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Parents and Families

SAFETY AND SECURITY ABROAD
The safety of all participants on a USF Global Learning program is of the utmost importance. Therefore, we have a team whose focus is to assess the possible risks before a program is offered, discuss the safety and security with faculty and in-country coordinators accompanying the ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps, and monitor the program while the ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps are abroad until they return. The International Risk and Security Office is on-call 24/7 to offer assistance in health and safety incidents occurring abroad. To best prepare our ÅÝܽÊÓƵapp travelers, each ÅÝܽÊÓƵapp is required to complete a General Pre-departure Orientation course and attend country-specific orientations. Furthermore, all ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps are enrolled in our International Health and Emergency Evacuation Insurance plan designed to meet the specific needs of ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps abroad. 

To learn more about our insurance, 24/7 support and online resources, please visit our International Travel website.

Typically, family members are welcome to attend USF’s pre-departure orientations; however, in instances where this cannot be accommodated, ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps are strongly encouraged to share all information discussed during their orientations with family members. Additionally, while we understand family and friends may wish to travel abroad with their ÅÝܽÊÓƵapp, it can often prove disruptive to have them accompany ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps to the program site, accommodations, or classrooms, as these locations are frequently restricted to members of the program only.

FUNDING
The program cost of an Global Learning program will include housing and other expenses for the ÅÝܽÊÓƵapp which will depend on the cost of living of the particular city or cities where the program occurs. Our office understands that studying abroad requires careful financial planning, and financial resources need not be a deterrent. In order to assist ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps in finding funding, our office provides funding workshops, and online resources of this site.
We advise that ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps look into obtaining the funds needed to pay for their program costs and additional expenses as early as possible, and apply to multiple scholarships to increase their chances of receiving funds. Students must keep in mind that most scholarships cover only part of the total program costs and deadlines can fall 3 – 6 months before their program’s travel dates.

ACADEMICS
Our office supports and creates high-impact, and innovative academic programs abroad through which ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps earn college credits. The process of those credits applying to ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps’ transcripts depends on the program. The type of credit could be transfer or direct which also determines the funding for which the ÅÝܽÊÓƵapp will be eligible. Our website provides a to electronic brochures with details about each program and the type of credits obtainable.

STUDENT PRIVACY CONSIDERATIONS
The ÅÝܽÊÓƵapp must abide by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). We understand that parents may want to inquire about their ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps’ academic, financial or registration information, yet all aspects of study abroad participation are the responsibility of the ÅÝܽÊÓƵapps. Consider it an opportunity for growth! We would like to encourage you to read more about .

PARENT GUIDE TO STUDY ABROAD
For an in-depth resource on providing support to your child as they navigate the study abroad process, you can the Institute for International Education’s Parent Guide to Study Abroad.