International Programs

The Center for International Programs was created to advance the institutional goal of increasing the SUNY College of Optometry’s international presence. It serves to promote, support and centralize SUNY Optometry activities that relate to international students and faculty attending the College as well as SUNY Optometry students and faculty engaged in educational, research or service activities outside the United States.

At present, SUNY Optometry fosters a well-established clinical rotation for its students at the Wenzhou Medical University, and hosts visiting interns and doctors from Wenzhou, China; Paris, France; New Zealand and Australia. These relations promote the exchange of optometric practices in the international context and hope to expand the scope of practice and education worldwide.

Department of International Programs
SUNY College of Optometry, 11th floor
Director: Guilherme Albieri, PhD, Vice President for Student Affairs, Chief Diversity Officer
Tel: 212-938-5508
Fax: 212-938-5504
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM

International Programs Coordinator:
Jennifer Hue, OD, MS, FAAO, Asst. Clinical Professor
Tel: 212-938-4023
jhue@sunyoptedu.suny.maxburst.dev

 

Resources for SUNY Students Going Abroad

Whether you are going abroad for a clinical rotation or medical mission trip, make sure you are prepared! Here are resources to help your trip go smoothly and safely.

Planning to Go

• Pre-Departure
  1. Passport
     • How to apply: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html
  2. Visa
     • Contact the embassy of the foreign countries you will be visiting for more information.
  3. US Embassy
     • The Department of State suggests that students register with the US embassy at their destination: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_4789.html
  4. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
     • You can receive travel and security updates about your destination, and it will help us contact you in an emergency.
     • Sign up here: https://step.state.gov/step/
  5. More Resources
     • Information on obtaining travel documents, what to do in the event of an emergency abroad, tips for smart travel, and more: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/
• Tips/Travelers’ Checklist
  1. Destination
     • Learn about visa requirements, local laws, customs, and medical care in the countries you are visiting at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html
  2. Travel Warnings or Alerts – Check for the latest security messages and risks that may affect your travel plans.
     • Department of State’s Alerts and Warnings
     • U.S. Embassy or Consulate
  3. Health Precautions
     • U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
     • World Health Organization (WHO)
  4. Money
     • Before you go, notify your bank and credit card company of your travel, and check exchange rates. For information about using cash, debit/credit cards, and ATMs, read about your destination.

Already Abroad

1. Emergency Contact (Student Affairs)
2. Sexual Assault Support & Help for Americans Abroad (www.sashaa.org)
   1. Office Information:
      Tel: (503) 203-1444
      Fax: (503) 203-5999
      PO Box 25007
      Portland, OR 97298, USA
      Email: 866uswomen@866uswomen.org
   2. The Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center works with abused Americans in foreign countries to provide domestic violence and child abuse advocacy, resources and tools so that they can live their lives free of abuse either in the foreign country or back in the U.S.
   3. Services:
      • International toll free crisis line, 866-USWOMEN (operating 24/7)
        How to reach us internationally toll free:
        Dial the AT&T USADIRECT® Access Code from overseas (country specific), then dial 866-USWOMEN
      • Live chat on our website: www.866uswomen.org & www.sashaa.org
      • Crisis email: crisis@866uswomen.org
3. Carry contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate with you, in English and the local language. Help for emergencies is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, D.C. (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).
   Read more about what the Department of State can and cannot do for you in an emergency.

Resources for International Students/Visitors at SUNY

1. Registration Forms
   • Exchange Registration
   • Confidentiality Agreement
   • Health Form
   • HIPAA
   • Dress Code
2. Housing page: https://sunyoptedu.suny.maxburst.dev/housing/
3. Regional Airports
   • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
   • La Guardia Airport (LGA)
   • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
4. Directions to SUNY (https://sunyoptedu.suny.maxburst.dev/about/directions-to-suny-college-of-optometry)

Programs

1. Clinical Rotations
   • Wenzhou Medical University, China
   • Flinders University, Australia
2. Programs at SUNY
   As part of our mission to enhance to elevate the profession of optometry worldwide and achieve better vision and eye care for people of all populations, we are committed to providing opportunities for eye care providers and students from various countries to gain exposure to and enhance optometric knowledge and practice. We have multiple programs that offer international visitors a short-term learning experience at our clinics.
   • Global Health Leadership Development Program (China)
   • l’Institut Supérieur d’Optique Summer Internship (France)
   • Snow Vision Scholars (New Zealand)
   • Therapeutics Licensure Program (South Africa)
3. SUNY Advanced Standing Degree
4. SUNY GHI – https://tprc.pharm.buffalo.edu/home/sunyglobal/