Dear Returning Study Abroad Student:

The Office of International Programs at Bingahmton would like to be among the first to say welcome back! You may have mixed feelings about the semester ahead. Perhaps your period abroad was very exciting, and now might seem dull in comparison; or perhaps you return needing to begin making plans for your future after college with all the uncertainties and pressures that are involved in those next steps. The purpose of this letter is to begin to assist with some of this transition. In the following we list a few invitations and a few "must do's."

1. Study Abroad Program Evaluation (MS Word or Adobe PDF) Your evaluation of the program you attended is very important in order for us to provide the highest quality experiences for students. Evaluations are made available to future students to consult in making their plans. It is essential that you complete the enclosed evaluation form and return it to the Office of International Programs. We will not release your grades until we receive the evaluation. Note: Students on Binghamton's Semester-in-London program who have completed evaluations do not need to complete this one.

2. Transcripts Transcripts from abroad will soon begin to arrive. See the enclosed handout, How Study Abroad Credit and Grades Work.

3. Photo Contest Please submit your photos from study abroad in the OIP photo competition. You could win one of three cash prizes and/or have your photo published in OIP brochures or on our web site.

Additional Items Pertaining to Binghamton University Students:

4. International Studies Certificate Program Now that you have studied abroad, you may be close to completing the requirements for an International Studies Certificate. A descriptive account of the program can be found here. If you are interested, contact the graduate assistant in charge of the program at oipga@binghamton.edu.

5. Languages Across the Curriculum (LxC) LxC courses are a wonderful way to help maintain or develop your foreign language skills. A list of the upcoming fall semester offerings will be available from the LxC program.

6. International Student Conversation Pairs Remember how eager you were to meet students in the country where you studied? Binghamton's international students are likewise eager to meet Americans who will be interested in learning more about them. The Conversation pairs program is one way to help an international student improve his/her English and enjoy expanding your own international horizons. Contact Jennifer Brownstein, Director, English Conversation Pairs Program, LN-1209, tel: x7-6725, jbrownsti@binghamton.edu. Detailed information and a sign-up sheet are enclosed.

7. Resource Alumni If you would be willing to be an occasional resource person for faculty and students with interests in the country where you studied, please let us know. A sign-up sheet is enclosed.

8. Study Abroad Fair Our Study Abroad Fair is very early this year--Thursday, September 6--and we need your help! Whether you attended a Binghamton, SUNY or non-SUNY program, come help staff a table, share your experience, and provide insight and advice to other students! Please see the enclosed flier for more details.

9. Exchange students We have a fabulous new group of exchange students from Australia, England, Scotland, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Morocco, and Turkey. If you would like to help us with hospitality for them, please sign up at the front desk of OIP, call us at 7-2336, or e-mail Ms. Susan B. Lewis, Assistant Director: sblewis@binghamton.edu.

When you return to campus, please feel free to call upon us for assistance with your settling in. We are genuinely eager to hear about your experiences as well. If you find the adjustment back to Binghamton difficult, you should feel very free to talk with us or with the University Counseling Center.

Once again, welcome back!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katharine C. Krebs
Director, Office of International Programs