Going Abroad

Foreign Diplomatic & Consular Services

In order to stay in a foreign country for the purpose of study, research, or work, or for an extended period of time, it will be necessary to obtain approval from the host country government. This generally takes the form of a visa and often other documents as well, such as proof of insurance, an offer of admission or a temporary position, proof of adequate financial resources, and proof of the intention to return to the United States. Information on such requirements can be obtained from the U.S. Department of State (see Before Departure) and from the embassies and consulates of foreign countries having diplomatic relations with the United States.

Accredited foreign embassies and consulates to the United States are listed by the U.S. Department of State. The list is official and is updated regularly.

Foreign consular chancery addresses are also available from the U.S. Department of State.

The Electronic Embassy provides links to all Washington, DC foreign embassies that operate web sites and contact information for those that do not. In many cases these embassy sites provide online assistance for visa applicants, and in some cases specific information for prospective students and links to consulates located elsewhere within the United States. Embassy web sites may also provide links to agencies, organizations, and institutions in the home country.

Embassies and Consulates Worldwide

EmbassyWeb.Com provides links to the foreign missions of many countries, including the United States, located in capitols and major cities around the world.

While Overseas

U.S. consulates provide many services for Americans abroad and are located in every country with which the U.S. has diplomatic relations. It is a good idea to learn what consulates do and where the one closest to where you will be staying is located. Registration at the local U.S. consulate lets them know that you are in the country and will make it much easier for them to provide service to you.

Information about the roles of the consular service may be obtained from the U.S. Department of State. This is an especially rich resource for a wide variety of sections of the USNEI site.

U.S. Missions Online are accessible from the U.S. Department of State's Web site.

Links to U.S. Consulates and Embassies Worldwide

Legal information is available from the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs pertaining to what to do in situations such as cases of legal trouble abroad, international adoptions and parental child abductions.

Educational Advising Services

The United States Information Service (USIS) administers a worldwide network of overseas Educational Advising Centers (EACs) whose mission is to help persons and organizations in a particular country who are interested in education in the United States. While the main work of these Centers consists in advising local nationals, they can also provide information and assistance to Americans living or working within the areas that they serve.

A Contact List of USIS Overseas Educational Advising Centers is available online from the U.S. Information Agency. A printed list may be ordered from the College Board.

Some U.S. colleges and universities, foundations, and associations that sponsor or administer overseas educational experiences have offices or affiliates abroad. Persons traveling under their auspices should obtain information about any such overseas services from the organization or institution they are dealing with. Many of these organizations and institutions are mentioned and linked to elsewhere on the USNEI site.

Mail Delivery

The U.S. Postal Service can assist you in arranging for mail to be forwarded to a foreign destination and for sending mail home.

Returning Home

Some of the issues that can arise on the way back from an overseas educational experience may need to be addressed before you arrive back home. The U.S. Consulate can assist you with advice on many matters, but sometimes it is best to get the answer from another source or do so before departure due to lack of good overseas sources of information. Listed below are some issues that you might possibly confront and places to go to get needed advice before you depart, thereby avoiding a potentially bad experience on your return trip.

The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) regulates re-entry into the United States by U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and entry by foreign nationals. The INS Web Site provides a rich source of information on applicable laws and policies as well as online U.S. visa application forms.

The U.S. Bureau of Customs regulates what returning and entering persons may bring with them into the United States in the way of property and assets. It is a good idea to learn beforehand what you can bring back with you, and how much.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control can provide information and guidance regarding any property or assets you own overseas and what obligations it may create for you under U.S. tax laws.

The Agricultural Public Health Information Service (APHIS) provides detailed information on the rules for bringing food, animals, and plants into the United States from overseas.

Information on U.S. entry visas and access to online application forms are available from the U.S. Department of State for foreign nationals (including U.S. residents) and for U.S. citizens with foreign family members or dependents who seek to enter the United States.