< Back | A to Z Index | Search | Home
Study Abroad Resources for Parents
Welcome!
Welcome to the Office for Education Abroad's webpage for parents! Whether you are currently researching study abroad options with your son or daughter, or if your student has just returned home, we hope that you will find useful information on this site. Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing abroad@csbsju.edu.
Student Handbook The Student Handbook covers all of the major policies, tips, and checklists for studying abroad at CSB/SJU. Many of your questions may be answered in this document.
Study Abroad FAQ
How does one choose a program with so many options available for students today?
Help your child select a program that will further their foreign language acquisition or a program in which they have a genuine academic interest. By choosing the best learning experience possible, they can magnify the value of their major or minor, improve their resume, and further their career. Consider that some countries such as Japan and China—which have no language prerequisite—may be more difficult to visit on their own after graduation.
All CSB|SJU students are encouraged to attend a Study Abroad 101 session to begin gathering information about international options.
Because our study abroad programs are coordinated and sponsored by CSB|SJU, you do not have to worry about transferring credits. However, in order to pick the suitable program you should consider the following questions:
- Does the program match their major?
- Does the program help satisfy their career goals?
- How does the program fit into the overall four-year plan?
- Does the program fulfill any Core or Common Curriculum requirements?
Can my son/daughter study abroad and graduate in four years?
Yes! Some majors with extensive requirements or sequential classes may take more careful planning than others. It may be that a semester program does not fit into the four-year plan, but a short-term program is always a great alternative.
My son/daughter would like to study abroad more than once. Is this possible?
Certainly! Students should meet with their academic advisors early in their academic career at CSB|SJU to map out a plan to ensure they utilize all of the opportunities available to them, while still graduating on time. With the flexibility of our short-term study abroad opportunities, students often opt to take a semester-long study abroad and visit other countries during a short-term study abroad trip.
Visiting Your Son/Daughter
Parents of students abroad for a semester often wish to visit their sons and daughters. It is a wonderful opportunity to visit, but keep in mind that students are truly studying abroad, with required class hours and study time.
Be sure to have your son or daughter talk to the program director to find the best time for you to visit. Select a time when he/she would not be otherwise engaged in program courses or activities (during a break or before/after the program). If you do visit at a time when they are expected to be in class, please understand that your student won’t be able to devote their entire time to family activities.
Allow the student some time to settle in and find a routine; when you arrive, he/she can be your expert tour guide. Respect the time needed for academics and don't expect the student to miss or ask to be excused from class or group excursions during your visit. Join your student for one of his/her academic breaks or a long weekend, etc. Another option is to visit your student before or after the program.
The following Student In-Program Travel & Guest Policy outlines this in detail:
Student In-Program Travel & Guest Policy
A. Travel
Study abroad is a great opportunity to live in and study other cultures. We will do everything possible to ensure a great learning experience in the country that you have chosen. One of the best ways to become fluent in the customs and language of your target culture is to immerse yourself!
Since the acquisition of cultural and linguistic expertise is a very high priority in all CSB|SJU Study Abroad programs, it is important that you be acquainted with the following rules:
- Weekend travel outside of the host country during program days is prohibited. A Program day is any day that includes a class or other required program activity. Monday through Friday are always designated program days. The only exception shall be international program-related excursions organized or authorized by your Program Director.
- Most weekends will also include required excursions or program activities. A limited number of weekends and holidays will be designated as "free days", however, for personal travel and tourism.
Think twice before traveling outside of your target country on weekends:
- Students frequently cannot return from international trips in time for Monday classes. Students who miss classes will have course grades reduced; Absence from program activities may have other disciplinary consequences.
- Failure to discuss out-of-country travel plans well in advance with the Program Director will have disciplinary consequences.
Opportunities for extended international touring:
- Many students plan to travel outside of the host country during long program breaks (such as official holidays) and before or after the program.
B. Visits by Family and Friends
Family members and guests are encouraged to visit program participants before or after the program. Visitors are not a legitimate reason for an excused absence from class or program activity. Guests may only participate in program activities with the permission of the Program Director.
Students will not be allowed to house family members, guests or students from other programs in their room, whether it is in a dormitory, a family, an apartment, or a hotel.
After Study Abroad: Welcoming Your Child HomeAs your son/daughter returns home, they will have many exciting stories and experiences they will want to share with you. We hope your son/daughter will have a rewarding experience on their program abroad.
Students returning home from a study abroad program will sometimes experience difficulty in readjusting back to life in the U.S. Therefore, we encourage you to read the "Twelve Tips for Welcoming Your Child Home" that the AFS Program has published. We think this information will be helpful to you.
The Office for Education Abroad will meet with students upon return and serve as a resource for processing and the return adjustment process. If you notice your son or daughter particularly struggling with reverse culture shock, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Twelve Tips for Welcoming Your Child Home