Information for Parents of Students Studying Abroad

We believe that choosing to study abroad is one of the best decisions a student can make.   Many who go abroad report that is was one of the defining features about their undergraduate years, with some even saying it changed them for the better in substantial ways.

Your kids certainly have things they need to tell you regarding expenses, a need to cross-check your insurance policies, and trip preparation – among other things.  And, you may want to speak with them to help ready their preparation for the trip.

For our part, we can tell you that we’ve had regular meeting with the students all through this Spring term.   In fact, they’ve taken a preparation class that has familiarized them with the political, economic, cultural, and other features of the countries they will visit.  Professor John put the students though the paces in this course with quizzes and exams along the way to ensure the messages are heard.  Plus, we’ve been in regular contact with each student in regard to necessary paperwork (e.g, report of health insurance; behavior policies, etc.).   We also had special summary sessions on Health and Security to emphasize the need to be alert and careful while traveling – among other related issues.   And, most recently we had a set of meetings to “Meet the Professors” which ended with a dinner featuring foods from the countries we will visiting shortly.  We’ve found this meeting with their UD professors is important - students can begin their course prep before they depart and it’s nice to have students and professors meet each other before we go.   In short, we feel students have great background to study abroad.

Being parents ourselves, however, we recognize that you may not get all the documents and messages we share.   Accordingly, on this page, we’ve presented a set of key resources you might find of use – both in the weeks remaining before your son or daughter travels, and while they are studying overseas.