Study Abroad/International Programs

International Programs Office

Mary Schlarb, director
Old Main, Room 219
607-753-2209
Fax: 607-753-5989
Email: studyabroad@cortland.edu

The mission of the International Programs Office is to provide leadership and management of SUNY Cortland's study abroad programs and promote involvement in international study. The office provides support to international students and scholars and promotes intercultural exchange and student and faculty international mobility. It also offers programs and participates in initiatives to support cross-cultural understanding and global awareness across campus.

The office operates more than 50 study abroad programs suited to the interests and needs of students and faculty in a wide variety of disciplines. It provides information and support services to outgoing participants on orientation, cultural adaptation, room and board, registration procedures, student health, billing processes and immigration procedures.

Students can choose from a variety of programs, including internships, student teaching, winter session, summer session, spring break, semester-long or academic year. The office works closely with faculty and departments on program design, budgeting, marketing, logistics and partnership development. It coordinates with SUNY campuses across the system, through the SUNY study abroad consortium, which allows our students access to more study abroad locations and program options.

Study Abroad Program Locations

Australia
Belize
China
Costa Rica
Cuba
Egypt
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
India
Ireland
Mexico
National Outdoor Leadership School (various locations)
Nepal
Portugal
Projects Abroad (29 countries)
Romania
Spain
United Kingdom

Application Process Website

All students who wish to study or intern abroad must apply through the International Programs Office. Specific deadlines apply. Application and deadline information can be found on the Study Abroad website. Generally study abroad programs have a minimum cumulative grade point average requirement of 2.5 and applicants must be in good academic standing the prior semester. Students with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.49, however, can petition for consideration. Participants usually are undergraduates, although qualified graduate students may be accepted into certain programs. All participants are governed by the Study Abroad Academic Policies found in the SUNY Cortland Handbook and outlined below.

Academic Policy Regarding Early Departure, Early Exams, Pass/Fail and Incomplete Grades

Students on 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 Office in Cortland will advise the study abroad center overseas and the student of its decision. If the request is approved, the study abroad center overseas will advise the student whether it will make the arrangements on behalf of the student or whether the student is 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 center overseas. Copies should be sent to the International Programs Office in Cortland.

Failure to follow these procedures may result in the student receiving no credit or a failing grade. A student may appeal SUNY Cortland's decision within five days by contacting his or her 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 associate deans at Cortland by the end of the first full week of classes. The associate deans will secure the consent of the academic advisor. 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 student's return. Students from other colleges should be sure to follow the approved procedure at their home institution in order to change classes. Failure to comply with this procedure may jeopardize the fulfillment of the student's 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 institution.

Scholarships for Study Abroad

The International Programs Office administers approximately 15 campus-based scholarships of $500-4,000 for outgoing SUNY Cortland students.

Financial Aid

In many situations, financial aid may be applied to study abroad with the appropriate prior processing. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 607-753-4718.

International Student and Scholar Services

The International Programs Office provides support to incoming matriculated and exchange international students, as well as visiting international scholars and staff at SUNY Cortland. SUNY Cortland currently receives exchange students from approximately 19 partner universities. The International Programs Office acts as a liaison between the SUNY Cortland community and its international students and visitors; provides an orientation and immigration counseling; coordinates with support service centers 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. Additional information is available at the International Student Services website.

The Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) in the International Programs Office are the official representatives of SUNY Cortland to interact with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and to manage other immigration and program administration matters. This official represents and speaks for the school in all matters relating to F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, including maintaining SEVIS records to ensure compliance with federal immigration regulations. The DSOs process all immigration paperwork for students and scholars admitted to SUNY Cortland. The AROs coordinate with the SUNY Exchange Visitor Consortium and international agencies on immigration processing for students and scholars with J visas.

Scholarships for International Students

The International Programs Office administers a scholarship for incoming international students from Asia in the sum of approximately $500-$1,500. International students may also be eligible for an annual award of $7,500 from the university. 

Cultural Programming

The International Programs Office offers cultural programming to all Cortland students. The purpose of these programs and events is to provide a link between U.S. students and those from other countries. Activities and events sponsored by the program foster an atmosphere in which international students can learn about U.S. American life and culture while U.S. students can learn about the life and culture of other countries. Please contact the International Programs Office at international@cortland.edu for more information.