SBCC Study Abroad programs require you to have travel health insurance while abroad. Some programs include the ISIC card, which provides full-time students with some health care benefits. While you should first check with your current health insurance provider if your policy includes health benefits abroad, this might not be the case. Our students have previously purchased insurance with International Student Insurance, and AIG Travel Guard. There is also ISI International Student Health Insurance, Cap Student Travel Medical & Security Assistance Plan, Safety Win Nomad Insurance, GeoBlue Travel Medical & International Health Insurance.

For more insurance suggestions and to compare plans, click HERE .

SBCC strongly recommends a CFAR and/or IFAR Trip Cancelation Insurance to protect yourself from financial loss should a program have to be canceled due to COVID-19 after the application deadline of the program. Please read the details of quoted plans carefully, as some will include Medical Coverage, while other plans don't. Please check with the Study Abroad office for the date of payment or date of program or trip confirmation you should list when entering information for a quote. Some providers will only allow you to purchase a CFAR/IFAR add on for 24 - 48 hours after making your payment, others allow for up to 15 days after payment.

What is CFAR Trip Cancelation Insurance and why should you get it? Read More...

There are several insurance providers available. SBCC is not affiliated with any of them and does not endorse any specific provider. Below are a few suggestions to get you started in your research.

Insuremytrip.com
CISI Travel Insurance 
World Trips Atlas Journey 
AXA Travel Insurance

Studying abroad can be exciting, adventurous, and life-changing. But it can also be daunting, especially when going somewhere where English isn’t the native language. While it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, figuring out a few key points beforehand can help quell your anxiety. HERE are some important questions you should ask your advisor.

Please contact our SBCC Dream Center to get guidance and additional resources if you are a DACA student and would like to study abroad. Also, here are some additional resources:
SBCC Dream Center
Travel Abroad for Undocumented Students
Leveraging Advance Parole to Support DACA Recipients as DACA is
Under Threat

Before you pack your bags for your trip, do some research about your destination, including weather and temperatures during the time you'll be at your destination, consider the excursions and activities included in the program as well as the length of the program. This guide is a general packing guide and you should make sure to pack appropriately for the specific program you will be going on. We generally advise you pack, wait one day, take out items, wait one day, take out more items. For a semester program, you might want to limit your luggage to one checked bag, a carry-on and a personal item.  Packing Guide.

Everything you need to know about getting or renewing your passport HERE.

Find out how much money your dollar is worth in your destination country HERE.

The following guide discusses everything you need to know about studying abroad, from how to pick a program to what you should pack. Being adequately prepared is one of the best ways to ensure that you’ll be able to make the most of your time overseas. Click Here.

World citizens know about the world, are connected in the most global ways, and are fierce protectors who understand that with broad knowledge comes a responsibility to do good in positive and lasting ways. Find out more HERE.

Find the best travel credit card to earn free flights, loyalty perks and more HERE.

While tipping 20% at restaurants is expected in the U.S. other countries may have different customs on tipping. Find more information HERE.

 International experience is almost universally looked at as a positive from employers. Employers know that overcoming the challenges of living and working abroad, like going without your support network, building trust and problem-solving in new environments, adapting to different working or studying practices that increase your resourcefulness, and experiencing a different culture (and even speaking a foreign language) makes you more interesting and skillful. Learn more about it HERE.

Although you should always pay attention to your cybersecurity, when you travel it is imperative to be even more vigilant about protecting your digital assets. When you are on the road, you’re slightly more vulnerable to cyberattacks. This guide provides a few pointers on how to develop safe cybersecurity habits when you travel.

 Should your study abroad trip fall during election times, you can vote from anywhere as an American overseas. Get more details HERE.

Worried about being far away from your family? Getting lost abroad? Bringing enough medications? Learn more HERE

Protecting the lives and interests of U.S. citizens abroad is a core mission of U.S. Embassies and Consulates. To enroll in the program visit their site HERE. For more information specifically for students abroad click here.

We hope you will utilize all your free time while on the program or extend your stay after the program ends to explore the world. Youth hostels may be a great alternative if you don't want to stay in hotels during your travels. Click here for more information on youth hostels worldwide.

Goabroad.com provides this resource for all SGBTQ students who decide to go abroad. Every country around the world has varying laws, customs, and beliefs about the LGBTQ community, and therefore will react and treat LGBTQ travelers in a unique way. 

Before you go abroad, find out what kinds of legal rigths LGBTQ+ persons have in your host country and research what kinds of behavior are appropriate for friendship and dating. Find resources HERE.
Another great resource is the Rainbow SIG.

In the U.S. you might be classified by your ethnicity, but abroad, you may be identified first as American. Many people you encounter abroad will show a sincere interest in your culture. But, you may find yourself in some uncomfortable situations based on your race or ethnicity. Always remember to put your safety first.  HERE are some additional resources if you are a student who identifies as a racial or ethnic minority.

Here are a few great reads about Why black students are already prepared to Study Abroad and Why black students should study abroad.

As a parent, you can champion study abroad as an essential component of your childs education. The guide contains critical information parents need to inform themselves and to support their college student as he or she navigates the study abroad experience.. This guide is packed with practical information written specifically for parents. English Version and Spanish Version

Service provider AIFS added student resources that focus on social identity and have been created with feedback from their AIFS Board of Academic Advisors, members of their Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and returning Alumni Ambassadors.  They include questions for students to consider and tips for studying abroad related to the following social identities:

• Accessibility & Studying Abroad
• Adult Students & Studying Abroad
• First-Generation Students & Studying Abroad
• LGBTQ+ Students & Studying Abroad
• Race, Ethnicity & Studying Abroad
• Student Veterans & Studying Abroad
• Studying Abroad as a Woman

Having a study abroad program on your resume will set you apart from other job applicants. The skills you learn while you are abroad are something employers are looking for in this increasingly global job market. Learn about the power of international education. Gaining an Employment Edge: The Impact of Study Abroad on 21st century Skills & Career Prospects in the United States

Despite evidence that studying abroad positively affects student learning outcomes, increased retention and higher degree attainment, still only ~2.5% underrepresented students take advantage of Study Abroad programs. Learn more about the impacts of underrepresented students and Study Abroad.

The Diversity Issues in Study Abroad booklet is a collection of quotes by Brown University students about their experiences abroad and directly addressed issues of diversity including ethnicity, heritage, sexual orientation, religion, minority/majority issues, physical appearance, and language. It was designed to elicit thoughtful and honest responses from participating students.

There are currently 15 types of electrical outlet plugs in use today, each of which has been assigned a letter by the US Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA), starting with A and moving through the alphabet. These letters are completely arbitrary: they don’t actually mandate anything. Not sure what outlets await you in your destination country? Check here.