You will need two passport-size photos for your passport application. If needed, a visa may be requested at the Italian Embassy or the closest Italian consulate. If you travel around on your own before or after the program, you should know that most Western European countries don't require entry visas for short-term U.S. visitors. However, some other countries may require entry visas in addition to a passport. Visas are obtained from the consulates or embassies of the host country.
Most countries have consular offices in New York and Rome.
Where required, you will need to have the visa in order to enter the country you are visiting, so you apply for it before going to that country. Visas are stamped into the traveler's passport, so you will need to have the passport before even applying for the visa. The State University of New York requires that all students traveling abroad on SUNY programs have adequate medical insurance for the duration of their overseas program. Details of this insurance will be sent to participants under separate cover. Appropriate forms will be included in the student's acceptance packet.