PARENT INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions About Study Abroad

(adapted from “What Parents Need to Know! Before, During and After Education Abroad by Janet Hulstrand, written for and distributed by NAFSA: Association for International Educators)

> What will my son or daughter gain from study abroad?

> How much should I help my son or daughter prepare for study abroad?

> How safe is study abroad?

> How often should I talk to my son/daughter while they are away?

> Why can’t I get information about my student’s grades, whereabouts and health from program providers or the education abroad office?

What will my son or daughter gain from study abroad?
Study Abroad is one of the best ways students can develop greater independence, maturity, and self-confidence; the flexibility to adapt quickly and creatively to unexpected developments and changing circumstances; and the ability to interact effectively with people from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. They can also gain many other skills and experiences that will become invaluable to them throughout their lives, as well as to their employers as they enter the workforce. More and more, in our increasingly global economy, leaders in business, government, and academia are recognizing the importance of U.S. students gaining international experience, and becoming globally competent citizens and employees. So study abroad is not only fun and exciting- it is an excellent investment, both short-term and long-term in your child’s future.

How much should I help my son or daughter prepare for study abroad?
A little bit of help goes a long way. One of the hardest things for a parent to do is to step back and, for the most part, let the student take responsibility for the myriad and complex tasks of preparing for the study abroad experience. You should be available and ready to lend your child help, advice, and support, but it is critically important that you let him/her take primary responsibility for planning the experience.

How safe is study abroad?
International travel does pose some unique challenges and concerns about student safety. While some parents and students focus their concerns on the cataclysmic- acts of terrorism, violent crime, or natural disasters- the truth is that, just as in the United States, much of a student’s safety abroad depends on his or her exercising mature and responsible behavior and on making good decisions. Be sure you know the program your son or daughter is working with, and ask questions about safety such as: What support services are available on site for students in this program? Does the program have an emergency plan? How would I get in touch with my son/daughter in case of an emergency at the study abroad site? While most programs have emergency preparations and support in place, no program can guarantee the health and safety of participants- and no responsible study abroad provider should offer such guarantees.

How often should I talk to my son/daughter while they are away?
There is no certain “ideal number of communications”, it is important to talk with you son/daughter before they leave about how, and how often, you will communicate with each other while he/she is abroad so that you will not worry and he/she will not be overly focused on matters at home. There are so many ways to instantly communicate today (cell phones, e-mail, text and instant messaging and VoIP) that are invaluable, especially in an emergency, but they can have an unfortunate effect on students’ ability to become fully immersed in a foreign culture.

Why can’t I get information about my student’s grades, whereabouts and health from program providers or the education abroad office?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law protecting student’s educational records, applies to students even when they are studying overseas. Of course, in an emergency situation, a parent would be given all the appropriate information, but in routine situations, a program provider or school official cannot release personal information about a student, even to their parent.

I want to buy my student some luggage. What kind is recommended?
There are three recommendations about luggage: easy to identify, light to carry and durable. Each airline has specific requirements about luggage size and weight. Excess weight will cost extra to send.