When you study abroad, financial aid for which you are eligible and have accepted will be applied to your CU Bursar’s account. However, there are costs like airfare need to be covered before financial aid becomes available.
 
If you plan to use financial aid and still have aid left for the current term:

• Use your financial aid refund for the educational expense of study abroad airfare.

• Consider using miles. Join airline loyalty or frequent flier programs to accrue credit toward free flights and upgrades. 
  • If you have miles of your own, you may be able to book your travel using miles in lieu of a credit card. If you lack enough points to book your flight, airlines often allow you to purchase additional points to get to the number you need. These points might be sold at a higher rate, but your overall savings could be significant.
  • If you don’t have miles of your own, someone else may be able to transfer miles to you.  You will need to contact your airline regarding this. Sometimes a small fee is charged for such a transaction, but it could save you a lot of money overall.

• Consider purchasing a Visa Gift Card and using it to purchase your ticket.
• Consider using a PayPal account to purchase your ticket.
• Certain airlines allow purchases to be made via Western Union cash transfer.

 
Pro Tip: Most airlines allow customers to cancel without penalty within 24 hours of booking. Check if your price drops within 24 hours of booking. If so, you can cancel and rebook the lower fare.

If you recently changed your legal name, all identifying documentation should match your updated legal name. This includes, but is not limited to, your passport, program documents, all visa documents (if applicable), and flight tickets. If a visa is required for your program, you will need to have your identification updated prior to applying for your visa. 

For further information regarding the process to change your name on your passport, review the U.S. State Department Change or Correct a Passport webpage.

As of January 2025, the U.S. Department of State now only issues passports with an “M” or “F” gender marker that reflects the applicant’s sex assigned at birth. The previously available “X” marker for nonbinary or unspecified gender identities has been removed due to changes under Executive Order 14168. These updates apply to both new passport applications and renewals, and may affect students planning international travel.

• The “X” gender marker is no longer available for U.S. passports.
• Gender markers must now align with the applicant’s sex assigned at birth.
• Existing passports with an “X” or differing gender marker remain valid until expiration.
• All renewals and new applications must comply with the updated policy.
• Legal challenges to this change are ongoing; updates will be posted as available.

For further information on this process and FAQ, review the Advocates for Trans Equality Know Your Rights: Passports webpage. 

If you are a minor traveling abroad, you may be able to travel to another country without either one of your parents. You may be required to provide a notarized written consent letter from both parents. Minors interested in traveling without their parents should contact the embassy to address admissibility questions.

A list of embassies and entry requirements can be obtained at the Department of State website, or call the particular embassy by phone. Read more on the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website. 

Depending on your age, minors must follow different policies when applying for a passport. View the Department of State's requirements for 16-17 year old's and for minors under the age of 16 to learn about your requirements.