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Parent and Family Resources

Sending Your Student Abroad

Welcome to Creighton University Study Abroad!  We are very excited to be working with you and your student as they embark on the journey of a lifetime. You play an integral role in helping your student to think globally and in preparing your student for success abroad. 

The Global Engagement Study Abroad Team is available to assist your student at any time before, during, or after their study abroad experience. 

Please review the parent and family videos and resources below.

These quick, 5-minute videos are created specifically for parents and families of students studying abroad. Topics include application requirements and timelines, money matters, health and safety abroad, pre-departure orientations, and while-abroad support. 

Before They Depart

Options - Encourage your student to research their options.  They may have already met with a Peer Advisor or the Global Programs Coordinator regarding possible programs, and they have likely already spoken to friends about possibilities.  Encourage them to share this information with you!

Finances - Depending on the Program Type your student is looking at, the way that they will pay for a term abroad can vary.  Encourage them to discuss this information with you and to speak with the Financial Aid Office.  There are also frequently different scholarship options available to students which they can pursue either through their program itself or through the Global Engagement Office.

Health and Safety - Your student's well-being is of primary importance.  Be sure to check the U.S. Department of State's website as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site to be aware of any conditions that may present concern in your student's desired location of travel.  Some risk is always present, but being well-informed about possible situations that could arise will help keep your student safe during their sojourn.

Selecting a Program - How well does the program fit your student's course requirements, language level, personal, and professional needs?

Identify goals - Help your student reflect on their desired outcomes for their experience.  Encourage them to keep a journal or blog to track their progress, thoughts, and experiences.

While Abroad

Communication - Decide in advance how often your student should email or call home.  If possible, schedule weekly phone calls that are convenient for you and your student.  Daily calls or messages may be difficult for them, especially due to time differences. Excessive contact with home can lead to homesickness and can also hinder study abroad participants from achieving a higher degree of immersion in the host culture.  During the "settling in" period, your student may want to call to express frustration with some of their new surroundings.  This is very typical, and most often students just want an understanding ear.  

Stay in Touch - Stay in-the-know about security precautions and conditions in your student's location.  Many program providers have a program sponsor whom parents and/or families can contact if they have questions or need assistance.

Check their Blog - If students are keeping a blog while abroad (highly encouraged!) be sure to check it as this is an easy way to keep up with their experience without interfering too much with their acquisition into the new culture.

After They Return

Reverse Culture Shock - Students almost always experience some form of reverse culture shock, in which they must become re-accustomed to living in the United States.  A Returnee Orientation is provided each Spring for students to gather to discuss how this shock has affected them, as well as to get tips for integrating their experience back on campus and in their future job searches.

Show Enthusiasm - It is important for your student to be able to share their sojourn with you!  Encourage them to show pictures, tell stories, and help them keep the experience alive.

Resolve Course Approvals - If your student took any courses abroad which were not pre-approved by Creighton, remind them to e-mail the Global Programs Coordinator (studyabroadadvisor@creighton.edu) to finalize approvals and avoid a delay in posting their grades.

Transcripts - Avoid opening transcripts that come from your student's host institution; these must be sent unopened to the Global Engagement Office for processing if they were mistakenly sent to your student.


 

FAQs for Study Abroad Parents

Oh, The Places Jays Go!