Frequently Asked Questions

General

• Why should I spend my first semester abroad?
  There are many academic, career, and personal benefits to studying abroad.  By spending your first semester abroad, you have a wider selection of courses to choose from and are able to more easily integrate your study abroad experience with your degree progress.  You'll also get a head start building your independence, confidence, and self-awareness, which will enhance your skillset and distinguish you from your peers.
• How do I apply?
  To view the application process as well as step-by-step instructions, visit the FLY Enrollment page. 
• How should I choose my destination?
  Each FLY location offers a unique selection of courses.  View the course offerings of locations that interest you to find out which location will work best with your academic major.
• Can I choose more than one location or extend my FLY program to spend my entire freshman year abroad?
  FLY courses are chosen with your first semester in mind so you can be sure to continue making degree progress within your graduation timeline.  Your ability to continue in FLY beyond one semester will depend on your major's academic requirements.  Check with your FLY Advisor and your Academic Advisor to learn what options are available to you.
• Will participating in FLY affect my graduation timeline?
  No!  We've worked with SBU's Academic Advising teams and our FLY partner institutions to ensure that the courses you take during FLY will fit into your program path.  Courses for each FLY location are sorted by major so you can feel confident in making the right choice for your degree!
• How will I be supported while abroad?
  Each FLY location has an on-site team with 24/7 support.  Additionally, our SBU FLY team and on-site program directors are available to answer any questions you may have or connect you to resources. 
• How soon will I find out if my FLY application was accepted?
  We review application on an ongoing basis as long as they are submitted before the application deadline.
• Do I need a student visa for FLY?
  Maybe!  Visa requirements may vary by both your FLY location and home country.  Visit your FLY location page for more information, or contact your FLY Advisor for questions.
• Do I need to enroll in international health insurance?
  Yes.  All FLY participants, regardless or home country or insurance coverage must sign up for SUNY International Health Insurance plan.  The insurance will be automatically applied to your Solar bill and is included as part of your program fee.
• I committed to the FLY program. Can I change my mind and come to SBU first?
  Both FLY and SBU main campus have distinct deadlines for deposits, registration, housing, and financial responsibility.  Your ability to withdraw from FLY without penalty and without deferring your admission to SBU will depend on when you choose to withdraw.  If you intend to withdraw from FLY, please contact the SBU FLY team immediately.

Eligibility

• I am not admitted to Stony Brook or I'm admitted to a different SUNY school. Can I participate in FLY?
  No.  FLY is only open to newly admitted Stony Brook University students.  Students from other SUNY schools are eligible to participate in Stony Brook's traditional study abroad programs.  Visit the Study Abroad website for details.
• I am a freshman that just completed my first semester at SBU. Can I participate in FLY?
  No.  FLY is only open to newly admitted Stony Brook University students who have not yet come to campus.  Students who have already completed a semester at SBU are eligible to participate in Stony Brook's traditional study abroad programs.  Visit the Study Abroad website for details.
• I'm an international student. Can I particpate in a FLY program in my home country?
  Yes!  Our FLY locations welcome students of all nationalities.  As an international student studying in your home country, you may be required to take a certain number of credits in English.
• Can I choose a location that is not compatible with my major?
  FLY courses have been pre-mapped and articulated to ensure you will make degree progress while sticking to your graduation timeline.  Before choosing a location that is not compatible with your major, we recommond speaking with your FLY or Academic Advisor.
• Do I need to know a foreign language to participate in FLY?
  No!  Our FLY locations offer a wide variety of classes in English.  You will be able to enroll intake language courses while abroad if you choose.
• If I am accepted to SBU as an AOI student, can I participate in FLY?
  Yes! You are certainly able to participate in FLY. Our traditional program is one semester and AOI students are unable to extend their FLY program beyond one semester.

Financial Questions

• Do you have any scholarships available for study abroad?
  The Study Abroad Office has a list of scholarships available for study abroad. 
• Will my Stony Brook scholarship apply to my FLY program?
  Yes!  Your SBU scholarship is compatible with your FLY program.
• Can I use my Financial Aid to participate in FLY?
  It is possible to apply your financial aid to your study abroad experience.  We recommend speaking with someone in the Financial Aid Office to learn what options are available to you.
• How does the cost compare to studying at SBU first?
  As a FLY student, you will pay standard Stony Brook tuition and fees.  Each FLY location shows a budget of estimated expenses you can use to compare your program to costs at SBU.

Returning to Campus

• Can I live on campus when I come to SBU after my FLY program?
  Yes!  All FLY students are guaranteed on campus housing at Stony Brook if they meet the application deadline.  You will receive a notification in the SBUAbroad Portal with details and deadlines.
• Will I have an orientation when I arrive at SBU?
  Yes!  Returning FLY students will have both a Pre-Arrival and New Student Orientation.  Visit our Orientation page for more information.
• I'm an international student. How do I get my visa to attend SBU?
  International students will receive an email from Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) with instructions on how to request an I-20 and apply for a U.S. F-1 student visa.  Visit our International Student page for additional details.
• After my semester on the FLY program, can I participate in GSI?
  Yes! If you are an international student, have just completed the FLY program but not yet begun campus classes, you are able to participate in the GSI program.