Education Abroad

Family Resources

Preparation Tools & Support For Your Student

Navigating the Study Abroad Process

Supporting a student through the study abroad process can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a parent, family member, or supporter, you play an important role in helping your student prepare for this life-changing experience.

From selecting a program and understanding finances to preparing for travel and staying safe abroad, there are many steps involved in planning a successful education abroad experience. The Education Abroad Office is here to support students throughout the process and provide resources to help families better understand what to expect before, during, and after their student's time abroad.

One of the most valuable ways you can support your student is by encouraging them to take ownership of the planning process. Studying abroad is an opportunity for students to develop independence, decision-making skills, and personal responsibility.

Student Privacy Considerations

The St. Cloud State University Education Abroad Office is committed to supporting both students and their families while complying with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Because study abroad participants are college students, certain information related to a student's academics, finances, enrollment, application status, and non-emergency medical matters cannot be shared with parents or family members without the student's written consent.

For this reason, we encourage families to direct questions and concerns to their student whenever possible. While we are happy to provide general information about our programs and processes, we may not be able to discuss details related to an individual student's participation or application.

Our recommendation: Sit down with your student and review information together. Encourage them to contact the Education Abroad Office directly with any questions or concerns. These skills will be valuable not only during their time abroad but throughout their academic and professional careers.

By working together, families and the Education Abroad Office can help students prepare for a safe, successful, and rewarding international experience while fostering the independence and confidence that are key benefits of studying abroad.

Trip Preparation

Academics Types of Programs

St. Cloud State University offers two primary types of education abroad experiences: short-term programs and semester-long programs. Both provide opportunities to earn academic credit while gaining valuable international experience.

Short-Term Programs

Most short-term programs are led by SCSU faculty and are designed around a specific course or academic topic. Faculty travel with students throughout the program, providing academic guidance and on-site support. Some short-term programs may also be offered through trusted partner organizations or universities abroad.

Semester-Long Programs

Semester-long programs allow students to study at one of SCSU's partner universities around the world. While abroad, students remain enrolled as SCSU students and take courses at their host institution. Upon arrival, students participate in an orientation and have access to support services through the host university's international student office throughout their stay.

Academics Credits

Planning ahead is key to a successful study abroad experience. Before committing to a program, students should meet with their academic advisor(s) and the Education Abroad Office to discuss how courses taken abroad will fit into their degree plan.

Prior to departure, students complete an Academic Approval Form that outlines how their study abroad courses will transfer back to SCSU. Credits earned abroad may be applied toward a student's major, minor, electives, or general education requirements.

With proper planning, most students can apply many of their study abroad credits toward graduation.

Study abroad courses are transferred back to SCSU as Pass/Fail (S/U) credit. While these grades do not impact a student's GPA, they do count toward their credit completion and degree progress.

Academics Foreign Language Requirement

St. Cloud State University offers both English-taught and language-immersion study abroad programs, providing options for students with a wide range of language backgrounds and interests.

Many of our partner universities offer courses taught entirely in English, allowing students to study abroad even if they do not speak the local language. For students studying in a country where English is not the primary language, programs often include an introductory language course or offer language classes as electives. These courses are highly encouraged, as they can help students navigate daily life, connect with local communities, and enhance their cultural experience.

Funding Financial Aid

Plan early when exploring funding for study abroad. Students are encouraged to connect with the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible to discuss eligibility, available funding, and how studying abroad may impact their financial aid package.

Important: Financial aid is typically awarded for the academic year (fall through spring). Students considering a summer study abroad program may have limited financial aid options if they have already used their federal aid eligibility during the fall and spring semesters.

Early planning can help students identify funding opportunities, explore scholarships, and better understand the costs associated with their education abroad experience.

We strongly recommend meeting with the Financial Aid Office before committing to a program to discuss your individual financial aid situation and available funding options.

Funding Scholarships & Funding Opportunities

If your student currently receives scholarships, encourage them to review any eligibility requirements or restrictions related to studying abroad. Because students earn academic credit while participating in most education abroad programs, many scholarships can often be applied toward their experience abroad.

Scholarship applications are available through the Huskies Scholarship platform, and additional study abroad scholarship opportunities can be found on the Education Abroad website.

We recommend that students begin researching and applying for scholarships early, as deadlines and award availability may vary. Early planning can help reduce costs and make studying abroad more affordable

Funding Program Payments & Financial Aid

Students are responsible for ensuring that all program costs are paid before departure. This includes program fees, tuition, housing, and any other required charges associated with their education abroad experience.

Before leaving for their program, students must:

Accept any financial aid awards through e-Services.
Pay any remaining balance not covered by financial aid.
Ensure all program costs have been satisfied by the required payment deadlines.

Important: Financial aid may not cover the full cost of a study abroad program. If there is a remaining balance after financial aid has been applied, students are responsible for making other payment arrangements prior to departure.

CANCELLATION POLICIES

Insurance

Students are required to have health insurance while studying abroad and may be covered by more than one insurance plan depending on their program and destination.

GeoBlue International Health Insurance

All education abroad participants are enrolled in GeoBlue International Health Insurance, which is included in the program fee and coordinated through the Education Abroad Office. This coverage provides medical insurance throughout the duration of the program, including personal travel before, during, and after the program dates as outlined in the policy.

Important: GeoBlue is a health insurance policy and does not include travel insurance for expenses such as lost baggage, trip interruptions, or flight cancellations. Students interested in those benefits should research additional travel insurance coverage.

Additional Host Country or University Insurance

Many semester-long programs require students to purchase additional health insurance through their host country or host university. These requirements vary by destination and are often mandated by local governments or institutions.

If additional insurance is required, students will receive instructions during the application process. While this coverage is typically only valid within the host country, GeoBlue provides coverage during travel to other countries.

Personal Property Coverage

Students and families should review their homeowner's or renter's insurance policy before departure to determine whether personal belongings such as laptops, phones, cameras, and other valuables are covered while abroad.

Resources While Abroad

Health, Safety & Emergency Support

The health, safety, and well-being of our education abroad participants is a top priority at St. Cloud State University. The Center for International Studies continuously monitors global events, health concerns, and travel advisories to help students make informed decisions while abroad.

To help keep students informed, the Education Abroad Office enrolls participants in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service provided by the U.S. Department of State that sends important safety, security, and travel updates based on a student's location abroad. We also encourage parents and family members to enroll in STEP to receive the same updates.

If organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO) issue health or travel advisories, we work closely with students to ensure they have the information and resources needed to respond appropriately.

In Case of an Emergency

SCSU Public Safety (24/7): (320) 308-3333

If an emergency occurs while your student is abroad:

Call the SCSU Public Safety emergency line.
Identify yourself as the family member of a student studying abroad.
Provide your student's name and program location.
Explain the situation and share any relevant information.
Follow the instructions provided by Public Safety staff.

SCSU Public Safety can connect families with the appropriate university personnel, including the Education Abroad team, who are available to assist with health, safety, and security concerns.

Our goal is to help students and families feel supported, informed, and prepared throughout the education abroad experience.

Popular Ways Students Stay Connected

Being separated by time zones and distance can feel challenging, but today's technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected. Before departure, talk with your student about how often you'll communicate and which methods work best for both of you. Once they arrive abroad, they will have a better sense of their schedule, internet access, and preferred communication methods.

Popular Ways Students Stay Connected

Messaging Apps: WhatsApp is commonly used for free messaging, voice calls, and video chats over Wi-Fi. Students studying in China may use WeChat.
Video Calls: Zoom and other video conferencing platforms make it easy to stay in touch face-to-face.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms can be a great way to follow your student's adventures abroad.
Text Messaging: Check with your mobile provider about international plans. iPhone users can often send messages through iMessage when connected to Wi-Fi.

Remember: Your student may be balancing classes, travel, and new experiences, so communication may look different than it does at home. Being flexible and establishing expectations early can help everyone stay connected while giving your student the opportunity to grow and thrive abroad.

Visiting Your Student Abroad

Many families choose to visit their student while they are studying abroad. If you are considering a visit, we recommend waiting until your student has arrived, settled into their new environment, and confirmed their class schedule and program commitments. They will then be better equipped to help you identify the best time for a visit.

Things to Consider

Avoid surprise visits. Students often have classes, assignments, exams, and program excursions that may be difficult to reschedule. Planning together helps ensure your visit doesn't interfere with their academic or program commitments.
Discuss timing with your student. School breaks and weekends may provide the best opportunities for family visits.
Plan accommodations in advance. Housing options for visitors vary by location and program. Encourage your student to research nearby hotels, hostels, or other lodging options before you make travel arrangements.

Visiting your student abroad can be a wonderful opportunity to experience a new culture together, but coordinating with your student ahead of time will help make the visit enjoyable for everyone.

Supporting Your Student's Return Home

Returning home after studying abroad can be an adjustment. Many students experience "reverse culture shock" as they readjust to life at home and reflect on how their international experience has changed them.

How You Can Help:

Listen and be patient. Your student may have months of stories, experiences, and memories to share. Give them opportunities to talk about their time abroad and know that those stories may continue to emerge long after they return home.
Recognize that they may have changed. Studying abroad often helps students grow in confidence, independence, and cultural awareness. They may return with new interests, perspectives, and ways of looking at the world.
Encourage continued engagement. Help your student make the most of their international experience by connecting with the Education Abroad Office, Career Center, and other campus resources to explore how their global experience can support their academic, personal, and professional goals.

Remember that adjusting to life back home takes time. Your support, patience, and willingness to listen can make a meaningful difference as your student navigates this transition.

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