Helpful Resources

Preparation is key when heading out on a global learning experience. Do you have a passport? How are you financing your global learning experience? Do you need any vaccinations? How do you find out about what’s going on in your program location? Do you need a visa to enter that country? The links below will help you answer these questions and more.

Financing Your Global Learning Experience (GLE)

Personal savings can play a key role in financing your GLE but there are other resources available as well. Consider scholarships, financial aid, or launch a crowdfunding campaign.

Getting or Renewing a Passport

A passport is required to travel internationally. It takes 10-13 weeks to obtain a passport. You can expedite your application, however, and receive your passport within 7-9 weeks. Expediting a passport costs $60 extra but is currently worth the extra cost because of the long wait time for getting a passport.

If you need to apply for your first passport, you must make an appointment with an authorized Passport Authority.

USU Card Office (2nd floor TSC) can assist you in applying for your first passport. You must apply for your first passport in person. An appointment is required and is often two weeks out.
Some US Post Office locations are authorized passport authorities. Check with your post office to find out if they can assist you. In Logan, the post office on 100 N 75 W is an authorized passport authority. An appointment is required and is often two weeks out.
A photo is required for your passport and the Card Office and the post office both provide this service. There are specific requirements for a passport photo so you should always have your passport photo taken by a provider that has proper equipment and knows the requirements.

If your passport will expire sooner than 6 months after you plan to return from an international trip, you need to renew your passport.

Start the Renewal Process
You can get your passport photo taken at the USU Card Office (2nd floor TSC) or Walmart. There are specific requirements for a passport photo so you should always have your passport photo taken by a provider that has proper equipment and knows the requirements.

Do I Need a Visa to Travel?

Many countries require that you have a visa to enter. You can check the website of the country’s embassy to determine what is required. If participating in a Huntsman international program, full details will be provided if a visa or visa waiver is required to enter a program country.

Getting a visa can take time and often requires that you send in your actual passport. Other international travel should not conflict with the period required of getting a visa. For some visas, you will have to travel to a consulate in California or another state to apply for the visa in person or to pick up your visa.

If you do not have the appropriate visa to enter a country, please know that you will be detained at the airport and deported back to the airport you just came from.

New Development: The United Kingdom and European countries require that US and other citizens obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to entering the UK. ETA (UK) and ETIAS (Europe) costs are minimal, can be obtained online, and can take up to 96 hours to be issued.

Do I Need Any Vaccinations to Travel?

Many countries require that those who enter their country be vaccinated against certain diseases. Find out which vaccinations are required.

Also listed will be recommended vaccinations. Travelers are strongly encouraged to obtain all recommended vaccinations “recommended.”

Vaccinations can be received at any county health department. Also check with your medical provider. In Logan, contact Bear River Health Department to arrange an appointment (required). Appointments may be two to three weeks out.

Be Informed

What is happening around the world, in your program country? Check out the international news sources below to get and stay informed.