Talking to your Student
It’s never too early to start planning a Junior semester or year abroad! Applications for study abroad approval are due December 2nd of Sophomore year. This makes Freshman spring and summer the best times to begin discussing the possibility of study abroad with your student.
Your student may already be a seasoned world traveler, or may have never left the U.S. Either way, the prospect of spending 4 to 9 months abroad can be nerve-wracking for parents and students alike. Below are the top three recommendations for making the study abroad process rewarding and anxiety-free:
- Start Research Early
Providence College currently recognizes over 300 study abroad programs, 5 Flagship programs, and numerous Faculty-Led Abroad programs – that’s a lot to choose from! Some majors have specific lists from which they must choose, while other majors choose from the comprehensive geographic list. Instead of focusing on a particular city or country, encourage your student to consider specific aspects they are looking for. Is language study important to them? Would they rather live in an apartment, dorm, or home stay? Do they prefer urban or rural environments? All of the recognized program options can be found listed by major here.
- Communicate
With hectic daily schedule, it is easy for students to “forget” to mention their study abroad plans to parents. Prior to Sophomore year ask your student how they feel about possibly spending a semester or year abroad. Encourage them to discuss their ideas, fears, and questions openly with you. Once Sophomore year has begun, check with your student to see if they are on track. Have they attended an Information Session? Are they on track for submitting a completed application by the December 2nd deadline? Have they met with a Center for Global Education Advisor?
- Encourage Independence
The pre-departure processes we use promote independence and self reliance in students. From early inquiry to the final pre-departure orientation, students are given necessary skills for their time abroad. Students are given ample opportunity to learn about study abroad through information sessions, fairs, and individual advising at the CGE. We always welcome parent inquiries. However, you should encourage your student to gather all the information by themselves and share it with you directly. This will ensure your student has all the necessary knowledge. It will also best prepare them for leaving their cultural comfort zone and making the most of their experience abroad.
Role of the Center for Global Education:
The Center for Global Education (CGE) at Providence College consists of four full-time staff members. In addition to the full-time staff, there are also student Peer Advisors in the office who have studied abroad. The primary role of the CGE is to help students choose an appropriate program based on their interests and needs. The CGE also approves student applications, monitors eligibility requirements, and coordinates course approval and credit transfer. It is important to remember that the CGE does not issue student visas for other countries. We also do not purchase plane tickets or coordinate travel to and from the countries.
Program Providers:
“Program provider” is the term used to refer to the school or organization that runs a particular study abroad program. A program provider may be another university like Boston University. It may also be a private organization specializing in running study abroad programs (School for International Training – SIT). In every case there will be an office in the U.S. that will assist your student prior to departure. There will also be an office with English-speaking native staff in the country. They will provide your student with orientation activities and have staff on-call 24/7 in the event of an emergency. Every program recognized by the CGE has been carefully reviewed by staff and faculty and is of the highest quality.
