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Parents sometimes ask why students should study abroad. What is the benefit? In today’s global market, students must do everything they can to make themselves more marketable. Study abroad is one resume item that does this because it shows that your student has initiative, is willing to take risks to step into the unknown, and is open to uncertainty.

Study abroad creates global citizens who appreciate the world we inhabit and our respect for others informs our own views and the world we create. Study abroad requires flexibility and the ability to think on your feet. Applicants who have studied abroad and showcase this on their resume often find themselves talking about it, especially in job interviews.

If you are involved in assisting your student with choosing a program, please keep the following factors in mind. Usually a student knows the answer to at least one of these questions:

• Academics: does your student plan to take courses in their major while abroad? Which programs offer such courses? Encourage your student to talk with their Academic Advisor regarding programs that best fit with their degree plan. Remember that courses outside of their major can still be counted toward graduation in a minor, electives, or University Studies categories.

• Language Study: does your student want to study a language? Programs vary from beginning-level language learners up to fully intensive, language-only programs. Programs are generally available in English.

• Length of Program: how long does your student want to study abroad? What programs will work academically for the length of time they want to go? Education Abroad programs can be as short as 10 days and as long as a full academic year, with everything in-between (even over winter break).

• Location: we offer more than 500 programs in more than 40 countries worldwide. Chances are your student has an idea of where they want to go. However, keep in mind that not all locations have programs throughout the year but instead may only offer a short-term option or a semester-only option.

• Costs: keep in mind that the price you see for a program may or may not include all costs associated with the program. When comparing programs, look for the following major costs associated with study abroad: airfare, tuition, housing, meals, on-site transportation, required group activities and excursions, travel insurance, and visa fees. Other costs to consider: passport expenses, personal spending, and application fees.

• Talk with your student about the program they have chosen and discuss their personal, educational, and professional goals.

• Attend the program orientation (if available). All parents are invited to attend program orientation for your student’s study abroad program. Orientation dates can be found on the program checklist for your student’s program, found in the Dates & Deadlines section of this website.

• Be sure to investigate international cell phone options based on your cell phone carrier.

• Students on longer programs consistently recommend Zoom, Google, iMessage, and Facebook Messenger to communicate with loved ones back home.

• Be mindful: daily communication with your student may unrealistic. Remember that this is a chance for your student to explore their world and gain valuable independence - calling home at a specific time each day may not be possible.

• Your student may call at some point during the program and seem very unhappy or even depressed. This is usually associated with culture shock and jet lag. It can be difficult to enter another culture and try to adjust to everything new and exciting in a short period of time. This can even occur a week into the program!

• Do not encourage your student to come home. Encourage your student to continue to remain involved, to seek out American food or other comforts that may remind them of home, and to check in with their faculty to stay on track.

• In many cases, any problem they call you about resolves itself within 24 hours. Resist your initial urge to fly over and save the day.

• Encourage your student to seek out the people necessary to help resolve the problem and let your student take the lead in doing so. Remind your student of who can help with issues that have popped up so they can solve them on their own.

• Ask them to call you back within the next 24 hours. Usually by that time they are feeling better and problems are solved.

• Encourage your student to ask about the emergency plans for the program they are attending.

• All students studying abroad receive an emergency contact card. Ask your student for the emergency numbers for their program and keep them handy in case of an emergency back home.

• At least one parent/guardian should have a valid passport in case an emergency occurs and you need to get to your student abroad.

• Encourage your student to leave a copy of the following at home:

  • Passport

  • All ATM, debit and credit cards (front and back)

  • Insurance cards, both primary and travel-specific (front and back) with plan information including contact details for the provider

• It is normal for parents to be concerned for the safety of their students, particularly in light of recent world events.

If program cost is a concern for your family, know that you are not alone. The majority of study abroad participants seek out some type of aid to make their dream a reality.

• All students interested in studying abroad should make the Student Financial Aid Office one of their first stops when applying for programs. Even if your student has not been eligible for federal aid (grants and loans) before, study abroad is an additional educational expense that in some cases may make them eligible for aid.

• Students receiving funding through the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) can use this money on any semester or year-long study abroad program they choose.

• Encourage your student to apply for the scholarships even if they think they can fund the program on their own - everyone loves free money!

• Remember to compare the program cost against what you get for the money: one program may appear much cheaper than another because iit does not include roundtrip airfare.

We are here to help answer any questions you or your student may have. For general questions, call 270.809.2277 or email msu.studyabroad@murraystate.edu.