Welcome Parents

"A nation, like a person, has a mind - a mind that must be kept informed and alert, that must know itself, that understands the hopes and needs of its neighbors - all the other nations that live within the narrowing circle of the world." Franklin D. Roosevelt, (Third Inaugural Address, Monday, January 20, 1941)

Study abroad programs provide an incomparable teaching vehicle to enhance student learning. In addition, studying abroad promotes cross-cultural understanding, broadens career prospects, builds intellectual maturity, self-confidence and encourages self-reflection. Parents inevitably (and often unconsciously) influence their child's decisions about studying abroad through a lifetime of sending signals and messages about internationalism and seeking out new ways of living and learning. Children of parents who have traveled, worked, or studied abroad are much more likely themselves to seek out this experience, and to be supported in this decision.

Some aspects of the study abroad process lend themselves to more parental involvement than others. For example, parents may want to assist their child in selecting a program, assist with working out budgets and planning transportation. Parents are not necessarily as involved in other aspects of the process - obtaining necessary academic approvals, selecting courses, making overseas housing arrangements, and planning side trips. More than anything, parents can provide on-going emotional and/or financial support for what will likely be a life-changing educational experience for their child.

Although you may want to take an active role in your child's decision making and planning for the Studying Abroad program, it is important for you to know that FERPA will limit the information available to you about your child's progress in college. General study abroad program information is available on this website.