2008 Woodie Awards
Passport fair assists traveling students
International Education Office makes process easy
By: Mark Biller
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: News
Getting a passport can be a complicated process.
The Office of International Education made that process easier Wednesday during the passport fair in the Bovee University Center Fireside Room.
Shelly Nelson, chief deputy clerk at the Isabella County Clerk's Office, said traveling for spring break and studying abroad are the two most common uses for a passport among college students.
"You need a passport to go anywhere," she said. "And as of this year, you have to have one to go to Canada or Mexico, too."
Anyone who missed the event still can get a passport by going to the County Clerk's Office, 200 N. Main St. Applicants will need a birth certificate, a valid picture ID and $100 to cover the fees.
"It's a lot of money," said Bay City junior Katie Travis. "But (a passport) is a good thing to have."
Travis said she plans to travel to Florence, Italy, during the summer to participate in an opera program for her music major.
Canton senior Bill Johnston also needs a passport to travel overseas.
He is going to spend two months student-teaching in Ghana, he said.
A passport is good for 10 years, Nelson said. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a passport card, which is only $20, but valid only for land and sea travel, Nelson said.
Passport cards may be the best option financially for students who are planning to go to Canada, Central American locales or any of the Caribbean islands for spring break, she said.
The passport fair attracted 51 applicants, Nelson said. Those who are approved should receive their passports in six to eight weeks, she said.
news@cm-life.com
The Office of International Education made that process easier Wednesday during the passport fair in the Bovee University Center Fireside Room.
Shelly Nelson, chief deputy clerk at the Isabella County Clerk's Office, said traveling for spring break and studying abroad are the two most common uses for a passport among college students.
"You need a passport to go anywhere," she said. "And as of this year, you have to have one to go to Canada or Mexico, too."
Anyone who missed the event still can get a passport by going to the County Clerk's Office, 200 N. Main St. Applicants will need a birth certificate, a valid picture ID and $100 to cover the fees.
"It's a lot of money," said Bay City junior Katie Travis. "But (a passport) is a good thing to have."
Travis said she plans to travel to Florence, Italy, during the summer to participate in an opera program for her music major.
Canton senior Bill Johnston also needs a passport to travel overseas.
He is going to spend two months student-teaching in Ghana, he said.
A passport is good for 10 years, Nelson said. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a passport card, which is only $20, but valid only for land and sea travel, Nelson said.
Passport cards may be the best option financially for students who are planning to go to Canada, Central American locales or any of the Caribbean islands for spring break, she said.
The passport fair attracted 51 applicants, Nelson said. Those who are approved should receive their passports in six to eight weeks, she said.
news@cm-life.com
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