Study Abroad

For Parents and Families

Contact for SIUE Study Abroad office
(618) 650‑2419
studyabroad@siue.edu
Campus location: Student Success Center lower level, room 0300

The idea of traveling to other countries as part of one’s higher education is nothing new. Scholars have been enriching their higher education through travel for centuries. What is different today is that study abroad is no longer a luxury for the rich, but instead, a reality for students who want to become prepared for the challenges of the 21^st century. As a parent of a college or college-bound student, you may find yourself in the role of helping your child think through the many questions and issues he/she will face in making this often life-changing decision. Though decisions about when, where, and what to study overseas are usually made by students themselves, there are many supporting roles for parents to play to help their child in deciding whether to go, choosing a program, preparing for departure, ensuring a rewarding experience while abroad, and adjusting to life back at home.

Here are some important considerations about choosing a program, determining when to go, and preparing to get the most out of the experience.

Timing: When is it best for your student to study abroad?

Study abroad used to mean a commitment to a full year of living and learning abroad, usually during the junior year. But now, short-term options abound – some as short as three weeks – so students can find excellent programs that match the amount of time they can afford to be away from their home campus.

There is plenty to be said for thinking about participating earlier rather than later. Most students choose the sophomore year as it allows more choices in classes, and consequently locations.  For some majors, it make sense to wait till Junior year  In any case we work closely with the academic advisors to be sure students stay on track with their academic plan.

The right fit for your student

Students who need structure, guidance, discipline, and encouragement should opt for a classroom-centered program with strong on-site support staff and planned enrichment activities. Students who already are adventurous, independent, resourceful, and prepared intellectually and linguistically may choose a direct-enrollment, full-immersion program or an independent internship. Most students fall somewhere between these extremes and will be best served by programs that offer support as well as opportunities for independence.

How long to study abroad

A truism of campus advisers, one affirmed by returning students, is that the longer the program, the greater the intellectual and personal impact in terms of academic benefit, cross-cultural understanding, career preparation, and maturation. Long-term, fully integrated programs are much more likely to provide students with the cross-cultural skills employers seek. Alternately, the availability of shorter programs makes study abroad a possibility for students who previously could not have considered it for time or financial reasons. Long or short, the most important thing is that the program’s goals be commensurate with the time allotted for their accomplishment. Parents are right to be suspicious of programs that seem to claim or promise too much, and they can play an important role in assisting their son or daughter to question such claims.

Which location?

Europe continues to be the most popular destination for American students heading overseas, but more and more students are choosing to study all over the world. There are many reasons for your daughter or son to choose to live and learn in a European location-especially if she or he has made linguistic or other academic preparations for such study. But good grounds exist for choosing programs in non-Western regions. Study in a culture that is dramatically different from that of the West can be especially eye-opening and rewarding for students. Obviously, somewhat different considerations of cost, transportation, communications, ethnicity, language, safety, and health can come into play for students and parents considering programs in such locations.

How do students pay for Study Abroad?

While every family handles this differently, it is usually a combination of personal funds, financial aid, and scholarships.

Financial aid generally applies in full to Study Abroad. For example, if a student is receiving a package of loans and grants for the Spring semester and chooses to study abroad that term, those funds apply to the Study Abroad.

Families receiving financial aid already have completed a FAFSA form. If your family is not yet receiving financial aid, that is the first step.

Students receiving a federal Pell grant are eligible for the Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship (up to $5,000). 

How safe is Study Abroad?

Study abroad programs cannot guarantee the absolute safety of participants or ensure that risk will not at times be greater than at home. Nor can they monitor the daily personal decisions, choices, and activities of individual participants any more than is the case on the home campus. However SIUE takes student safety very seriously. Before your student goes abroad, briefings will have been provided (by faculty leader, at pre-departure orientation) which offer training against pickpockets and other petty crimes, alcohol and sexual responsibility, what to do in an emergency and more.

Students are repeatedly advised to go with one or more companions when out in the city and to always let someone know where they are going and when they should be expected back.

How can I communicate with my student?

The least expensive way is to use an Internet-based video service such as Skype. Even if the Internet signal is not strong enough to carry video, it will still carry audio.

Your student should give you contact information for the school where he or she will be studying. Although, truthfully, your student’s experience should be free from calls from home except in real need.

Is it okay to visit my student overseas?

Of course, this is your decision but we encourage students to have a cultural experience as complete as possible. A visit from mom or dad will at a minimum distract from that learning opportunity.

Parents and families should feel free to contact the SIUE Study Abroad office with questions or concerns.