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Staying Involved During Study Abroad


by Erin Murtha
Program Assistant, Parent Programs Office


Congratulations! Your student has made the decision to study abroad, an experience that will remain with them forever. For many of you, this will probably be the farthest away your student has traveled without you for an extended length of time. You might be asking yourself "How can I still be involved and support my student on this exciting journey?" I hope to set your mind at ease by providing ways you can still be involved in your student's study abroad experience.

Preparing to Go Abroad


At least 3 months prior to your student's departure date they need to stop by the McKinley Travel Room. Here they can make an appointment with a travel consultant who will ensure that their immunization status, check-ups, etc. will be up to date before your student leaves. After learning which immunizations are needed, compare the cost at McKinley with that of your doctor's.

If your student has any medical conditions, they should inform their host-country program director about their condition. In addition, all students should bring the following:

  • Any medication that is used regularly, even if just seasonal
    • Some over the counter medications available here are prescriptions abroad
    • Take a month's supply in carry-on bag
  • Copies of prescriptions for contact lens or glasses
  • Copies of identification - passport, birth certificate, credit card number
  • Travel letter stating need for medications - available from McKinley Health Center nurse or from your provider
  • Health Insurance Forms

Speak with your student about keeping copies of the following documents at home with you:

  • Passport
  • Credit Card Number
  • ATM cards

If something were to get lost, the information from these documents will be easily accessible. This will save you and your student from a lot of headaches when trying to retrieve lost information.

Before your student packs their carry-on bag have them check their airline for any guidelines regarding items allowed to be brought with them on the plane. Up-to-date information can be found the Federal Aviation Administration's website.

The Study Abroad Office recommends that each student consider giving Power of Attorney to a trusted individual. Do not let your student take this decision lightly. Choosing a trusted individual is an important decision and should be taken seriously.

Communication


Most study abroad campuses tend to be quite wired, meaning that your student will have easy access to email. The Study Abroad Office will be able to help your student learn about specific information regarding internet access at their specific location. In addition, to email you may also want to consider:

Before your student leaves, speak with them about what you expect in regard to hearing from them while they are abroad. For example, after your student gets settled in their new environment, work together to set aside a weekly time when your student will call home. Also, let your student know how important it is to you that they call you if their host country appears on CNN with bad news. If you arrange for your student to call home when they arrive safely at their destination, allow extra time for them to get settled before they call you. Students often do not call as soon as their flight lands.

When your student first arrives in their host country you may be surprised to find that your student who was extremely excited and eager to go abroad is homesick. They may be feeling overwhelmed by their new environment and have not had the chance to adjust to their new surroundings. If they do call home after they first arrive, listen to your son or daughter and be sympathetic. Then remind them why they decided to go abroad in the first place and what their long term goals are. Tell them that their feelings are normal and temporary.

On the other hand, if your student arrives at their destination and you barely hear from them, this is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it probably means your student is enjoying themselves already. Remember that your student is in a new place and will be extremely busy trying to take in their new environment. Just because they are not contacting you as often as you would prefer does not mean they are neglecting your feelings. Allow your student the space they need to explore their new surroundings, meet new friends, and to keep up with their studies.

When your Student Arrives Home


When your student returns home you may expect the same person that left, but in reality your student will be changed by their experience. For instance, they will be more confident and independent. Remember, they have just returned from living in a foreign country where they were almost completely dependent on themselves. Many students find that readjusting to the United States is as difficult as when they first arrived to their destination abroad. This process is called "reverse culture-shock". "Reverse culture-shock" is the result of the student changing and maturing in many ways, but back home, everything is either the same or has changed very little. Their friends and family often expect the same person that left even though your student will have grown and changed as a person. The best way of dealing with this is by being patient and understanding.

Lastly, when your student returns home they will have countless stories and plenty of pictures to share with you. Students are extremely excited to recount their adventures with people when they get home. So, listen to your student, ask a lot of questions, and use this time as a bonding experience with your son or daughter. Your student will be thrilled to share their study abroad experiences with you!

Although, this information will hopefully give you an idea of how you can be involved in your student's study abroad experience, it is not comprehensive. In addition, the following links should be able provide you with more thorough information once your student has made the decision to go abroad.

The Study Abroad Office
Parent Information from SAO
Immunization and Travel Clinic at McKinley Health Center