Passport questions for a college student hoping to study abroad.?

Question

Sorry for the barrage of questions... any help would be greatly appreciated! Where do I get a passport and about how much money would it cost? I have been instructed to turn in 8 passport photos into my study abroad office. Are these any specific kind of photograph?

Answer 1

It is much easier to apply for a passport at the post office. Here's a link to help you. It has the cost, forms, and which post offices will do this. They do have a surcharge, but they will go over your application with a fine-tooth comb to be sure there are no errors or missing information that could delay your application.
http://www.usps.com/passport/

Yes, you do have to have a specific kind of photo. The Department of State has the info:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/guide/faq/faq_881.html

The study abroad office probably wants passport-size photos. Wal-Mart can do them for you relatively inexpensively. I needed to turn in those pictures when I studied in France to get a student ID-to get discount museum admission. Another picture went on my Carte Orange-to get discount subway tickets. Your school will use them for similiar things, in order to get your costs down as low as possible.

Once you get your passport, make photocopies of the inside, the last two pages with your picture and signature. Leave one with your family (along with your travel itinerary and contact phone numbers). Have a couple of extra copies made and put them in different places, like your suitcase and carry-on. Should your passport be lost or stolen, it will be a lot quicker to replace with that photocopy.

Another suggestion-go to the Department of State web site and look at the Consular Information sheets. They will give you information about what precautions to take, which areas to avoid, and other useful information.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html

I really learned a lot from studying abroad. I learned the most when I lived with a host family. A couple of years ago, I studied abroad and brought my children with me. They attended a bilingual day camp and had a blast!

Good luck!

Answer 2

I believe that you can pick up a passport application in the Post office, although I am not sure, since the laws regarding passports have supposedly changed recently, such as that you have to have an extra copy of identification (driver liscence, etc.) when you go to get it done. However, I'd still check the post office, and they might give you more information on how much it costs. The eight passport photos are specific kinds of photographs. I suggest that you go to a local photographer to get them done. Usually passport photos have an medium picture of you with a white or slightly bluish background. Also your face must be a certain size, so you can't hand in just ANY photograph. Both the passport and the copies of the passport photos shouldn't really cost you much, although I can not remember the price range.

Answer 3

No it is not more difficult if you go to the US through your university. Generally the University will give you a starting grant. Not much more though. UCLA-University California Los Angeles is the best in Southern California, but there is University California San Diego that is located right on the beach and also has great academics. Only Undergraduate. No, study visas will be given to non-US residents/citizens. Media opportunities are plentiful, especially in the LA Area, ask people at the University for help finding a job. Apply as soon as you can and have all of your credentials in order and have your birth certificate, drivers license, social security number and passport ready, the US will want to do a background check and the more you help them the more likely you will be to get into the US will a student visa. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

A passport form can be picked up at the post office or your local court house. In the end you will pay between $80-$100 when you mail the application in. Photos do have specifications (you can find these easy enough on-line). You can have them made at Wal-Mart (expensive), CVS (often horrible quality) or you can do what I do and take them yourself with a digital camera--just stand in front of a white wall, snap the photo and print as many as you need from your own computer--or Wal-Mart's photo printer--for really cheap. After you get the passport you'll need to send off some more photos (and more money) to get your VISA.

Answer 5

If your study abroad programs office will not get the passport for you, then:
First you have you have to get it yourself from the Department of Foreign Affairs/Foreign Affairs Office/Passport Bureau of your country. They require a special kind of photograph. I don't know what your country's requirements are. Check it on their website. In my country, it's 4 pcs of 2 X 2 ID picture, white background, collared shirt or blouse, face is slightly right angled (not looking directly to the camera).
Then get a F-1 (student) visa (if you're studying in America) from the US Embassy. They'll schedule you for an interview, give you the requirements (proof of financial capability, proof of ties to your country, invitation or letter of acceptance from the school you are going to, etc). They'll also ask for your passport, they need to put the student visa in there. So get a passport as soon as you can.

Ask your Study Abroad Program director if you need to get the passport ypurself or if they would get everything, including the visa, themselves. Get a letter from the university you are going to be attending that you are accepted there for a semester or a year. It's important, that's the first thing the Embassy is going to ask for. Check the website of the country's embassy in your country. (ex. US Embassy in Spain) THey'll have a list of requirements and an online application form.

What country are you from again?