Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade Visitor Program

Welcome to The Sage Colleges. The Sage Colleges is located in Albany and Troy, New York, in the Northeast of the United States. Forbes.com ranked the Albany-Schenectady-Troy tri-city area third on a national list of "Best Places with the Best Education," and Albany/Troy NY was voted the "least stressful city" to live and work by the Sperling Stress Index.

We are pleased that you are interested in possibly studying for a semester in the United States. This website should answer many of your questions regarding; how to apply at SIFT to attend school at The Sage Colleges, visa requirements and application, travel and study.

Weather - The Albany area experiences all four seasons. Resulting in the weather varying from season to season. Temperature ranges from 60o to 85o Fahrenheit (18o to 29o Celsius) in the summer to 0o to 38o F (-17o to 3o C) in the winter.

The Albany, New York area can receive a large amount of snow in late fall throughout winter. During the rest of the year, rain showers can occur unexpectedly, and the humidity level can be uncomfortably high, especially in the summer. Weather conditions are more moderate during the spring and fall.

Application Process - If you are interested in applying to attend the Sage College/Shanghai Institute exchange please complete the following application (Click here).

Visa Requirements - SIFT students must have a J-1 U.S visa to enter the United States. Once you have been accepted to The Sage/SIFT exchange program, you must set up an appointment with the U.S. Consulate nearest you to apply for your J-a visa. This visa status allows you to study in the United States for up to one academic year.

International Student Orientation - All new international students are required to attend orientation which run 6 days before the fall academic semester begins and 3 days before the spring semester begins. Students should plan to attend all events during this time. For a look at the New International Student Orientation schedule, click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Cultural Enrichment - Several trips are planned while you are studying in the United Sates. You will take a tour of the Albany area, shop at a local shopping mall, travel to New York City, Boston, or Washington D.C. These trips are covered in your cost of the program. SIFT students can also participate in college run trips as well to outlet malls for more shopping, New York City to see a Broadway play and more.

Also while you study at Sage you can take advantage of your own self directed travel. The Office of Cultural Enrichment will assist you in your travel planning.