International Center

Information for Parents

Parents, families and friends of MU students studying outside the U.S.

The MU International Center recognizes the important role that parents and family play in a student's study abroad experience. Our goal is to provide resources to help families learn how to best support and encourage their student before, during, and after the international experience.

Our office works with students to examine the options available for studying abroad, paying attention to their academic, financial, and personal needs. Once students select a program and are accepted, we work to prepare them for the academic and intercultural experiences they may encounter abroad. Our pre-departure orientation program discusses travel, health, safety, and culture abroad. In addition, we pay careful attention to world events with respect to the health, safety and security of our students abroad.

We understand the importance of parental support throughout a student's study abroad experience and encourage parents to engage in open discussions with their student and to utilize the resources available on our website. FERPA student privacy regulations prevent our staff from sharing specific information about students, and we therefore encourage you to share your questions and concerns with your student who can then voice these concerns to their study abroad adviser.

With the support of parents and the MU study abroad staff, we can adequately prepare students for one of the most rewarding experiences of their academic career.