Information for Parents and Guardians

On this page:

• Benefits of Study Abroad for Your Student
• Financing Study Abroad
• Legal Considerations for Study Abroad
• Staying In Touch While Abroad
• Health and Safety Support Abroad
• Mental Health and Wellness While Abroad
• Understanding FERPA and Accessing Information
   

Benefits of Study Abroad for Your Student

Every year, American students embark on study abroad programs across the globe, gaining experiences that shape their future. Here are some key benefits:

• Personal Growth: Students become more independent and self-confident.
• Intercultural Skills: They develop an understanding of diverse cultures.
• Career Goals: Study abroad can enhance career prospects.
• Language Skills: Immersion helps hone language proficiency.
• Global Perspective: Living in another country broadens their worldview.
   

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Financing Study Abroad

Money Matters

• Planning: Discuss budgeting and financial plans with your student.
• Banking: Inform banks and credit card companies about international travel.
• Credit Card: Ensure they have a credit card that works abroad.

Financial Aid

• Consultations: Meet with our financial aid representative for study abroad expenses. Family members are welcome. Schedule an appointment 

Scholarships

• Opportunities: Numerous scholarships are available. 
• Support: UCIE advisors assist with applications and essays.
   

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Legal Considerations for Study Abroad

Consider creating Power of Attorney documents:

• Financial: Allows a trusted person to manage finances. Students can name a family member or trusted person to manage their finances while abroad. This could mean working with a landlord, paying bills or receiving money on their behalf. This document can also be put on file with the student’s bank or credit card company.
• Medical: Allows a trusted person to discuss medical care. Students can name a family member or trusted person to talk with medical providers while abroad regarding their care.
• Services: Contact Wright State Student Legal Services for assistance in preparing these documents, visit Student Legal Services to learn more.
   

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Staying in Touch While Abroad

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Health and Safety Support Abroad

Preparation

• Familiarize: Understand the program and have contact information.
• Documents: Keep copies of the student's passport, flight itinerary, and important documents.
   

Medical and Dental

• Records: Ensure you have copies of their medical information and prescriptions.
   

Safety

• STEP Enrollment: Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage is provided; contact the UCIE study abroad coordinator for policy details.
• Travel Insurance: Wright State partners with International SOS for security services. Visit International SOS.

 

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Mental Health and Wellness While Abroad

Handling Homesickness and Culture Shock: One of the most common feelings students get when they study abroad is being homesick and experiencing culture shock. This is not uncommon effect for students as they are experiencing new cultures, new people, food, music, language and routines. Making yourself aware of the phases and how to work through them can be very helpful in supporting your student.

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Understanding FERPA and Accessing Information

Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), students do have a right to protect their privacy in regards to school records. When a student is abroad, it is important that the student has provided a FERPA release form that gives consent to the sharing of information to whoever is designated on the form. This could be parents, guardians, family members and the school. This is crucial when a student is in a study abroad program to have left this in place in case of an emergency.