Information for parents

Welcome Parents! We have compiled the information below to help answer some of the questions you may have about your son/daughter studying abroad. However, we also feel strongly that your son/daughter should do their own research about the study abroad experience they are about to have. Please advise them to attend a Globe Trekker seminar in our office for a comprehensive orientation to studying abroad. Click here to see our schedule of Globe Trekker seminars.

Benefits of Study Abroad
Upon their return to the U.S., students often say their study abroad experience changed their lives. And the reasons why are as many and as varied as the people that go. Some of the benefits of study abroad include:

* Earning credit toward their Georgia State University degree while studying abroad.
* Experiencing what they are studying firsthand. Students will find that textbooks can't do justice to viewing a historical structure for themselves.
* Building their resume for an edge in the competitive job market. Employers in our global economy seek the skills polished by overseas engagement- such as cultural awareness, teamwork, innovation, and flexibility.
* Acquiring or improving foreign language skills. Complete language and cultural immersion is considered the best way to learn a language.
* Gaining a better understanding of themselves and their own country. This is an adventure that will broaden their horizons and create more independence, confidence, and maturity.

Most students that go abroad return exhilarated by the experience. They bring fresh perspectives to the classroom and are more confident about living in today's world. Studying abroad can be thought of as a wise investment and a lifetime gift. It is something we hope everyone can take advantage of.

Academic Progression
Students can earn just as many credits during their term abroad as they can on campus. So studying abroad does not necessarily mean your son or daughter will fall behind academically. There are programs for all academic and career paths. Credits can fulfill electives, major-related courses, or minor-related courses depending on the program. There are summer, semester, and academic year long programs- ranging from two weeks to nine months abroad. Your son or daughter can meet with an Academic Advisor prior to choosing a study abroad program to help determine which classes are needed to graduate on time and when is the best time for them to go abroad.

Georgia State Programs
Georgia State Study Abroad Programs are led by an on-site Program Director, who is also a professor at Georgia State. The programs have been created by academic departments at Georgia State, and we have programs representing all 6 colleges at Georgia State. Approximately 80 percent of Georgia State students who study abroad participate in a Georgia State Study Abroad Program. However, our students may choose to participate in a Non-GSU study abroad program, as long as their transcript is coming from an accredited institution. A Globe Trekker seminar will help students realize all the opportunities available to them and help them decide which program is the best fit for them.

Safety
The Study Abroad Programs office would like you to know that the safety of our students is top priority and that university policies and procedures are in place for all of our Georgia State University Study Abroad Programs. As part of our policy, all of the students traveling on Georgia State University programs receive international health insurance through T.W. Lord & Associates, which is included in the cost of the program.

In most countries, internet cafés are commonplace, and email is a great way to stay in touch with your son/daughter while he/she is abroad.

Finances
Planning early is the key to making study abroad financially feasible. For students participating in a GSU-sponsored study abroad program, students are responsible for Georgia State tuition, study abroad program fee, and the GSU technology fee. For students participating in a non-GSU program, students will be responsible to pay any tuition and fees required by the program they are participating in. These prices, of course, do vary considerably.

Financial aid, including HOPE, is applicable to study abroad. Students should go to the One Stop Shop in Sparks Hall to request the necessary paperwork. If they have additional questions, they should identify themselves as a study abroad student and ask to see an advisor.

All Georgia State students should apply to the IEF (International Education Fee) Scholarship. The scholarship is open to all Georgia State University students enrolled in a degree-seeking program and applying to an accredited study abroad program. The application, instructions, and deadlines are available at www.gsu.edu/studyabroad.

Our office also conducts a “How to Afford Study Abroad” workshop once each semester. At this workshop, students will receive information on a variety of scholarships, learn how to use financial aid towards study abroad, and also hear from a panel of returned study abroad students who will discuss creative ways to raise money for study abroad. Check our Announcements page for the date and time of the next workshop.