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Texas BBA | IP

Travel, Safety and More

Safety is at the top of our priorities, and we want to make sure that our students are as informed as possible. Explore the resources below and learn about:

  • Important safety and health websites
  • Travel websites
  • Getting involved with international education at UT
  • General travel terms all students should know about
  • Travel checklists

Passports and Visas

Passport

All students require a valid passport to travel to any of the destinations. For information on applying for a passport, please visit the UT International Office Full Service Passport Acceptance Facility.

Visas

You may or may not require a visa. Your visa requirements depend on your citizenship, and the program you will attend. Please remember that it is the student’s responsibility to apply for a visa if necessary. BBA International Programs is always happy to help out to the best of our ability, so please feel free to contact us if you need help navigating the visa process. Please select the scenario which best describes your situation:

  • U.S. citizen traveling to Edinburgh
    U.S. citizens traveling to Edinburgh will require a “Visiting Student Visa”. This visa is acquired once you arrive at U.K. airport and there is no formal application process. Students will simply need to bring the following items with them at the airport upon arriving at immigration:
    • Your offer letter from the University of Edinburgh (Provided by BBA IP at orientation)
    • Financial evidence such as bank statements which demonstrate how you will pay for your studies/living costs
    • Evidence that you intend to return to your home country 
            o Such as with a return air ticket 
            o Letter from your home University or employer stating that you are required to return (BBA IP can provide this letter if requested)
    The Immigration Officer will stamp your passport and write the letters “S.V” (or similar) next to the entry stamp.
  • Other nationality traveling to Edinburgh
    Depending on your nationality, you may or may not require a visa. Please visit the U.K. Border Agency Home Office to check requirements for your specific nationality.
    It is the student’s responsibility to research specific requirements for their nationality, and to apply for their visa. At the student’s specific requests, BBA IP will gladly provide additional program related documentation to support their visa application such as a letter which describes the nature of the program, enrollment status at UT, housing and insurance coverage. Students are also encouraged to request an official student enrollment status from the UT Registrar Office. Also, you must notify the UT International Office of your travel plans to avoid experiencing problems with re-entry to the United States.
  • U.S. citizen traveling to Paris/Prague

    U.S. citizens traveling to Paris/Prague do not need a visa for a stay of less than 90 days.

  • Other nationality traveling to Paris/Prague
    Depending on your nationality, you may or may not require a visa. Students should visit the Consular/Embassy website for information on their specific requirements.
    France: http://consulfrance-houston.org/
    Czech Republic: http://www.mzv.cz/washington/en/index.html

    It is the student’s responsibility to research specific requirements for their nationality, and to apply for their visa with time. At the student’s specific requests, BBA IP will provide additional program related documentation to support their visa application such as a letter which describes the nature of the program, enrollment status at UT, housing and insurance coverage. Students are also encouraged to request an official student enrollment status from the UT Registrar Office.
    Also, you must notify the UT International Office of your travel plans to avoid experiencing problems with re-entry to the United States.
  • All nationalities traveling to Hong Kong
    All students (all nationalities) will require a study visa to enter Hong Kong. Because the visa process takes a minimum of 8 weeks to process, BBA IP will not be able to accept students into the program after February 15. Furthermore, all students will be required to have a valid passport by February 15.
    In addition to the Hong Kong Study Visa, all students will also require a visitor visa to enter Mainland China as part of the 5 day trip. 
    For detailed information and to access application materials, please visit the Passport and Visa section of your program page: SCM or MPA.
  • U.S. citizens traveling to Argentina 

    U.S citizens that visit the Argentine Republic as part of the BBA SIP program will enter as "tourists" and do not require a visa. However, U.S. citizens are required to pay a "reciprocity fee" of $160, or its equivalent in pesos. This "reciprocity fee" is not a visa, rather, the Argentine Government has set this fee according to the amount that Argentines must pay when requesting a visa to enter the United States of America. The good news is that the reciprocity fee is valid for 10 years (should you decide to visit Argentina again in the future).  For more information on the reciprocity fee, please visit the Embassy of Argentina website.

    Note: As of October 2012, travelers must pay this fee online  before they travel, and will not be able to pay it upon arrival in Argentina.

  • Other nationality traveling to Argentina 
    All other nationalities that visit the Argentine Republic as part of the BBA SIP program will enter as "tourists". Depending on your nationality, you may or may not require a "Tourist Visa". To find out whether your nationality requires a visa, students can visit the Argentinean Ministry of Foreign Relations Website and select "Temas Consulares". You can then select your specific country for information on visa requirements. Unfortunately, the site is only available in Spanish. Another useful resource, albeit less official, is the Visa HQ. It is strongly recommended that you contact the nearest Argentine Consulate to speak with a consular officer directly because visa requirements change often.   Students who require a visa will need to submit all necessary paperwork to the nearest Argentinean Consulate. For more information on the required paperwork for "Tourist Visas", please visit the Consular/Embassy website.  
    It is the student's responsibility to research specific requirements for their nationality, and to apply for their visa in time. At the student's specific request, BBA IP will provide additional program-related documentation (e.g. a letter that describes the nature of the program, enrollment status at UT, housing and insurance coverage, etc.) to support their visa application. Students are also encouraged to request an official student enrollment status from the UT Registrar Office.  Finally, it is also required that you notify the UT International Office of your travel plans to avoid experiencing problems with re-entry to the United States.

 

Insurance and ISOS

    Summary of Overseas Insurance

All students covered by the Student Travel Policy for International Locations are required to participate in the International Insurance Coverage program (aka Overseas Insurance). This program has three components:  

  • International health insurance provided by Academic Health Plans
  • International SOS (ISOS) emergency assistance coverage (member #11BSGC000037)
  • General liability coverage

Students will receive their ISOS cards at the pre-departure orientation, or students can download cards from the ISOS website. Overseas Insurance can't be used for any leisure travel before students begin, or after students complete their overseas academic program.

Only students who are citizens of the country in which they will be studying abroad are exempt from the health insurance portion of Overseas Insurance. We are aware that some students will be dually covered by a national health care program and/or by a program provider insurance policy.

Cost

All students in the BBA SIP programs will be automatically enrolled in Overseas Insurance at the end of the spring semester. The cost of the overseas insurance is $19 per week, and it's included in the BBA SIP Program Fee. The bill for the insurance will appear as a separate item on the student’s My Tuition Bill, and will be due in accordance with the fee payment timeline.

 

How to Use Each Insurance

  • Academic Health Plans 
    AHP provides international health insurance for UT students. UT has arranged for ISOS and AHP to coordinate medical expenses. If a student needs medical care, ISOS can pay the expense upfront and be reimbursed by AHP. If a student seeks assistance from ISOS for medical care, the student should not have to handle medical bills. View and download the 2013 AHP Policy.

    A student should call AHP before going abroad if:
    • The student wants to know about prescription drug benefits
    • The student wants to know about coverage for medical expenses s/he expects to incur while abroad
    • To purchase additional coverage for leisure travel

    A student should contact AHP while abroad:
    • To file a claim for a medical expense not facilitated by ISOS

    A student should contact AHP upon return:
    • To file a claim for a medical expense not facilitated by ISOS

    CISI Contact Information:
    www.culturalinsurance.com  
    Call 1.800.303.8120
    Reference policy number- GLB9111679 
  • International SOS (ISOS) 
    International SOS- specializes in assisting students who need health, safety, and security service assistance.
    Visit www.internationalsos.com  before going abroad to access: 
    • online country guides, with cultural tips as well health and safety information
    • information on availability of medications in host country, online or by phone
    • online travel advisory information for every country and current travel recommendations

    Call ISOS while abroad if:
    • The student needs to see a doctor due to illness or injury
    • The student needs to speak to a nurse or Western-trained doctor
    • The student needs to be evacuated due to civil uprisings or natural disasters
    • The student is a victim of a crime, including theft
    • The student needs advice on the loss of travel documents or legal assistance while abroad
    • The student is in an emergency situation and needs advice or assistance
    • The student wants UT officials to be aware of the student’s situation; the student will have to give consent to ISOS to share the information with UT officials

    ISOS Contact information:
    www.internationalsos.com  
    Call 1.215.942.8226, call collect from anywhere at anytime
    Reference UT’s member number- 11BSGC000037
  • General Liability 
    The University of Texas System International General Liability insurance provides coverage for a UT student when s/he commits an accidental (not expected or intended) negligent act that results in bodily injury or property damage to a third party. Coverage will not result in financial compensation to the UT student, rather if warranted, to the third party. Coverage benefits to the UT student will manifest in the
    form of defense assistance as warranted under the General Liability Insurance policy.

Safety and Health Resources

Health Advice & Immunization Information 

Every single student participating in a BBA International program is required to obtain medical clearance prior to participation. You are required to see a medical practitioner and have them complete a Health Clearance Form which will be directly submitted to BBA International Programs. Please note, the deadline to submit the health clearance form is April 1, 2013.

It is strongly recommended that you take this opportunity and ask your medical practitioner about necessary immunizations. It is your responsibility to find out whether you are up-to-date on all immunizations, and whether it is necessary to take additional precautions.

For country specific information from the CDC, please select your destination below:

Other Useful Links

 www.internationalsos.com

US Travel Resources

U.S. Travel Resources

Travel Information by State

Car Rental Systems

Most car rentals require a major credit card for reservations. Drivers under 25 years old must pay higher rates.

Hotel and Motel Chains

Get Involved at UT

Meet study abroad alumni, outgoing students, and international students from our partner schools by joining student groups and organizations.

CIBER Facebook Group

Visit our CIBER Facebook page, and get up to date information on programs and view our photo galleries! Don't forget to like our Facebook group!

StuFSA (Students for Study Abroad)

Student run organization. Visit their facebook page "Stufsa" or email them at stufsa@gmail.com

Buddy Program:

Program is sponsored by the BBA International Programs Office at McCombs. You can meet international business students from McCombs international partner schools who are currently on exchange at McCombs!  Who knows, they might be your buddy during your own experience abroad. To learn more, visit: http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/BBA/IP/Events.aspx

PALS (Partnership to Advance Language Study and Cultural Exchange):

Meet students from around the world currently studying at UT by becoming their PAL. This program sponsored by the UT International Office holds events throughout the semester. To learn more, visit: http://world.utexas.edu/isss/intercultural/pals or  facebook “Pals Members”

Planet Longhorn:

Social organization run by UT students who are passionate about the world. To learn more, visit  http://www.planetlonghorn.com or visit their Facebook ”Planet Longhorn”

Page last updated: 5/15/2013

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