Information for Parents & Guardians

Congratulations to your student for deciding to study abroad, and to you for supporting what is likely to be one of the most educational, fulfilling and transforming experiences of their college career and their life. We know that deciding to study abroad is a big decision, and that students and parents alike have many questions. We hope this page and the rest of this website can answer most of your questions and speak to most of your concerns - but if not, please contact us!

Health & Safety: Study abroad, like all international travel, involves some inherent risks beyond the control of the UW, its individual study abroad programs or directors. Our programs strive to mitigate these risks by visiting locations that are relatively safe, and running programs under the direction of qualified and trained program directors. We constantly monitor the health and security status of our program sites. We inform students of risks and responsibilities from the start and continue to provide health and safety information through the orientation process and many additional resources available to participants. However, understanding the risks of travel and study abroad, and providing for one's health and safety is ultimately the responsibility of each individual. We strongly encourage our participants to consider and research any and all health and safety concerns, and to communicate with our office or the program director as needed when concerns arise.

Money - Costs, Payments, Finatncial Aid: Most answers to financial questions can be answered via this website. Please consult the information on program costs, student insurance, withdrawal charges, and financial aid. These pages address program expenses, sources of funding, charges and payments, responsibilities and due dates. Our office is available to answer questions that the website does not address!

Communications: Students typically have limited access to commnications while studying abroad, and it may be difficult to contact (or be contacted by) them with the frequency you are accustomed to. Often, even in places where students have ready access to communications, they have little time Our office cannot provide information to third parties (including parents) on students, their whereabouts, or how to contact them. Please be sure to establish a communications plan with your student prior to travel.

Transition & Culture Shock: Student who go abroad may experience stresses from adjusting to a new location, new people, new cultures and foreign languages. All students, regardless of maturity, disposition, previous experience abroad, or knowledge of the country in which they be living, experience some degree of culture shock. Culture shock can be characterized by periods of elation, frustration, adjustment and even depression. It is common for students to call or e-mail home during moments of low morale, but not when they are busy and things are going well. Consequently, families often picture a more negative situation than actually exists. These reactions may be similar to the stages your student went through when they arrived at college and are part of the normal development process. We encourage you to support your student through these stages and to utilize the same coping skills they use in any new situation that creates stress.

If you have questions about this experience, we encourage you to communicate with your student so he/she is fully aware of your interest and concerns. You may also wish to review our Web site. If, after talking with your student and reading this site, you still have questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

We are eager to work with you to provide your student with the most rewarding study abroad experience possible.

Thanks again for your support, and best wishes for a great study abroad experience!