Leaving on a Jet Plane: Tips on Sending Your Kids to Study Abroad

Study abroad programs may have been around for decades, but they’ve become increasingly more popular in recent years. In fact, according to the Open Doors report from the Institute of International Education (IIE), 223,534 students studied abroad last year, and the number of American students receiving academic credit for their study abroad has increased 150% in the past decade. If your son or daughter is considering going overseas to participate in a study abroad program, or have been approached about it, we’ve put some information together to help you understand this exciting opportunity.

Why Should They Go?
“Students should get a passport along with their student ID, and they should use it to study abroad at least once during their academic careers,” says Allan E. Goodman, President and CEO of the Institute of International Education. The benefits of studying abroad have been found to be wide-ranging and long lasting. According to a survey by the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), nine out of 10 respondents reported increased self-confidence as a result of their study abroad experience. Students also said it enhanced interest in academic study and served as a catalyst for increased maturity, as well as helped with understanding cultural values and biases. In addition, 63 percent said their study abroad experience improved career opportunities. If these aren’t good enough reasons, students can also get academic credit. 40 U.S. campuses, primarily large research institutions, awarded academic credit for study abroad last year to more than 1,000 of their students.

Where to Go and What to Do
The Open Doors study found 58% of all U.S. students who study abroad do so in Europe, although an increasing number of students are looking at non-traditional locations, like Africa, Asia and the Middle East. In fact, there have been huge increases in the number of Americans studying in China and India. Study abroad in China increased by 90% and the number of students going to India increased by 65%. Where your kids go will depend on the program they’re involved in. When you sit down to discuss the prospects of a study abroad program advise them to consider what they’re studying and what areas of the world would be most beneficial to their career. They should think about language and culture as it relates to their long-term career goals. Incidentally, the top three major fields of study of Americans studying abroad are the social sciences, business and management, and humanities.

How Long?
Study Abroad programs come in all shapes and sizes. The IIE reports that semester study attracts 37% of students, 52% choose short-term programs (including summer, January term and any program of less than 8 weeks) and 5.5% spend a full academic or calendar year abroad. Once again, the kind of study your children focus on will have an impact on the duration of their stay. If they’re taking on a scientific or sociological research project staying for longer than 8 weeks may be necessary, but if they’re simply looking to get the study abroad experience and will be taking a variety of short courses, a semester or 8 week session would be satisfactory.

Some Basic Tips
The IES has set out some general advice on how students can go about their study abroad program. They recommend selecting a well-established program sponsor with significant experience and a good reputation. They also suggest prospective travelers research the program, paying special attention to its history in certain locations, the quality and safety of student housing, how much interaction students have with the local culture, and what the screening process is for staff and host families. You should encourage your kids to talk to students who have been in the program to find out their thoughts and experiences. IES also suggests students find programs that have an extensive preparation process, including supplying them with prep materials and holding an orientation. The program should thoroughly brief students on the country they’l be visiting, with a focus on medical issues and insurance, safety, and other concerns. In addition to checking out a particular program, tell your kids to talk with friends who may have studied abroad, and locate the U.S. consulate in the host city. Consulates provide a variety of services for Americans abroad and are located in every country with which the U.S. has diplomatic relations. Registering at the local U.S. consulate lets them know that an American student is in the country and will make it much easier for them to provide services.

Studying abroad is a truly unique and exciting way for your child to round out his or her college education. Help your kids explore their options…And expand their campus to anywhere in the world.