continue to monitor news about ETA requirements in case the flight connection exception is repealed. 

All students participating in study abroad in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland will be required to obtain ETA authorization.  

If you are studying outside of the UK but plan to visit the UK during your travels, you too need to get the ETA before you travel.

WHO IS REQUIRED TO HAVE AN ETA? The ETA is required for all travelers from non-visa countries, which includes those traveling with passports from the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and a long list of other non-visa countries.  Students from outside the USA can check their eligibility here.  If your country is not listed, it likely means you need to acquire an entry visa, a longer and more complex process.  You should speak with Global Education if this is the case. 

HOW DO I GET AN ETA? The ETA app for your phone is the recommended way to apply for (and access) your ETA visa. This website includes links to download the App for iPhone or android:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#apply-for-an-eta

Make sure you are starting your ETA application and linking to download the right app through the official gov.uk website, as impersonators and third party sites exist.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE ETA? While the online application takes only minutes, approval can take 3-7 days.  Do not leave this until the last minute.  Apply at least 1 week before travel if not earlier to ensure your travel is possible.

WHAT DOES AN ETA COST? Currently the ETA will cost £16  (roughly $22) and payment is made online as you complete the application.

DO I NEED A NEW ETA FOR EACH TRIP TO/THROUGH THE UK? No. Once approved, the ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires and is valid for multiple journeys during that span.

WHAT DO I NEED TO HAVE WHEN I APPLY? You will need to have your valid passport, contact information, and a method of payment (credit card).  It will require a photo, but this can be taken by the app as you are applying.  You are not required to have your flights or a set travel plan in place to obtain the ETA. 

WILL THE ETA ALSO ALLOW ME TO ENTER THE EU? Unfortunately, no.  When the EU’s version of a transit visa, called ETIAS, goes into effect 9late 2026), it will also be needed for those traveling to the EU, so if you plan to visit both the UK and any EU or Schengen country, you will need both an ETA and an ETIAS.  

THE EUROPEAN UNION'S ETIAS 

In the final quarter of 2026 (October-December) the European Union expects to institute a new travel authorization required of anyone from one of the global nations which do not require a visa to enter EU nations. The ETIAS travel authorisation is required of nationals traveling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveler’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.  

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, travelers can enter the territory of these European countries and will be required for all short-term (90 days or less) travel to Europe for travelers from a long list of countries that includes: the USA, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Taiwan, and many more. To see if your passport will require an ETIAS authorization, visit the ETIAS website here.

If the country whose passport you use is not on this list, that means that you are required to obtain an entry visa, a process which may require significantly longer to process and may necessitate a trip to your destination country's embassy or consulate in another city in the USA. Those who require a visa to enter EU nations will not need to purchase the ETIAS authorization, but will be expected to seek out and acquire the appropriate entry visa (often the Schengen Visa) in order to enter the EU. 

Applying for an Entry Visa is an Independent Process

Visas & Short-Term (Block/Half-Semester) Study Away

While most travelers on both Blocks Away and Half-Semester programs can enter the destination countries without an entry visa, using their passport alone for up to 90 days, this is not true for all destinations and not always true for international students studying at CC.

For travelers with U.S. passports, many nations allow a visa-free stay of up to 90 days (or multiple stays adding up to 90 days over a 180 day/ 6-month period). This will not be the case for all countries, and is often not the case for students using a different passport. Additionally, many of the countries which allow visa-free entry now have an electronic e-visa or entry clearance which is required. We have more information on these entre clearances in the ETA/ETIAS section. 

Visas & Longer Term (Semester/Year) Study Away

The 90-day entry commonly used for Blocks Away is not appropriate for longer programs such as semesters abroad.  It is important that you do thorough, early research to determine if a visa is required in your specific case.

If you will be studying abroad for a semester or year through a program provider (such as IES, Syracuse, SIT, etc), typically they (or the host institution abroad) will provide you with the documentation and information you need in order to obtain your student visa. It is important that you carefully and thoroughly read all information available to you about this process, deadlines, and what is expected of you. If your program offers a group/batch visa processing service, we highly suggest that you utilize this.

If you receive need-based financial aid from CC, required expenses to obtain your visa (including travel if required) are eligible expenses that CC Financial Aid will include when updating your Total Cost of Attendance for your semester away, and any corollary aid adjustments. See more information on that process here.

Entry or Visa Requirements can change at any time. 

We advise that you pay close attention to consular updates, as you are responsible for knowing and addressing the requirements for your host country and study abroad program. All students must obtain an appropriate visa if required of their host country, in order to participate in their program. Failure to obtain a visa will result in you not attending the program. 

FOR CC-LED PROGRAMS

For all CC-led programs, students will work with CC Global Education on documentation required for the visa process, and reimbursement of eligible expenses.  All appropriate costs for acquisition of the visa are paid by the specific program budget, through CC Global Education. Students must provide receipts for reimbursement for all visa acquisition costs, within determined parameters and maximums (below).

FOR PARTNER-LED PROGRAMS

For Partner-led  semester or academic year abroad programs, appropriate costs for your visa acquisition can be included as part of the updated Total Cost of Attendance for the semester away calculated by CC Financial Aid for the program, and aid is provided accordingly. 

ELIGIBLE & APPROPRIATE COSTS FOR VISA ACQUISITION INCLUDE:

• Visa Fees
• Visa service fees if using of a visa service,.
• Transportation to/from Consulate if in-person processing is required. 
  • Economy air from Denver or Colorado Springs
  • Uber/Lyft or public transit costs for travel to/from airports, embassy, and lodging. 
• Meals for duration of travel ($80 cap per day)
• Accommodation for one night in 2–3-star hotel or Airbnb, if required (see below)

BOOKING EMBASSY OR CONSULATE TRAVEL

Students should book visa appointment first and discuss travel timing with Global Education.  If it is not possible to arrive at destination city 2 hours prior to appointment or obtain a return flight within 4 hours after appointment in order to return the same day, coverage for an overnight stay will be permitted. 

LEAVING YOUR PASSPORT WITH THE EMBASSY OR CONSULATE

If you have to appear in person at a consulate/Embassy or visa processing center to apply for your visa, be aware that you are almost always required to leave your passport, along with your completed visa application, there for processing at the consulate, for a period of up to six weeks for some countries.

If your passport is the only identification you have which qualifies as a "Real ID" for T.S.A. purposes, you may need to make alternative plans to return without it.  Please speak with Global Education staff is you believe your passport is your lone form of "Real ID".  Information on the Real ID can be found here. 

Most U.S. states provide a Real ID through a driver's license or a state ID.  Look for a star within a black circle on this ID. If there is one on the front of the ID, then you can use it for TSA and you do not need a passport.  International students may find that even with a state-issued ID, it may not be qualified as a Real ID.  Again, if you are not sure that you have an additional ID beyond your passport, please speak with Global Education before booking your Embassy or consulate visit. 

Greater Potential Need for a Visa on Study Away

International (F-1/J-1) students, or any traveler with a non-U.S. passport, may have additional costs and requirements related to studying abroad which are not common for U.S. citizens, even for tourist entry (90-day) visas. 

• You may be required to obtain a visa to enter the program’s host country when U.S. citizens do not. Visas commonly require paying a fee.
• You may need to schedule visa appointments through consular offices outside of Colorado and travel independently to these appointments.
• If your program is a CC faculty-led program, you will likely need a letter from Colorado College to support your visa application. Please allow at least two weeks for these letters to be issued before your visa appointment; waiting until the last minute to request these may mean that we do not have time to issue them to you.
• You may need to apply well in advance to obtain a visa appointment.  Do not wait until the final weeks before departure to begin this process. We recommend beginning the visa process as soon as is allowed (for example, Schengen visa applications can now be initiated 180 days/6 months before program departure, rather than the previous 90 days).

Surrendering Your Passport for Visa Approval

CC BLOCK AWAY PROGRAMS

Student participating in a single CC Block Away during the academic year or a CC Summer program away are responsible to purchase their airfare on their own. Students participating in most semester partner programs (through another university or third-party organization) will also purchase airfare on their own in almost all cases; check with your specific program for any details on this or exceptions. You may choose to use our partnership with the student travel agency ScholarTrip, and select the option on their flight booking form for Colorado College that indicates you are booking your own flight and the cost is not covered by CC.

MULTIPLE BLOCK PROGRAMS

Students participating in a CC Semester (4 blocks, led by CC) or a CC Half-Semester (2 blocks, led by CC) program abroad will have their round-trip airfare covered by the program, and specific information on how to book through our partnership with ScholarTrip (a student-focused travel provider) will be sent directly to you by email when that booking process opens up for your group.

PARTNER-LED SEMESTER OR YEAR AWAY

Students will purchase their own airfare, but should coordinate with the program sponsor as to their travel requirements and airfare before purchasing a ticket. 

In all cases, all students are strongly encouraged to book travel insurance on your flights, to protect you from any unexpected cancellations or need to withdraw from the program, to preserve some or all of the value of your ticket from loss.

AIRFARE BOOKING BY DEPOSIT DOWN  

If you are taking part in a program where airfare is your independent responsibility to purchase, and you receive need-based financial aid, we understand that it is often best to purchase airfare for your study abroad program earlier than the funds from your anticipated financial aid are available.  If you are unable to purchase airfare without the support of the financial aid awarded, we believe we have a solution for you.   

CC has an arrangement with ScholarTrip, a travel organization focusing on student travel which CC uses for our group bookings. In many cases, ScholarTrip can offer a booking that requires only a small deposit up front and then payment close to the date of departure, after the aid has been disbursed.  This is not possible with all airlines, but with many of the larger carriers there are seats that can be purchased using the deposit system.  

If you wish to use the ScholarTrip deposit program, please submit your travel request via the Colorado College/ScholarTrip booking form here, and let them know you are interested in the option to purchase airfare with only a deposit up front, if possible, for flights to your program destination.  The remaining amount of your ticket may be payable after your financial aid disburses, closer to program departure.

Students traveling on CC Blocks, Half-Semesters, or Full-Semester programs often opt to extend their travel during breaks prior to or following the official CC program.  When students opt to do this, they should be aware of the following understandings:

• Colorado College is not responsible for travel assistance for students who are traveling independently outside of the dates of a CC Group program.  All arrangements for travel, lodging, meals, and wellbeing are the responsibility of the student.  Students participating in a partner-led program should also confirm with the provider any policies related to independent travel that they may hold as part of the agreement with the student. 

• The travel and health insurance included with all CC-led study away programs provides coverage for the duration of the program as well as 24 hours on either side of the official program dates. Students traveling outside of these dates are encouraged to purchase their own short-term travel and international health insurance. 

• While CC's coverage through International SOS is limited to the program dates of each study away program, students can always access the informational resources of International SOS, even while traveling on their own. 

The following are trusted travel information resources which you might wish to consult before embarking on a study away program, either through Colorado College or one of our approved partner organizations:

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. Government List of Embassies and Consular Offices
• Search for Visa Requirements by country
• Understanding the new ETIAS visa for travel to the EU for 90 days or less.

TRAVEL HEALTH

• Centers For Disease Control Travel Health
• Fit For Travel (The UK's travel health page, similar to the CDC pages)
• World Health Organization Travel Health Information

TRAVEL SAFETY

• International SOS: The organization CC uses for travel advisories and support.  Requires log-in with CC Membership ID (11BSGC000027).
• Worldpackers: 15 Travel Safety Tips Everyone Should Know. 
• Penn State U.:  They have put together a very nice, concise package of advice for student travelers

TRAVELING WITH CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

• Intentional Travelers:  A good article on topics to consider/research before you go. 
• Worldpackers: Another good article from this site. 
• Omnivagant: One last article on how to travel well.