Information for Parents and Families

Having a study abroad experience is not only at the core of St. Edward’s mission but is an exciting way for students to continue learning, growing and adding to their personal and professional portfolios. 

For those interested in exploring all the available options, the Study Abroad Office is their hub. The Study Abroad office staff has lived and traveled abroad widely and has extensive experience in the field of study abroad. We take a holistic approach to study abroad advising by getting to know each student we meet with so that we can best recommend programs that will benefit the whole person – academically, personally, and emotionally.

Navigating the processes and deadlines for studying abroad can be a lot so we ask that each student come into our office to meet with an advisor. Students interested in studying abroad work closely with the study abroad adviser through the whole process from choosing the best program for their personal and academic needs, navigating the various deadlines and application pieces, and helping to set expectations for their upcoming experience. Once students are on their study abroad program, their study away advisor is always available to them, as well as when they return to campus, providing any assistance they need in adjusting to life in their host country, as well as back home at the end of their adventure. 

What You Can Expect

Most students planning to study abroad say that one of their goals is to become more independent and for many, studying abroad is the first time they have been responsible for themselves. With that independence comes excitement and increased confidence but also a lot of frustration along the way. The first two weeks of any program are usually filled with a lot of excitement and energy as they explore their new surroundings. But after that honeymoon period wears off, they must start building a new life and routine in a foreign place and culture and sometimes in another language. It is hard and they will have many good and bad days plus homesickness. It’s challenging but the good news is that they get through it, they have a semester or summer of growth and come home more mature, independent, and resourceful people.

The following steps reflect the general process that your student will go through:

1. Exploring – Your student may learn about our study abroad programs on our Study Abroad Portal They may also come to a general information session or attend drop-in advising. Advisors will guide them in selecting a program that best meets their academic, personal and professional goals. 
2. Applying – Your student will apply to their selected program (and indicate a second choice) by the posted deadline. Upon review of all applications and within two weeks of the posted deadline, they will receive information regarding their acceptance and instructions for next steps. 
3. Accepted – All admitted students will be given 10–14 days to commit to the program and submit the $100 deposit (non-refundable) to hold their spot in the program. 
4. Committed and Preparing – Study Abroad provides all relevant requirements, deadlines and next steps for committed students. This includes information on pre-departure meetings, obtaining a passport and/or visa, flight purchasing, course registration, health clearance, housing, payments and additional application steps (sponsored and exchange programs). 
5. Abroad – While abroad, your student will be responsible for his or her academic coursework and all remaining required materials. We encourage you to review this helpful guide to understand what your student might be experiencing while abroad and upon return. 
6. Home on the Hilltop – Once your student returns home, Study Abroad offers programming to help them reconnect to campus and integrate their experiences for life beyond the hilltop.

Resources to Learn More

IIE's Parents Guide to Study Abroad – English

IIE's Parent Guide to Study Abroad – Spanish

How To Support Your Student

Your support and involvement in their journey are vital, and one of the best things you can do for your student is to empower them to be responsible for their study-away experience by managing as many of the deadlines and processes as possible by themselves. This is a time for tremendous personal growth, and we are looking forward to working together with your student on their study abroad plans. 

Academic Expectations

First and foremost, studying abroad is a rigorous academic endeavor and is not a break. Students should be prepared to work hard. In many respects, studying abroad can be more challenging academically because of different academic cultures. In many countries, students are expected to be more responsible and self-driven and able to work independently without as many checks and balances as they may be accustomed to at St. Edward’s. For example, in many countries, students should expect to have only a few tests during the semester and upwards of 70% of their final grade based on their final exam or project.

Studying abroad can also be a challenge because there are many more distractions. While we fully recognize that a significant part of the study abroad experience is traveling and exploring, it is still an academic endeavor so students must manage their time constructively. For this reason, St. Edward’s students interested in studying are required to have at least a 2.75 GPA in order to be approved to study abroad, regardless of the GPA requirements of any program(s) they are interested in.

In preparation for their study away experience, all St. Edward’s students must meet with their success coach and academic advisor to get approval for the courses they plan to take while abroad, as well as to plan out their remaining semesters at SEU to ensure that they will stay on track with their general education and major requirements for graduation.

Language Study

One of the most practical and immediate benefits of studying abroad is language acquisition. Encourage your student to consider programs that provide an opportunity to study another language, especially in an immersive or semi-immersive manner. In addition to the cultural insights that your student will gain, language skills are becoming an increasingly important differentiator among hiring managers. Even if your student is not proficient, a solid working knowledge of another language indicates an openness to – and an appreciation for – other cultures which is a critical 21st-century skill. And if your student has not studied a language before, encourage them to start learning!

Behavioral Conduct and Expectations

While students are on their study abroad program, they are responsible for knowing and adhering to all rules and policies of their program, the host university, and their host country, in addition to upholding St. Edward’s standards of good conduct which can be found in the St. Edward’s University Student Handbook.

Returning Home

Most study abroad students say their time away changed them for life. How widespread and deep those changes are will vary for each person based on their experience and what type of person they are. Returning home after such a transformative experience can be bittersweet. They are, of course, so excited to be back with family and friends and all things familiar, but they may miss the adventure and excitement of daily life on their program. It is helpful to understand this wide range of emotions and feelings that your student may be experiencing. Your student has changed, and some of these changes will be obvious and others more subtle. Be patient and take time to get reacquainted, acknowledging that you may not be able to help your student adjust. It is just part of the process that will continue to evolve for years to come.