/Office of Global Affairs
Global Summer Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not covered above, you are welcome to email us at gsi@stonybrook.edu.

General Questions

Yes, GSI students have the opportunity to use the gym and other university facilities. The University Facilities page includes further information.  

GAP students do not have automatic access to the Campus Rec Center.  To use the Rec Center, GAP students must pay the $40 Recreation Fee at the Campus Rec Center entrance desk.

Students admitted to the Global Academic Program will receive a $2,000 housing scholarship.  Visit the Tuition & Fees page for terms and conditions.

No, the Global Summer Institute is a residential program and students are required to live on-campus unless otherwise authorized by GSI staff.

All GSI students are required to purchase International Student Health Insurance through Stony Brook University for the duration of their program.  Additional travel insurance is not required by Stony Brook University.

If you are having trouble setting up your SOLAR or Net ID accounts, you will need to contact Stony Brook's IT department (DoIT) for support.  Links to submit a help ticket can be found on the Technology page.

Your SOLAR account may have a hold preventing class registration. Your SOLAR account will notify you of the reason for the hold (contact for missing person, financial responsibility, etc.), and give instructions on how to clear it. You must clear all holds.

All GAP and IEP students must submit proof of required immunizations.  You will see a hold on your SOLAR account preventing enrollment until you submit the required documents.

GCP students do not need to submit proof of immunization.

GSI students must contact their home university to determine if courses taken at GSI will transfer.

Unofficial transcripts are available to print through your SOLAR account.  Official transcripts can be ordered through the Office of the Registrar.

GCP students will not receive a transcript.

Students who are attending schools where English is the language of instruction do not need to submit a language proficiency score.
English language test scores are not required for the Global Certificate Program. 

Students wishing to participate in the Global Academic Program or Intensive English Program who have not taken one of the listed language proficiency exams should contact GSI.

Visa Questions

Yes!  GSI students can arrive in the U.S. prior to their session, but will not have access to on-campus housing until the specified dates. 

Global Academic Program and Intensive English Program students can arrive in the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the start date on their I-20. 

Yes!  GSI students must check out of on-campus housing on the specified dates, but can remain in the U.S. as permitted by their immigration status.  

Global Academic Program and Intensive English Program students will have a 60-day grace period at the end of their program to remain in the U.S. 

Global Academic Program and Intensive English Program students must obtain a travel signature from Visa and Immigration Services before traveling outside the U.S. and consult the VIS travel website for additional information.

Global Certificate Program students must review the restrictions of their U.S. visa or ESTA visa waiver before travelling internationally before the end of their GSI program.

No!  As a student in F-1 status, you are admitted to the U.S. for "D/S" (duration of status).  This allows you to stay until the program end date listed on your Form I-20 as long as you maintain your status.  Our Visa and Immigration Services office can answer any questions about your F-1 student status.

Online-only students are not eligible to apply for an F-1 student visa for summer study. 

If you plan to come in-person to Stony Brook University for the fall semester, you will work with Visa and Immigration Services to request a Form I-20 that coincides with your in-person study.  Please contact Visa and Immigration Services for specific questions related to your status.