Parent Overview
Parents, we appreciate your interest and support in helping your son or daughter consider study abroad during their university career. Study abroad provides a unique opportunity for young people to gain an international perspective, earn academic credit, and take advantage of unique cultural experience. And, in the process build self-esteem, responsibility, and the maturity it takes to expand one’s horizons. In addition, a study abroad experience enhances one’s resume and makes one stand out from the crowd. Study abroad is also a good value—choosing an exchange program offers Utah State students the opportunity to study abroad for just about the same cost as a semester on campus. Financial aid can apply as well.
The Office of Study Abroad is here to assist your son or daughter in every way possible to make the study abroad experience a positive, memorable one. We are here to assist them from the first steps in the application process to the final moments before setting off on their international journey. You are welcome to contact us if you have questions at any time. And also feel free to attend any of the pre-departure information sessions that occur in the months before the next semester adventure begins.
Important Tips for Parents
- Understand Policies and Costs
Make sure your student understands the application process, costs, program dates and what is covered in the program fee, as well as policies regarding credit transfer.
- Get proper documentation
Check that your student has a valid passport and leaves a copy of that and other important documents, such as flight itinerary and credit card information with you at home. It is also a good idea for you to have a passport in case of emergency and be designated as an emergency contact so others can contact you quickly if the need arises.
- Find out about the destination country
Encourage your student to learn as much as possible about the destination abroad and read the USU pre-departure booklet. The Culture Gram and State Department consular information sheets provided to your student at the orientation are excellent resources for information about the culture and safety in each country.
- Consider Health
Have your student get a physical and dental exam before departure plus any required immunizations. Be familiar with the Center for Disease control website www.cdc.org.
Insurance (see insurance page)Students are required to have adequate medical insurance with coverage in their host country. Also make sure you keep your student on your medical insurance policy at home—most study abroad insurance plans only cover expenses abroad. Plus, most medical services must be paid for onsite. Keeping receipts can help for any reimbursements.
- Contact
Plan ahead for ways to keep in regular contact with your student, such as international calling cards, inexpensive phone plans, www.skype.com (computer calling), email, or instant messaging.
Be familiar with USU’s plan in case of emergency. Also have your own emergency plan. Have contact phone numbers, and several ways to make contact in case of an emergency.
- Have the contact information for the Office of Study Abroad handy. We are here to help!
