Common Questions Asked by Parents
Studying abroad is an educational experience that your student will carry with them for the rest of their life. It provides your student with the opportunity to explore a foreign country, live independently, and develop as an individual. Studying abroad is also an opportunity for your student to meet people from all over the world. This is a way for them to expand their horizons. Depending on the location, your student may also have the opportunity to learn a new language.
Students studying abroad have a wide range of program options to choose from. Almost all degree programs offer an opportunity to study abroad for a specified period. These programs are offered through partnerships with 海角论坛 or by providers with whom we work closely. Credit earned through any study abroad program will be transferred as credit towards your student's degree.
International study is a great way for your student to engage in the global community. International study can also set your student apart when applying for jobs or graduate school
The cost to attend a study abroad program may exceed the price of tuition at 海角论坛. When taking the cost of food/housing/transportation into account, the amount falls closer in line with the cost to attend courses at 海角论坛. Semester and year-long programs are the most costly to attend, depending on the host country. If you are looking for more affordable options, there is a wide variety of summer programs available. These summer programs can last from a week to the whole summer. Estimated costs can be viewed via the 海角论坛 Globetrotter program page. Each program has an estimated cost sheet associated with its program page.
If you and your student are looking for a program, choose one within your determined budget. Federal, state, and institutional aid may be applied toward the study abroad program of your choice. Students who receive a Pell Grant may qualify to apply for the Gilman Scholarship. If selected, the scholarship can award your student up to $5000 towards their study abroad program. Private loans and scholarships are also avenues students can explore if they need additional funds. When your student's program application is approved, your student’s study abroad advisor will send the estimated cost sheet to financial aid. Financial aid then decides how much aid your student will receive based on the estimated costs of the program.
Your student should go abroad when it best fits their academic planning. Students typically study abroad during their sophomore or junior year. Please have your student speak with their academic advisor about what classes they should take and when the best time to go would be. This meeting with their academic advisor is critical to staying on track to graduate in the typical 4-year timeline.
Packages that come from the United States to other countries can be very delayed. Sometimes these packages may arrive after the student has already gone back home. Please avoid sending valuables or confidential information. You should include a customs form declaring the monetary value of the items in the package. Also, you shouldn’t send perishable items in the mail. They may be confiscated even if they aren’t spoiled. Religious items should also be avoided since this can cause legal issues for your student. If your student needs medication while abroad, they should take as much as they will need for the whole program duration. If a student needs additional prescription medication while abroad, they can make arrangements through GeoBlue health insurance services.
It is generally easiest for students to withdraw from their accounts back home by using an ATM. ATMs are plentiful abroad. Using ATMs abroad usually carries a small fee if the account doesn’t reside in the country. It is recommended that students carry cash with them when possible. Not all countries support the same payment processors we have in the United States. Your student can even order currency to use in the country they will reside in through most banks in the United States. Students should also take their debit or credit card with them on their trip. If your student needs to open a bank account where they reside, they can find more information through their local program coordinator. Once a bank account has been opened, you may transfer a bulk sum of money to the account. Keep in mind that conversion rates change rapidly.
Students are provided with a large range of benefits for purchasing our required international health insurance from GeoBlue. GeoBlue student travel insurance covers a wide range of situations your student may need medical attention. To see exactly what the plan covers, you can visit their website by clicking .