Here at CIE, we want to make sure that a student’s study abroad experience goes as smoothly as possible. We also know that traveling abroad can be daunting and may need a little guidance for planning. Below CIE has put together some helpful information to help get students started.
Passports
Steps to getting a passport:
- Complete and print a passport application online or at an authorized passport acceptance facility.
- Get passport photo(s) taken for the application.
- Submit the application and photocopies of identification documents at an authorized passport acceptance facility.
- Find the application and the most up to date information online at: www.travel.state.gov or USPS.com
The Center for International Education offers passport and visa photo-printing services. For more information please refer to CIE’s Travel Services page.
Local Passport Acceptance Facilities
| Address | Phone number | |
|---|---|---|
| Juneau Station Post Office | 606 E. Juneau Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53202-9998 | 414-289-0811 |
| Milwaukee Main Post Office | 345 W. St Paul Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53201-5066 | 414-270-2142 |
| Milwaukee County Court House | 901 N. 9th St. Milwaukee, WI 53233 | 414-278-4067 |
| North Milwaukee Station Post Office | 5995 N Teutonia Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53209-9998 | 414-466-3744 |
| North Shore Branch Post Office | 5651 N Lydell Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53217-9998 | 414-962-9854 |
| Shorewood Post Office | 1620 E. Capitol Dr. Shorewood, WI 53211-9998 | 414-332-2236 |
Travel Planning
Much logistical planning will take place after you have been accepted into your program. See the links below for in-depth information on a variety of topics found in our study abroad handbook.
Optional Forms
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law designed to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. This law prevents UWM, including the CIE study abroad team, from releasing information considered confidential under this law without students’ prior written consent.
Power of Attorney
The Wisconsin Power of Attorney form grants another individual, a student’s “agent”, the power to act and/or sign on their behalf in the management of their finances and property. This form does not authorize anyone to make medical or other health care decisions for them. A Power of Attorney form is likely most appropriate for participants on semester-long or academic-year-long programs, though it can be useful for anyone who may need someone to be able to assist with or handle business in the U.S., such as paying bills or filing taxes.
More information on FERPA and Power of Attorney forms can be found in the study abroad handbook here.
Additional Resources
- CIE’s passport and visa photos information
- U.S. Department of State – Students Abroad
Information on everything from health to smart travel and from news and alerts to voting abroad. - U.S. Department of State STEP Program
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. - US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs
Offers information for U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad, including passport application information, destination-specific information, and travel alerts & warnings - Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Travel Tips
Includes information on 3-1-1 liquid rules, prohibited items and more - UK Foreign Travel Advice
- Travel Guard – Travel Insurance
- Oanda Currency Converter
- TSA logistics for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions
- Mobility International USA
Provides resources for students with disabilities planning to travel abroad - Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree Forum
Travelers from around the world use this forum to see and give advice on everything from accommodation to culture. - The Study Abroad Packing List
- Her Campus – The Ultimate Packing List
- Mobile Passport Control
An app that allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to use the Mobile Passport app to expedite their entry process into the United States. - CIA World Fact Book Country Profiles
- BBC World News Country Profiles
- The University of British Colombia – Cultures & Customs
- Resilient Traveling
Managing Stress & Enhancing your experience abroad – University of Michigan