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Centers | CIBER

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 Passport and Visa information
  • 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: http://world.utexas.edu/passport  

Visas

Depending on your citizenship and the program you will be attending, you may or may not require a visa. 
Please remember that it is the student’s responsibility to apply for a visa if necessary. CIBER 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 CIBER 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 (CIBER 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: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/do-you-need-a-visa/ .
    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, CIBER 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, CIBER 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.
  • U.S. citizen traveling to Hong Kong
    U.S. citizens do not need a visa for visits of less than 90 days to Hong Kong.  However, U.S. citizens do require a visa to enter Mainland China (P.R.C.). Since this is a required portion of the program, every student will need to obtain the necessary Chinese visa. Each student is individually responsible for submitting P.R.C. visa applications to the Chinese Consulate in Houston.  
    For more info, please visit the Consul General Website and review the Hong Kong and Chinese Visa General Information form below.

    Hong Kong and Chinese Visa General information 
    Chinese visa Application and Chinese visa instructions 
    Sample Chinese Visa application

  • Other nationality traveling to Hong Kong
    Depending on your nationality, you mayor may not need a visa to enter Hong Kong. Please visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department website  for information on the visa process for Hong Kong as it applies to your country. You will need to scroll down the HKID webpage and find your country. If it has less than 90 visa-free days, you will need to apply for a visa.  Please make sure that you apply for a visitor (read: not student) visa. Also, please ensure that your visa is at least a double entry visa. Students are  responsible for meeting the necessary requirements and deadlines on their own. Please contact the CIBER Program Coordinator to request supporting documents (ie. program letters and sponsor forms). Also, you must notify the UT International Office of your travel plans to avoid experiencing problems with re-entry to the United States.  Please download and carefully read the Hong Kong and Chinese Visa General Information document for detailed information. Visa applications can be downloaded at the links below.
    • Mainland China (P.R.C) Requirements:
    In addition to the Hong Kong visa, other nationalities will also require a visa to enter mainland China.  Non-U.S. citizens must also provide documents valid for at least 6 months that entitles them to reside for an extended period of time in the US, such as a Green card, work or study visa (together with their copies). Each student is individually responsible for submitting the mainland China visa applications to the Chinese Consulate in Houston.   For detailed information, please read the Hong Kong and Chinese Visa General Information document carefully. China visa applications and instructions can be downloaded at the links below. For more information, please visit the Chinese Consulate Website.   

    Hong Kong and Chinese Visa General information 
    Chinese Visa Application and Instructions/ Hong Kong Visa Application
    Sample Chinese Visa application and Sample HK Visa application

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 Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) 
  • 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 for the ISOS web site. Overseas Insurance cannot 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 CIBER programs will be automatically enrolled in  Overseas Insurance at the end of the spring semester. The cost of the overseas insurance is $19/week and is included in the CIBER Program Fee. However, 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 bill payment timeline.

How to Use Each Insurance

  • Cultural Insurance International CISI 
    CISI provides international health insurance for UT students. UT has arranged for ISOS and CISI to coordinate medical expenses. If a student needs medical care, ISOS can pay the expense upfront and be reimbursed by CISI. If a student seeks assistance from ISOS for medical care, the student should not have to handle medical bills. View and download the 2012 CISI policy.

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

    A student should contact CISI 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.

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 curently 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 becomming 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: 2/3/2012

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