Study Abroad - For Parents

Having a son or daughter pack up and travel thousands of miles away can be a nerve-wracking experience. But remember, while abroad, your child will be in very good hands. The University of Delaware founded study abroad in the U.S., sending the first group of students to France back in 1923. This is an institution with considerable experience in study abroad programming, and we take the safety and security of your son or daughter seriously.

Beginning with several pre-departure orientation and information sessions and continuing overseas with regular program monitoring by on-site UD staff, Delaware programs abroad offer a strong, comprehensive support system for all participants. But we also treat them like men or women, giving them responsibilities and expecting them to uphold the University Code of Conduct, to carefully read this Health & Safety Guide, and to sign an Agreement and General Release Form.

We encourage you to apply for a passport, or - if you already have one - make sure that it's current. In an emergency situation, having a passport gives you the freedom to immediately fly overseas. During a crisis, the last thing you want is to wait for paperwork (or pay exorbinant fees) when your son or daughter needs you at their side. Although it is impossible for anyone to guarantee students’ safety or security, click here for some tips on helping students minimize risk and preparing for a crisis.

We recommend that you talk seriously with your son or daughter about the adventures and responsibilities of their upcoming overseas experience. Together, take a look at the program materials, including the acceptance packet and this list of things to do while your son or daughter are overseas. Find out when the mandatory pre-departure orientation meetings will be held and feel free to attend... they're not just for students. Discuss the types of payments due and when they are due so that all payments are made on-time. Get a copy of the travel itinerary and contact phone numbers before the group departs, so that - if they don't call home - you can call them abroad.

On most study abroad programs, students will have free time when they are not in class, just like they do in Newark. Please understand that during non-class time students are often free to engage in activities of their own choosing, without the supervision of program staff. Depending on the program type and site, this may mean traveling to another city or outside the country, visiting a museum or pub, participating in high-risk activities such as skydiving or bungee jumping, or going on an outing with individuals they've met locally. Please discuss with your student the types of activities which you do and do not encourage. Students should understand that they, not the University, assume full responsibility for their safety and well-being during free periods. However, staff will certainly be available to assist students as best they can in an emergency situation.

Here are a few on-line pages we've asked your son or daughter to read before they study abroad. Take a look at the important information and then discuss it together.

You might also enjoy reading this article recently published in Better Homes and Gardens magazine entitled "Before They Go Abroad," by James McCommons

If an emergency occurs at the last minute, and your son or daughter cannot study abroad, make sure that they follow these procedures to withdrawal from their program.

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