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MU
() The MU Study Abroad Office 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 safety and security of our students abroad. If you have questions about this experience, we encourage you to talk with your student and review the resources available below. If you still have questions, we invite you to contact us directly. Why U.S. Students Should Study AbroadWe believe that a study abroad experience provides great opportunities for students to learn about the world, gain new perspectives on their academics and obtain skills for the global workforce. Whether studying art, sciences, business, or engineering, once they graduate they may be required to work abroad at one time or another, work in a multinational corporation or organization, or work in multicultural teams. Globalization is a reality and our graduates must be prepared to function in a global society. Studying abroad and gaining international skills and knowledge will help students be prepared to participate in an increasingly global business environment. Students who study abroad can develop or strengthen several marketable career skills beneficial to future job searches or graduate school applications. How MU Students Find ProgramsMany education abroad opportunities exist allowing students to study within their major or minor, learn a language, or participate in an internship, research or a field study program. Our Study Abroad staff assists students in identifying their academic, personal, and financial needs as they consider program options. Please take time to review the following pages to learn about the study abroad process and the types of programs available to your student. Paying for Study AbroadIt is important to understand all of the costs involved in an education abroad program. The actual costs for studying abroad vary widely by program--some programs costs may be similar to studying at the University of Missouri, while others may be significantly more expensive. Good planning may assist you and your student in obtaining financial aid and scholarships. Please remember that inflation, changes in exchange rates, and other unforeseen factors sometimes alter costs. MU financial aid and many scholarships may be used to help pay for the costs of overseas study programs. In addition, many scholarship programs are available to qualifying students on a competitive basis. The Cycle of Study AbroadPreparing to Study Abroad Once your student has been accepted to study abroad we encourage you to work with them to talk about the paperwork they must complete and arrangements that must be made. This includes travel arrangements, visas, health and safety issues, payments for the program, accommodations, etc. Talk with your student and encourage them to obtain as much information about their requirements.
Their Time Abroad Students go through a wide range of emotions once they leave home and begin to adjust to a new location, culture, and possible foreign language. Often, students may call or e-mail home during moments of low morale, but not when they are busy and things are going well. Because of this, families often picture a more negative situation than actually exists. These reactions are part of the normal process of studying abroad. It is important for parents to understand what their child is going through and to be patient and supportive as their child adjusts to the new culture. Information about cultural adjustment and culture shock are available in the MU Study Abroad Pre-Departure Handbook and What’s Up With Culture?. Returning From Abroad Once your student returns from abroad, they may experience stress of readjusting to life in the United States. Expect your student to have a period of transition upon return, sometimes lasting as long as the period he or she was abroad. ResourcesOn-line Resources
Hardcopy Resources
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(Courtesy of SIT Study Abroad)