The Value of Studying Abroad

Your student is choosing one of the most transformative experiences of their academic undergraduate career. Given the complexities of our global economy, having leaders who can manage across differences and deal with local and global challenges is paramount. Studying abroad can help students develop these critical skills and insights for navigating the world. 

This experience requires thought, planning, attention to detail, and decision making skills. They will travel far from home, but not without resources. Our university has professionals in the study abroad office who support students while they are abroad. Part of the learning process includes the preparation and research required to identify a realistic program that satisfies your student’s goals. You can support your student by allowing them to take charge of planning and executing the experience. 

What Can Families Do?

  • Encourage your student to ask questions
  • Take a supportive approach
  • Clarify any concerns as you become familiar with your student’s options
  • Ensure that this experience is in alignment with an educational experience and your student’s goals
  • Students and families should feel confident that program providers can address their concerns

STEP 1: Helping your student select the right program

Your student’s program choice will depend on a number of academic, personal, and financial factors. When researching programs consider academics, credit and grades, application details, and living arrangements. You’ll want to work with your student to understand program costs and money management while abroad. The student will want to look at scholarships & financial aid, as well as predeparture health care and international travel insurance.

STEP 2: Helping your student prepare for departure

You’ll want to help your student prepare any official documents that they might need while abroad. Students should make sure that they have a valid passport that is valid for six months after their program. They should also check with program advisors to see if they need a visa and how they can apply for the correct one. You should work with your student to set up travel arrangements including their international flights and any necessary ground transportation once they have arrived. Students will also need to prepare and budget their finances dependent on their country’s cost of living and day-to-day expenses, including understanding the local currency and exchange rates. Students will also want to understand country-specific health information and recommendations, as well as emergency preparedness plans and contacts with the program advisors and host university. Have a general understanding of the culture students are entering and any cultural norms that will be important for interacting with locals. 

STEP 3: Helping your student make the most of the experience

You’ll want to coordinate a plan for communication with your student while they are abroad. Students will need help maintaining a budget for their daily expenses throughout their trip. Safety and security. Make sure that your student registers their travel with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Making the most of the experience: communication with family, language learning. It will be helpful to support your student as they experience a new culture and may face culture shock upon their arrival. There will be good days and bad days and students will need that support as they transition into a new culture. 

STEP 4: Helping your student navigate the reentry stage 

Through this experience, students might find and/or solidify their career goals. Helping your student understand how this experience can affect their career development and confirming their plan to achieve their goals. Supporting your student through reverse culture shock as they transition back to the U.S.

What You Can Expect from the Study Abroad Office

  • Well-organized and smooth coordination between the host institutions and program providers
  • Guidance in assisting students as they navigate campus offices such as financial aid, academic advising, credit transfers, etc. 
  • Clarification on approved programs, application processes and deadlines, and scholarships
  • Advising assistance and guidance on program choices 
  • Predeparture and reentry resources 
  • Resources that support students’ applications and overseas experiences
  • Timely and courteous responses to questions
  • Responsive, on-call procedures and contact information for emergencies
  • Mitigation of risk and informed, thoughtful protocols specific to health, safety, and security of international travel and study 
  • Campus resources to support families 

Additional Parent & Family Resources