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Before they go


Kettering University and the Office of International Programs believe that studying abroad is a vital part of a students undergraduate experience. Our staff at the Office of International Programs are here to help students pick the program that best fit their needs and goals, but we also require that they discuss their plans with their Academic Advisor and their Department Head. Additionally, credit transfer is handled prior to departure through a course approval process. An on-campus orientation program complements the more in-depth orientations in which our students participate at their host institution. Health, safety, cultural differences, and logistical information are covered at both orientations.

Below are a few steps to help you as a parent/guardian feel more assured about letting your student go abroad:

Letting go
Sending your student to study abroad involves a certain amount of letting go. It can be difficult to do at first, but it is best to begin the process well before departure.
  • Allow your student to make the most of their study abroad decisions - be a guide, not a supervisor.
  • Give your student the information and resources they need to make informed decisions. Encourage them to do their own research!
  • Don't expect to hear from your student every day while they are abroad - and understand that your student will be exploring their independence in a new way.
  • If you are concerned with how you will cope while they are away, talk with parents whose children have studied abroad previously. Try to prepare for the emotions they say they experienced.
Communication plans
Keeping in touch with your student while they are overseas is important for both of you.  
  • It is recommended that you establish a plan of communication with your student prior to departure. It is important to realize that this plan may need to be altered once they have settled into a new routine.
  • Blogs are a great way to keep in touch. Encourage your student to start a blog while away so that you can keep up to date with their adventures!
  • Make sure your student travels with a cell phone that will work no matter when they are.  It should be equipped with both a data plan and a calling plan, in case of an emergency.  If a data plan cannot be achieved then research other alternatives, check our Communications page for suggestions.
  • Suggest that they let you know when they are traveling out of their host country and how to contact them, should you need to, during that time. 
  • Students and parents should have a set of emergency contacts with them at all times.
Finances
It is important that your student understands a potential new level of financial responsibility while abroad. We encourage parents and students to discuss finances and to practice financial independence and responsibility before your student departs. The following suggestions may help to ease this transition:
  • Have your student manage certain areas of their finances before departing
  • Create a financial plan together. List the expenses you and your student anticipate while abroad. Create a "needs" and "wants" section to help manage expectations.
  • Encourage your student to apply for scholarships and additional funding. Check out the scholarships page for information on both internal and external scholarships.
  • Review together the program-specific Budget Sheets for estimated livings costs and costs associated with our study abroad programs. 
  • Consider teaching your student to take cash out of the ATM a little at a time and not to use the card as a debit card, it is much easier to lose track of expenditure the more often you use it.
Medical Insurance
For more detailed information on our insurance policies please review our the Insurance page of our website.

Health & Safety
Safety is generally the greatest concern for most parents. While study abroad tragedies seldom happen, it is always wise to have a discussion with your student on ways to stay safe in difference countries. Most topics of health and safety will be covered during the orientation sessions at Kettering and again at their host institution, but please review our Health & Safety section for more details.

Passports
It is recommended that at least one parent or guardian have a valid passport. In case of emergencies you may wish to be at your student's side at any given moment. 
Applying for or renewing a passport takes time. Rather than having to worry about paperwork during an emergency, it will probably be worth the peace of mind knowing you would be able to travel immediately, if necessary. For passport information, please visit: http://www.travel.state.gov
 
Student responsibilities 
  • Discuss financial, social and academic responsibility with your student. Explain that you expect the same kind of behavior that they exhibit at home to extent to their time abroad.
  • Make sure your student is responsible for their own research about the program, the application process and what is expected from them. Due to the nature of our study abroad programs we ask that all paperwork be completed by the student themselves and not a third party. In the long run, this will empower your student and teach them the benefit of being organized and considering what is best for them as an individual. 
  • If you wish to have certain information provided to you while your student is abroad, we encourage that you speak with your student about signing our Study Abroad Ferpa Release Form. 

Adapted from http://iiepassport.org/