So, Your Student Wants to Study Abroad
by Erin Murtha
Program Assistant, Parent Programs Office
Is your student thinking about studying abroad, but you are anxious about them going so far away from home? The following information will help you feel more confident about your student's decision to spend a summer, semester, or even a whole year abroad.
Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity for your student to gain lifelong learning experiences. The following are just a few of the reasons why going abroad will be an awesome experience:
- This is the best time in their life to go before they enter into the "real world" with other responsibilities that will get in the way
- Become fluent in a foreign language
- Expand their worldview
- Enhance the value of their degree
- Improve employment opportunities
- Learn about other cultures first hand
- Grow as a person
Resources
The Study Abroad Office (SAO) offers many different resources to guide your student through the entire study abroad experience. The Study Abroad Website is a great place to begin learning about the programs the University of Illinois has to offer. Your student may also become acquainted with study abroad by stopping by the Study Abroad Office or attending one of the fairs offered throughout the year. The Study Abroad Office has a Resource Center full of useful information and is staffed with recent returnees who will be able to answer your student's questions.
When your student has narrowed down their decision of where to study abroad, encourage them to speak with a Regional Advisor. This person will be able to give more specific information about the place of interest.
The Discussion Board is a tool that you as a parent can utilize. You will be able to connect with other parents and students who are dealing with issues related to study abroad.
Safety Concerns
All study abroad locations have been visited by a staff member of the SAO who has explored the campus and concluded that they would feel comfortable sending students. In addition, programs are not offered to students in countries that the United States government has issued a travel warning. If a travel warning is issued for a country where your student is currently located, the Study Abroad Office will remove them from the program immediately.
Financial Issues
The decision to study abroad is accompanied by extra fees. However, with an open mind, SAO can help your student find a program which is comparable to the cost of attending the University of Illinois. For example, the SAO offers exchange programs that tend to be less costly. In addition, there are many scholarships available specifically geared toward students who are studying abroad.
Conclusion
If your student wants to discuss studying abroad with you, listen to them. Try to refrain from telling them what they should do. Instead ask questions that will help your student think through each step they need to take. This is an exciting opportunity for your student and they will learn and grow immensely from their experience abroad!
