Study Abroad/International Programs

International Programs Office

Daniela Baban Hurrle, director
Old Main, Room 219
607-753-2209
Fax: 607-753-5989
studyabroad@cortland.edu
cortland.edu/studyabroad

The mission of the International Programs Office is to provide leadership and management of SUNY Cortland's study abroad and away 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, 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
Egypt
France
Germany
Ghana
Hawaii
India
Ireland
Mexico
National Outdoor Leadership School (various locations)
Portugal
Projects Abroad (19 countries)
Romania
Spain
Tanzania
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 their dean at Cortland and requesting a review.

Changes to Courses Made after Student's Arrival at Site Abroad

SUNY Cortland students must request any course selections or equivalency changes made after their arrival at the site abroad directly through their Cortland study abroad advisor. The advisor will outline the course approval process and direct the students to make changes through the Study Abroad Course Equivalency Database and the study abroad course approval form. All changes and course approvals must then be reviewed by the associate dean's office in conjunction with the International Programs Office. This will ensure that accurate course equivalencies are posted upon the student's return. Students from other institutions should be sure to follow the approved procedure at their home institution in order to change courses. Failure to comply with the above procedures may jeopardize the fulfillment of student 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 20 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 two scholarships for incoming international students 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 and U.S. students can share perspectives and learn about life and culture in the U.S. and other countries. Please contact the International Programs Office at international@cortland.edu for more information.