As Students Look To Study Abroad

Post Office Delivers Passports At West Conn Thursday

According to Open Doors 2007, a study coordinated and released in November by the State Department, college students are studying abroad in record numbers. In 2005-2006, more than 220,000 students received credit for studies in other countries, up from 90,000 just 10 years ago.

The 2007 report notes Europe remains the most popular destination for U.S. students. But strong growth took place in other regions: the Middle East (up 31 percent), Asia (up 26 percent), Africa (up 19 percent) and Latin America (up 14 percent).

Students looking for that experience start with a passport.

To help, the Postal Service is hosting a special passport program on Thursday, Dec. 13 will be from 9:30 am until 2 pm on the campus of Western Connecticut State University. The program, hosted by the Danbury Post Office, will be staged in the Westside Campus Student Center, Room 212-214.

According to postal officials, important items needed for a passport application include:

Provide a completed application for a passport

Passport forms are available at many local post offices. Or download passport forms from usps.com or the State Department’s web site.

Present Proof of US Citizenship

In many cases, applicants fill this requirement by supplying a certified birth certificate with a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal. Others may need to obtain a consular report of birth abroad or a naturalization certificate. A previous US passport in altered or damaged condition may not be accepted.

Present Proof of Identity

Identity can be proven with many different items, including a previous U.S. passport, a Naturalization Certificate, a valid Driver's license, a city, state or federal Government ID or Military ID issued to military personnel and their dependents. The Post Office acceptance office or State Department web site can guide applicants on other options as well.

Supply Two Passport Photos, in compliance with state department requirements. The Post Office will offer passport photos on site at the special promotion.
Pay the Applicable Fee

Applicants pay the application processing fee to the “U.S. Department of State” and the execution fee to the facility where you apply. Applicants age 16 and over pay a passport fee of $67 and a fee of $30. Applicants under 16 pay $52 for a passport and $30 for fees. Expedited service is provided at an extra cost.
In addition to cash, checks and money orders, fees at Post Offices may be paid by credit card.

And, in accordance with federal regulations, applicants must provide a Social Security Number.

“y, a passport is no longer a luxury,” said Edward Phelan, the Connecticut District Manager for the Postal Service. “In the event of an emergency involving a family member abroad, a short-notice airfare bargain, an unexpected business trip or for added identification, having your passport will save time, money and stress.”
The State Department funds the annual Open Doors study of nearly 3,000 accredited U.S. educational institutions.

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