Resources for Parents
Frequently Asked Questions
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- What is international education?
- International education is a learning opportunity for a student at a 4 year institution to pursue an educational experience designed to help students understand foreign cultures and societies and/or global and transnational issues and processes. These opportunities may include international area studies programs, foreign language, international perspectives, issues, or events, from specific countries or areas outside of the United States.
- International education is a learning opportunity for a student at a 4 year institution to pursue an educational experience designed to help students understand foreign cultures and societies and/or global and transnational issues and processes. These opportunities may include international area studies programs, foreign language, international perspectives, issues, or events, from specific countries or areas outside of the United States.
- What forms of international education are offered through a university?
- There are various forms of international opportunities a student can pursue which differ from school to school. For instance, students can take advantage of certificate programs focusing on specific regions, study abroad programs, semester at sea (the only “floating campus” in the country), as well as your typical foreign language programs. Students can also pursue a less commonly taught language, join a cultural organization, partake in a global service learning program, participate in an ethnic film series just to name a few.
- There are various forms of international opportunities a student can pursue which differ from school to school. For instance, students can take advantage of certificate programs focusing on specific regions, study abroad programs, semester at sea (the only “floating campus” in the country), as well as your typical foreign language programs. Students can also pursue a less commonly taught language, join a cultural organization, partake in a global service learning program, participate in an ethnic film series just to name a few.
- Why should my son/daughter participate in any form of international education?
- International education gives a student a competitive edge in the employment marketplace and allows them to be effective in our ever-changing, global society. Study abroad, in particular, enriches a student’s education through alternative learning experiences not available at the home institution. It stimulates the mind and fosters a better understanding of other cultures, maturity, self-confidence and independence. Being immersed in another culture or participating in cultural events bring a very diverse perspective and allows for the student to be more well-rounded in the work place and the community. More importantly, the experience is a life altering event that will positively change the student’s life forever.
- International education gives a student a competitive edge in the employment marketplace and allows them to be effective in our ever-changing, global society. Study abroad, in particular, enriches a student’s education through alternative learning experiences not available at the home institution. It stimulates the mind and fosters a better understanding of other cultures, maturity, self-confidence and independence. Being immersed in another culture or participating in cultural events bring a very diverse perspective and allows for the student to be more well-rounded in the work place and the community. More importantly, the experience is a life altering event that will positively change the student’s life forever.
- How long are study abroad programs?
- A study abroad program can be for a semester, one academic year, or for several weeks over the summer. It is pretty flexible and dependent on what the student wants to pursue. Multiple study abroad programs can be completed during the course of a student’s academic career if planned appropriately and early on in the student’s career.
- A study abroad program can be for a semester, one academic year, or for several weeks over the summer. It is pretty flexible and dependent on what the student wants to pursue. Multiple study abroad programs can be completed during the course of a student’s academic career if planned appropriately and early on in the student’s career.
- What are the different ways my son/daughter can Study Abroad?
- University Developed Programs: Faculty from the home institution runs the program.
- Exchange Programs between a domestic or international institution/organization: A US student exchanges places with an international student (normally for 1 year).
- Affiliated Programs through nonprofit corporations: A program available through a nonprofit organization who designs a complete study abroad experience for the student.
- Programs through other accredited Universities: A student at a 4 year accredited institution is eligible to take a program sponsored by another 4 year accredited institution.
- Direct Enrollment: A student may be eligible to directly enroll into an international institution.
- University Developed Programs: Faculty from the home institution runs the program.
- By participating in any of these forms, will my son/daughter graduate in four years?
- Typically, a student can graduate in anywhere from four to six years from college, dependent on the student’s discipline of study. This depends on the preparation of the student’s academic endeavors. If a student begins planning as a Freshman, he/she can possibly include more than one international experience. The majority of international education opportunities overlap with requirements necessary for graduation.
- Typically, a student can graduate in anywhere from four to six years from college, dependent on the student’s discipline of study. This depends on the preparation of the student’s academic endeavors. If a student begins planning as a Freshman, he/she can possibly include more than one international experience. The majority of international education opportunities overlap with requirements necessary for graduation.
- How do you pay for an overseas program?
Financing an overseas program is a very pertinent factor in planning for travel. There are programs that cost about the same as tuition, room and board at your son/daughter’s home institution. There are also a few programs that are slightly lower, but most programs are a little more expensive than the home institution. The experience is well worth the extra cost. Federal and State Financial Aid (except federal work-study) as well as loans and scholarships DO apply to your student’s study abroad program. Scholarships are also available through various organizations.
- Are there language requirements for internationalizing your education?
- Foreign language proficiency isn't always a requirement but will certainly aid in functioning in a foreign culture. This will be dependent on a given program or form of international education the student pursues. By attending a college/university, it allows the student to have the opportunity to pursue an additional foreign language not offered in high school. It is very important that the student understand that one foreign language is a bonus, but two or more sets you on a higher pedestal above the competition.
- Foreign language proficiency isn't always a requirement but will certainly aid in functioning in a foreign culture. This will be dependent on a given program or form of international education the student pursues. By attending a college/university, it allows the student to have the opportunity to pursue an additional foreign language not offered in high school. It is very important that the student understand that one foreign language is a bonus, but two or more sets you on a higher pedestal above the competition.
- Are there orientations for my son/daughter to prepare for travel?
- At most institutions, pre-departure orientations including health, safety and security information usually take place prior to departure or on-site once all students arrive in host country.
- At most institutions, pre-departure orientations including health, safety and security information usually take place prior to departure or on-site once all students arrive in host country.
- Who will help my son/daughter find the best program for them?
- Study Abroad advisors are usually available at a given institution or a neighboring institution to specifically assist students with their program plans and overseas travel. Typically, schools have a study abroad office or contact person to answer any questions students and parents may have about this process.
- Study Abroad advisors are usually available at a given institution or a neighboring institution to specifically assist students with their program plans and overseas travel. Typically, schools have a study abroad office or contact person to answer any questions students and parents may have about this process.
- How safe are study abroad programs for my son/daughter?
- Colleges and universities take the well being of their students very seriously. To ensure this, safety precautions are taken into consideration and campuses and programs usually consult with their colleagues who are involved with administration of study abroad and other experts all around the world on a regular basis. The main recommendation is to be cautious and research the program/organization. You should also ask many questions and gain a full understanding of all aspects of the program prior to the student departing. For additional information, check the following websites: http://www.nafsa.org/ or www.travel.state.gov
- Colleges and universities take the well being of their students very seriously. To ensure this, safety precautions are taken into consideration and campuses and programs usually consult with their colleagues who are involved with administration of study abroad and other experts all around the world on a regular basis. The main recommendation is to be cautious and research the program/organization. You should also ask many questions and gain a full understanding of all aspects of the program prior to the student departing. For additional information, check the following websites: http://www.nafsa.org/ or www.travel.state.gov
- Is there a system in place to ensure college credits when studying overseas?
At most universities, it is necessary to complete some sort of contract/document. Credits earned while studying overseas will most likely be entered on your transcript. You must meet with your academic advisor/study abroad representative prior to departing to determine which classes you can take abroad that will fulfill requirements you have at your home institution. In most cases, only the credits transfer and grades earned abroad do not affect QPA. (In these cases a “C” or above must be earned for credit transfer.)
- Will the credits earned overseas by my son/daughter apply toward his/her major?
- It's important to know that you can study abroad and have the classes you take abroad count toward your degree. Some of the credits earned by certain courses may apply toward the student’s major and/or graduation. This would need to be determined by the student’s home institution prior to departing for their sojourn abroad (as mentioned above). In most cases, requirements for the major and general education requirements can be fulfilled and will be denoted on the student’s transcript.
- It's important to know that you can study abroad and have the classes you take abroad count toward your degree. Some of the credits earned by certain courses may apply toward the student’s major and/or graduation. This would need to be determined by the student’s home institution prior to departing for their sojourn abroad (as mentioned above). In most cases, requirements for the major and general education requirements can be fulfilled and will be denoted on the student’s transcript.
- Will there be experienced staff available on site to help my son/daughter adjust?
Since the student will be studying at a university, English speaking advisors, faculty and experienced staff are usually available and accessible to the students during their overseas stay.
- How do I contact my son/daughter in case of an emergency?
It is important that arrangements are made prior to the trip. It is up to you to obtain as many reliable means of contact before your son/daughter leave the country. Usually, the program sponsor, study abroad office, etc. provide this type of information. Due to technological advances, you can make arrangements through your phone company for an international number or 1800 number or purchase a cell phone for your convenience. Sometimes an email distribution list is established to help in disseminating information. Whatever arrangements have been made through the program should be utilized first before attempting on your own to contact the student directly. It may also be helpful to develop your own family system in case an emergency arises.
- What happens if my son/daughter gets sick while abroad?
- All students should have their own major medical insurance coverage in the United States while abroad. Supplemental health and life insurance for all students is usually available for an additional fee through the study abroad program/organization or through the International Student Identity Card.
- All students should have their own major medical insurance coverage in the United States while abroad. Supplemental health and life insurance for all students is usually available for an additional fee through the study abroad program/organization or through the International Student Identity Card.
- Will a passport or visa be needed for overseas travel?
- Most destinations you will need a passport and/or a visa and a picture id to travel. Information regarding passport and visa information for U.S. citizens is available from the U.S department of state, Bureau of Consular Affairs:
- Most destinations you will need a passport and/or a visa and a picture id to travel. Information regarding passport and visa information for U.S. citizens is available from the U.S department of state, Bureau of Consular Affairs:
- Are there any other forms that need to be completed prior to departure?
- It is best to contact your student’s school representative to make sure all necessary forms have been completed prior to departure. In general, students need to make arrangements to have appropriate health forms and inoculations completed prior to departure and obtain an international student identity card (ISIC).
- It is best to contact your student’s school representative to make sure all necessary forms have been completed prior to departure. In general, students need to make arrangements to have appropriate health forms and inoculations completed prior to departure and obtain an international student identity card (ISIC).
- What is my role as a parent in this whole process?
- It is important for parents to understand the full process of the program and have a basic understanding of certain things. Those include:
- The difference between domestic travel and study abroad
- The program structure (i.e. duration, location, etc.)
- How credits are earned and accounted for towards the degree
- The costs and how to finance the program
- Safety issues
- What appropriate documents are necessary
- The difference between domestic travel and study abroad
- It is important for parents to understand the full process of the program and have a basic understanding of certain things. Those include:
