"Central Asia: Cultures, Landscapes, and Legacies" introduces students - via daily, on-site excursions and in-person learning activities - to the historical, ethnographical, geographical, and political landscape of modern Central Asia through an exploration of the country of Kazakhstan. Students will spend the first few days of the trip in the “southern capital” city of Almaty before heading off to Oskemen, capital of the East Kazakhstan region, where they will team up with students from Kazakh-American Free University who will serve as interpreters and guides on all of their daily adventures.  

*Estimated program cost is $2,500 (this cost does not include tuition)

All travelers must have a valid passport book for international air travel. A passport card cannot be used for international flights. Because passport processing and mailing can take several weeks, students should apply or renew as early as possible.

First-Time Applicants

If you are applying for your first U.S. passport, you must apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility.

1. Complete Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport.

   Do not sign the form until instructed to do so by the acceptance agent.

2. Gather the required documents:
   
   Proof of U.S. citizenship: Bring an original or certified physical copy of one of the following:

   • U.S. birth certificate that meets Department of State requirements
   • Previously issued, undamaged U.S. passport
   • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
   • Certificate of Naturalization
   • Certificate of Citizenship

3. Use the Passport Fee Calculator and Form Guide to confirm your required form, documents, and fees.

4. Find an authorized location using the Passport Acceptance Facility Search. Some locations require an appointment.

You may be eligible to renew an existing passport online or by mail.

• Review the passport renewal requirements.

• Eligible applicants may renew online.

• Applicants renewing by mail should complete Form DS-82: U.S. Passport Renewal Application.

If you do not meet the renewal requirements, you must apply in person using Form DS-11.

Review the Department of State’s current passport processing times before applying. Processing estimates do not include mailing time and may increase during busy travel seasons.

Your passport should remain valid for the entire program. Some countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months after the planned date of departure. Review the entry requirements for the program destination before traveling.

Students who are not U.S. citizens must travel using a valid passport issued by their country of citizenship. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate for instructions about applying for or renewing your passport. Additional visas or entry documents may also be required based on your citizenship and the program destination.

International students: Before making travel arrangements, please consult your DSO to confirm that you have the required immigration documents and travel authorization to depart and reenter the United States

Visit the U.S. Department of State passport website for complete and current information.