Cashing checks (in dollars?)

[turveytop]

A couple of weeks ago, I received by mail a check for a partial reimbursement of travel fees back in the visiting season. It is made out for $400. I am wondering if there's an expiration date in cashing this check. I will probably not be able to cash this check in dollars but will have to exchange it into the currency of my country (btw the exchange rate is not that great right now so I might suffer a bit of a loss). Would it be better to wait until I get to the States (August) and cash the check there? Is that possible? Thoughts? 

Edited June 2, 2013 by turveytop

[danieleWrites]

If it does not say on the check, they don't expire; they become what's called stale dated after 6 months past the date the check was issued. The problem is whether or not the issuer puts a stop payment on it if it has not been cashed within 6 months. If you choose to wait, you can still get your funds. It may not be a simple matter of going to the bank and cashing it, though it might be. If you cannot get a bank to cash it, you can take it to the university cashier and either have them cash it or reissue the check. If you think you won't get around to cashing it for more than 6 months, email the issuer with your question.