The Smith Center recognizes and honors that many students may face unique familial, financial, and/or personal barriers in the study abroad/away process. The Smith Center strives to remove as many barriers as possible. We are also committed to being realistic about the options for students who do not hold a US passport, including those who are undocumented, refugee students, and students who are US permanent residents or Green Card holders. We realize a student’s citizenship status is protected. We strongly encourage all students interested in studying abroad/away to meet with the Smith Center for a private conversation about their immigration status. Where possible, the Smith Center can support students to obtain proper travel documentation and immigration resources for their abroad/away program.
DACA students are eligible to study abroad/away through the U.S Department of Homeland Security Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals order. Students traveling for educational purposes can be granted advance-parole to enable them to study abroad/away. Although students can be granted permission to leave the country, there are many things to consider when choosing to study abroad/away. Students traveling on a non-US passport will have unique opportunities and challenges during their study abroad/away experience(s). We recognize there may be policy changes. Please consult the U.S Department of Homeland Security for the most up-to-date information.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Florida 1718 went into effect on July 1, 2023, restricting the ability of undocumented individuals to live and work in Florida. Undocumented students should be aware of the Florida law and its implications if they intended study away there for January Term or semester/year.
Does a domestic or international program make the most sense? Does study abroad/away fit into your academic plan? Talk with your academic advisor and support network at St. Olaf to ensure you will receive enough credits to graduate and that the program fits into your academic plan. Meet with your academic advisor and St. Olaf program advisor to discuss requirements for your major, minor, and concentration.
Traveling can be challenging and overwhelming, especially if you are the first to do it in your family. Talk with other Oles who have studied on your program(s) of interest to gather advice, tools, and other resources you will need while abroad/away. Find people on and off campus that will support your decision to study abroad/away (i.e. family, peers, friends, legal representatives, academic advisor, provider, etc.). The Smith Center can provide you with resources and support before, during and after your study abroad/away program.
Do you have a passport? If not, do you have the proper documents to obtain your passport? What is the validity of your current documents? When do the documents expire? Do you have a Social Security Number or proof of citizenship to study internationally?
For DACA students, advance-parole must be granted before leaving the United States to study abroad. Traveling with the “issue date” and return date is important. What does this process look like? How long will it take? This process can take 9 months. You will need to plan ahead.
You will continue to receive St. Olaf financial aid if you study on an approved Smith Center program and will automatically be considered for a St. Olaf Study Abroad/Away Scholarship. There will be additional costs to consider (visas, meals, transportation costs, etc.). We encourage you to meet with a Smith Center Advisor and the Financial Aid Office to discuss costs, scholarships available to you and aid.
What are the immigration policies in your home country and host country? What is the current political climate between these two countries? How might governmental policies change in the coming months as you plan and study abroad/away? What documentation will you need to be able to return to the U.S.?
What documents will you need to be able to enter your host country and re-enter the U.S.? Will you need a visa? Become familiar with visa process if applicable – What is the visa process for the host country? Can you apply for a visa from the United States? In some cases processing time for travel documents can be delayed with consulates and embassies. Allow for extra time to process your travel documents.
Advance-parole does not guarantee entry/re-entry into the United States. Students who choose to apply for Advance Parole must acknowledge the difficulty and risk involved in the process (risks include: re-entry not guaranteed, immigration changes while abroad, may be deemed inadmissible for reasons unknown at the border, etc.). An immigration attorney can also help to advise you and your family. It can be tricky to reenter the United States or return home if regulations and policies have changed.
Helpful Links
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
NAFSA – DACA Student Resource Page
Immigrant Legal Resource Center – DACA
Undocumented Student Program at UC Berkeley – Travel Abroad for Undocumented Students
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Humanitarian or Significant Public Benefit Parole for Individuals Outside the United States
My Undocumented Life – Traveling Abroad with DACA
United We Dream – The largest immigrant youth-led network
*Disclaimer
This does not constitute legal advice. While the Smith Center is not able to provide any legal advice or advice for U.S. travel WE CAN connect you with the appropriate services to assist you.