Learning abroad can be one of the most rewarding parts of a student's college experience. It’s an opportunity for students to explore new perspectives, make meaningful connections, earn academic credit, and discover more about themselves and the world.
As a parent or family member, you play an important role in helping your student prepare for this experience. Explore the resources below to understand the process, find answers to common questions, and support your student along the way.
Review our Parent Brochure in English, Spanish, Somali, or Hmong.
Why Study Abroad?
Learning abroad is more than a trip - it's an opportunity for students to grow academically, personally, and professionally.
- Make progress toward a degree. Students earn academic credit while completing major, minor, or liberal education requirements.
- Build career-ready skills. International experiences can strengthen communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and intercultural skills that employers value.
- Gain a global perspective. Students explore new cultures, encounter different ways of thinking, and develop a deeper understanding of the world.
- Grow in confidence and independence. Navigating new environments helps students build self-awareness, resilience, and confidence in their abilities.
With a wide range of programs and support from the LAC, students can find opportunities that align with their academic goals, interests, and budgets.
A Student-Centered Approach
The LAC is committed to helping students develop the skills and confidence to navigate their international experience. Students are responsible for their own preparation, decisions, and communication with the LAC.
We welcome questions from parents and family members, but federal privacy law (FERPA) generally limits the information we can share about an individual student without their authorization. We encourage you to discuss questions with your student and help them connect with our office so we can share the appropriate resources.
How You Can Support Your Student
Your encouragement can make a meaningful difference as your student prepares to learn abroad. One of the best ways to help is to stay curious, ask questions, and empower them to take ownership of their experience. Review the Pre-Departure Checklist for Parents & Families for more detailed information.
Before they go
- Talk together about their goals, interests, and expectations.
- Encourage them to research programs, plan their academics, and explore financial aid and scholarships.
- Help them think through practical preparations while allowing them to manage their own next steps.
While they're abroad
- Stay connected while giving them room to navigate new experiences independently.
- Listen and offer encouragement when they encounter challenges.
- Encourage them to use local program staff and LAC resources when they need support.
When they return
- Make time to hear about what they've learned, the people they've met, and how their perspectives may have changed.
- Encourage them to reflect on how their experience connects to their academic, personal, and career goals.
Helpful Resources for Parents & Families
Explore these resources to learn more about the practical details of learning abroad.
- Costs, Billing & Financial Aid: Navigate program costs, billing, scholarships, and financial aid.
- Important Policies: Review important eligibility, academic, and finance & cancellation policies that your student will be held to.
- Health & Safety: Understand international insurance, health & safety info, and emergency resources.
Questions? We're happy to help you navigate the resources available to families. Start by exploring the links above or connect with the Learning Abroad Center at [email protected] or call 612-626-9000 for general questions about learning abroad.