International Programs Office
SUNY Cortland strives to emphasize international dimensions in every field of study, principally through the International Programs Office. Students also are eligible to participate in other international study programs offered through other campuses of the State University of New York as well as through accredited non-SUNY tertiary institutions.
Before enrolling in any study abroad program, students should speak to their academic advisor to learn how the credits earned abroad will fit into their particular graduate degree program. Students are governed by the Study Abroad Academic Policies that appear below.
Summer Art in Ireland Program
The Dingle Peninsula, on the southwest coast of County Kerry, is world famous for its magnificent scenery: mountains cascading into the ocean, lush green farmland and charming fishing villages. The town of Dingle is colorful and lively, with sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, art galleries, craft shops, summer theater, and music pubs. Visit www.dingle-region.com/ on the Web for more information on the Dingle Peninsula.
The Summer Art in Ireland program will concentrate on the landscape and will require a great deal of intensity and focus. Monday through Friday will begin with a brief lecture before working out of doors. Students of drawing will spend additional time working closely with the instructor before traveling to a location to work. Most evenings from Monday through Thursday there will be critiques of the day's work as well as talks by local artists, poets or historians. Friday evenings and weekends will be free for independent work or travel.
Participants earn six credit hours. Departure from the U.S. is available at the end of May. Participants will stay at a hostel.
The Summer Institute for Teachers of Spanish
In this graduate-level program, participants will spend two weeks living with local families, attending classes and visiting sites of cultural and historic significance. Participants earn six credit hours at the graduate level from SUNY Cortland. Three credit hours are earned during the component of the course that takes place overseas. Students earn an additional three credit hours after returning to the U.S. upon satisfactory completion of the second half of the course, conducted via the Internet using WebCT software. The program is offered during even-numbered years at various locations.
The program comprises two courses:
Connecting Cultures IV: Perspectives of Costa Rican Culture is an advanced methods course conducted in Spanish. It enables participants to explore in depth the products, practices and perspectives components of the Culture Standards area. Costa Rican culture will be the primary focus of a culminating project that includes the use of authentic materials and the integration of technology to meet the Culture Standards for Foreign Language Learning. An additional three credit hours will be earned by participating in an extension of the methods course once participants are home. This extension course will be conducted on the Web using WebCT software; students need only have Internet access and a Web browser to participate.
Advanced Spanish Grammar and Conversation for Teachers is designed to increase vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and improve overall proficiency in the Spanish language. Cross cultural themes will be discussed in the conversation portion of this class, which is taught by Costa Rican professors.
Due to the intense nature of the program, enrollment is limited to 15 participants.
Summer Teacher Institute in Environmental Studies and Culture in Belize, Central America
The Belize Summer Teacher Institute in Environmental Studies and Culture is a nine-day experience that is designed to enhance understanding of a variety of concepts and issues in environmental education through participation in a cross-cultural learning experience. Learning occurs through an array of hands-on experiences, active participation in field research, and ongoing collaboration with individuals in the educational field. This unique professional development opportunity brings together educators from both the U.S. and Belize who work on the understanding and development of a curriculum guide in environmental studies. Learning focuses on Ancient Maya civilization; understanding archeology, ecotourism, conservation; and acquiring an understanding and appreciation of the rainforest. The program is further enhanced by related excursions, presentations by local experts in the environmental field, and cultural events.
The institute is designed for individuals currently in teaching professions, as well as those who are working toward a master's degree in the field of education. Enrollment is limited to 10 participants.
Past participants in the Summer Institute resided in casitas at the Macal River Camp, located at The Lodge at Chaa Creek. Each casita has a private sheltered porch and cot beds for quiet relaxation and peaceful views into the undisturbed jungle habitat. More information on the Macal River Camp at Chaa Creek is available at www.belizecamp.com/home.html.
Scholarships
Several $750 scholarships are awarded for summer study abroad. Additional scholarships of $1,000 to $1,500 are awarded for semester-long study.
Traditional scholarships offered through SUNY Cortland's Financial Advisement Office or the Cortland College Foundation also may be applicable to study abroad in certain cases.
Financial Aid
In most situations, financial aid may be applied to study abroad with the appropriate prior processing. More information is available at the Financial Advisement Office at (607) 753-4718.
Study Abroad Academic Policies
Policy Regarding Early Departure, Early Exams, Pass/Fail and Incomplete Grades Abroad
Students participating in SUNY Cortland programs abroad are prohibited from requesting early departure, early exams, pass/fail or incomplete grades. In extraordinary circumstances, a request for special arrangements such as early exams or incomplete grades must be submitted in writing first to the Study Abroad Office at the host institution. The reason for the request must be documented. If the host institution approves the request, it will then be forwarded to the International Programs Office at SUNY Cortland for final approval. The International Programs Office in Cortland will advise the Study Abroad Office overseas and the students of its decision. If the request is approved, the Study Abroad Office overseas will advise students whether it will make the arrangements on their behalf or whether the students are expected to make the arrangements.
Any special arrangements agreed upon (including remaining work and deadlines) should be documented in writing by instructors and by the Study Abroad Office overseas. Copies should be sent to the International Programs Office in Cortland.
Failure to follow these procedures may result in students receiving no credit or a failing grade. Students may appeal SUNY Cortland's decision within five days by contacting their dean at Cortland and requesting a review.
Changes to Courses Made After Student's Arrival at Site Abroad
SUNY Cortland students must request changes to course selections and equivalencies after their arrival at the site abroad directly through the appropriate associate dean at Cortland by the end of the first full week of classes. The associate dean will secure the consent of both the advisor and the international coordinator. Copies of all changes will be sent by the Associate Dean's Office to the International Programs Office in Cortland to ensure that the course equivalencies are posted correctly upon the students' return.
Students from other colleges should be sure to follow the approved procedure at their home institutions in order to change classes.
Failure to comply with this procedure may jeopardize the fulfillment of degree requirements.
Grades Earned Abroad
SUNY Cortland students should be aware that grades earned overseas will be treated as grades earned on campus and will be factored into their cumulative grade point average. Students from other colleges should check with their registrar concerning the treatment of grades from abroad at their home institutions.
International Student Services
The International Student Advisor is the College's principal designated school official for F-1 visas to the Department of Homeland Security's United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. As such, the international student advisor maintains SEVIS records to ensure the College's compliance with federal immigration regulations. The advisor processes all immigration paperwork for students and scholars admitted to SUNY Cortland on F visas.
The international student advisor is the liaison between the College community and the international students. The advisor provides an orientation and immigration counseling to all international students and scholars. The international student advisor coordinates with support service offices on campus, including housing, dining, student health, student accounts, student activities, as well as academic and administrative departments to ensure that the needs of international students and exchange faculty are met.
For students and scholars with J visas, the advisor coordinates with other campuses and international agencies on processing immigration.
|
