Identification

• Official photos for your visa (1)

  Please note: You will also need additional official color passport-type identity photos later for your visa. Keep these photos; do not send them to SIT.

• High resolution color copy of your passport (1)

  

  Please include a high-resolution color copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months from the end of the program). Please be sure that your passport is signed, as circled in red within the image to the right.

  • If you already have a valid passport: check the expiration date! Make sure it is valid for at least 6 months from the end of the program. If it is not, renew your passport immediately so that you have enough time to obtain any required visas.
  • If you do not have a valid passport: apply for one immediately. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to obtain a passport. Depending on the visa requirements for your program, you may need to expedite your passport application. Please check with the SIT Study Abroad Admissions Office at [email protected] or 888 272-7881 to see if it is necessary to expedite your application.

  For more information about passports, see the U.S. Department of State: passport page. If you are currently in the process of renewing your passport or are applying for a passport for the first time, please submit documentation demonstrating that your application is in process.

Housing Information

• "Dear Family" Letter

  Write a one-page letter, preferably typed, to your homestay family. Beginning with “Dear Host Family,” thank them for accepting you into their home and tell them about yourself. Describe your interests, your community, your family, or whatever you feel might give your hosts some background and ways to better engage with you when you arrive. Insert an electronic photo of yourself into the document.

  Write your letter in the required language prerequisite, no matter how minimal your grasp. Please do not have the letter corrected by another person. If you are not able to write a letter in the foreign language, please write your letter in English.

  Save your completed homestay letter as a PDF file using your full name in the title of the document: “LastName_FirstName_HomestayLetter”.

  A Microsoft Word document (.doc) file is also acceptable, however a PDF is preferred. If you are unable to upload a file, you may also email it to [email protected].

  Please note: Due to varying homestay placement procedures and the unavailability of translators, in some cases, your letter may not be read by your homestay family. There will not be sufficient time for your homestay family to respond to you prior to your participation in the program. We are not able to give out family contact information prior to the program start date.

• Housing Questionnaire

  Please be aware as you answer these questions that you may be expected to make some adjustments based on the cultural practices of the country(s) in which you will be living:

  General Housing Information

  This information will be shared with program’s Homestay Coordinator.

Enrollment Agreement

• Signed Statement of Responsibility

  Before signing, please review the following important documents:

  • Health, Access & Identity
  • Safety Statement
  • Student Handbook
  • U.S. Department of State Travel Information

Health Review

A health review will be conducted for all applicants. The Personal Health History form is required and should be completed in your admissions portal, and is due within 2 weeks of your offer of admission.

Please visit the Student Health page for additional information about the health review process. Contact the [email protected] with any questions.

Program-Specific Information

• Visa Process Acknowledgment Form

  Visa Process Acknowledgment Form

• Digital Passport-Style Photo

  Passport Photos - Please email [email protected] a 2"x 2" passport style identification photo. Ensure it has a white background and that you are not wearing accessories such as a hat or scarf.

Deposit

• Non-refundable, $400 deposit

  You can pay by check, money order or credit card. Deposit payments may be submitted: directly through the Admissions Portal; by check / money order (made payable to SIT); or by verifying with your home college/university study abroad office that your school will pay the deposit.

  If school policy or extenuating circumstances apply, email [email protected] to see if you are eligible for a Deposit Reduction Form.

For billing information or to pay your SIT deposit or bill, please contact SIT Student Accounts, available Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (EST) at 802 258-3520 or toll free 888 272-7881.

All Students paying for their program at least partially with Financial Aid must fill out either of the following two documents:

• Transferable Funds Information Sheet

  Required for students whose schools do not have a billing agreement with SIT Study Abroad. This is for students who pay SIT directly for all program costs rather than pay anything through the university. Check with your school if you are unsure if they have an agreement.

• Proof of Aid Letter (sample)

  Required for students whose schools have a billing agreement with SIT for only a portion of the SIT program costs and the student expects their home school aid to cover all or part of their portion due to SIT. Check with your school if you are unsure if they have an agreement. You must submit a signed statement on letterhead or email from the Director or Assistant Director of Student Accounts or Financial Aid indicating the amount of surplus financial aid (if any) that will be available to cover costs that your school is not paying on your behalf, the approximate date of disbursement of those funds, and the person or institution to which the funds will be disbursed. If you have any questions about this, please contact SIT Student Accounts Office (802.258.3520). Emails should come directly from your school official, addressed to the attention of “SIT Student Accounts” and emailed to [email protected].

We also encourage students to complete the Power of Attorney Form below and save it for their records.

• Power of Attorney Form

  This notarized form grants permission for a parent, guardian, or nominated attorney to sign paperwork on your behalf while abroad. Since financial aid is frequently disbursed after the program departure date, Power of Attorney allows a designated individual to handle your finances, including financial award checks. Many participants have found this form helpful in simplifying arrangements while outside the US.