Studying abroad can truly enrich your student’s education at UAA.  Not only will your student be able to live in another culture, their studies will take on an international perspective.  They will be able to develop friendships and faculty mentors from around the globe.  Leaving friends and family can be difficult, so your support is essential for your student to have a successful time abroad. 

Choosing a Program

With so many opportunities, your student may find it difficult to choose a program that is right for them.  Help them explore their options by taking about their goals for studying abroad. 

Questions to ask your student:

• Do you want to learn a second language? 
• Do you want to live with a host family? 
• Do you want to be immersed in a classroom with other international students or would you prefer to study with other American students? 
• Do you want to do an internship? 
• Are you interested in conducting international research?   

Encourage your student to talk with Cecile Mitchell, Director of Enrollment Services.  She can help your student determine which program best fulfills their academic goals. 

Health and Safety

Studying abroad is an exciting time for students, but it is important that necessary precautions are taken before going overseas.  Encourage your student to visit a travel clinic before going overseas.  A travel clinic physician can discuss some of the health issues that are important in that region of the world.  Find out what type of medical care is available overseas and how best to access that coverage.  Some students may be covered with travel insurance through the study abroad program.  It is also important that the student does research on the country they are visiting.  Staying up on current health and safety issues is very important in our every changing world.   

Further information can be found in the Center for Global Education’s Study Abroad Student Handbook. 

Finances

There are additional expenses to consider when going abroad.  However, there are a lot of resources to help you student fun their experience.  UAA students going on a UAA sponsored program can use their financial aid.  There are also numerous scholarships to help students go abroad.  These scholarships are very competitive so careful planning during the application process is essential.  UAA students have been awarded these national scholarships, so it well worth the effort. 

List of International Scholarships