Resources

Columbia University Resources

These policies and procedures are required of the undergraduate students of Columbia College, Columbia University, and the School of General Studies, as well as any undergraduate or graduate students taking part in programming run, funded or facilitated by Undergraduate Student Life, Global Programs and Fellowship and/or the Center for Career Education.

Undergraduate International Travel Policy

ISSO can assist international students and scholars with various services including visas and travel and tax information. 

International Students & Scholars Office

A travel signature is relevant only to F-1 students or J-1 students (and their dependents) who are planning to travel abroad and return to the U.S. in F or J status. You must have an unexpired travel signature on the date you re-enter the U.S.

Travel Signatures and Passport Renewal (F and J Students)

Travel Medicine and Travel Services 
Sexual Health & Well-being Support Services

Morningside:

CUIMC:

 

Mental Health and counseling resources

While on Columbia-related international travel, all affiliates have Enhanced Emotional Support through ISOS and Zurich. This service connects travelers with counseling services via telephone, teleconference, or in-person (depending on the location), and with a provider who speaks the traveler's preferred language. Travelers are provided with five sessions per trip, however continuity of care can be arranged through ISOS for the remainder of the CU-related travel and/or through Columbia's Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) for Morningside affiliates or Student Health on Haven Counseling Services for CUIMC affiliates upon return from abroad. 

Additionally, for CUIMC, Counseling Services has partnered with TELUS Health Student Support (formerly My SSP) to offer 24/7 support via chat and phone as well as counseling for students located around the country and the world.  

Given that traveling with certain devices can be difficult, it is recommended that travelers only take necessary devices and each traveler, or group leader, reviews the Data Security Guidelines for International Travel.

For more information, please see Data and Technology. 

"Export control regulations control the conditions under which certain technology, commodities and software can be transmitted overseas to individuals, including U.S. citizens, or to a foreign national on U.S. soil."

Columbia Research - Export Controls

International Research Committee

"To help researchers plan for risks and requirements that may be associated with international projects, the University has established Risk Management Procedures. The Procedures provide a mechanism for the project team and University to identify and manage risks. The Procedures also will assist the University in the development of a database of information relating to international projects, so that information can be more easily collected and shared."

Columbia Research Compliance, Science & Security

"This website provides the Columbia community with updated information about international engagements and research security issues. The website is organized into three sections: Frequently Asked Questions about International Engagements; Science and Security Topics (including Researcher Disclosure Requirements); and Columbia’s Commitment to Dissemination of its Research Results."

 

"Columbia Global Centers facilitate the collaborative engagement of University faculty, students, and alumni with the world, to enhance understanding, address global challenges, and advance knowledge."

Columbia Global Centers 

Sexual Violence Response "provides trauma-informed, confidential support through crisis counseling/intervention, advocacy, prevention, and outreach."

SVR support is available 24/7, 365 days a year via the SVR Helpline 212-854-HELP (4357) 

 

"The Global Treasury Operations team provides treasury services and resources to Columbia University schools/departments related to cash management, global bank relationships, merchant account services and PCI compliance, acceptance of funds, and foreign exchange.  The department manages commercial banking relationships and banking account structure."

For more information, please visit Global Support. 

 

Here, you'll find Columbia's services and tools to support your University travel and business expense needs, including reimbursements.

External Resources

 

 

 

 

 

  • Student Stories (Firsthand stories written by students. Select from different themes from first generation, racial and ethnic identity, gender, and LGBTQIA+.)
  • Dietary Needs
    • Celiac Travel:  Facts, tips, and tales to help travelers maintain a gluten free diet abroad
    • Zabihah: The world’s largest halal restaurant guide
    • Kashrut: Kosher travel resources
    • The Vegetarian Resource Guide: Links to Vegetarian and Vegan Resources
    • Food Allergies
      • Food Allergy Chef Cards: Carrying a "chef card" that outlines the foods you must avoid is a great way to communicate your food allergies to a chef or manager at restaurants
      • Equal Eats

 

 

  • Allergies
    • Translation Cards for various types of allergies (food, medications, etc.)

 

International SOS offers a training hub for those preparing to go abroad on Columbia-related Travel. Courses range in topics, such as Food and Water Safety, Hotel Safety, Petty Crime, and more. 

To visit the ISOS Training Hub, please click here. 

Upon course completion, users have the option of printing a completion certificate. 

For more information regarding the ISOS Training Hub, please read the ISOS Training Hub Learner Guide. 

Returning to the U.S. From Abroad

Returning from a trip abroad can be joyful time, but adjusting back to your life in the U.S. can be challenging. There are resources available on and off Morningside and CUIMC to help you return.