FAQ for Parents

The Basics

Why should my child study abroad?  

Deciding to study abroad is an individual choice made by a student with the support of his/her family. It is neither a requirement nor an entitlement; however, several majors and scholarship programs require their students to have some type of international experience. Whatever determinant influences a student’s decision to study abroad, it is important that s/he strongly considers her/his goals and intentions before deciding on a program. Embarking on the study abroad process with intentionality will not only enrich a student’s experience, but will also help parents better understand how study abroad will foster the personal and intellectual growth of their child .

 What program options does my student have?  

Seattle University offers three program-types outlined here. If you are interested in learning more about how programs are selected for each category, please refer the “Types of Programs” section here. 

Health & Safety  

Is my child required to have insurance to go abroad? 

All Seattle University students participating on SU-Sponsored programs are required to have both medical and travel insurance. The Education Abroad Office registers all students on SU-Sponsored programs in global travel assistance insurance. FAQ about this may be found here. SU-Approved Program Providers offer their own travel insurance that students are automatically enrolled in, as do some Non-SU Program Providers. See specific provider’s website for details.

What if my child becomes ill while abroad? 

Medical treatment procedures vary according to insurance policy. Make sure you and your child are familiar with your specific policy prior to going abroad. Most program providers are in close contact with our office and notify us immediately should a medical condition arise. For further information, do not hesitate to contact the Education Abroad Office with questions.

How can I be sure my student is okay while abroad? 

The Education Abroad Office has emergency management protocol in place to ensure we have an appropriate and comprehensive response. Beyond that, we remain up-to-date on all current events and environmental conditions in locations where we have students and communicate with parents when needed. We encourage students to stay in touch with their family, sharing details of their independent travel plans. At the same time, we encourage families to respect student’s independence as they adjust to their new culture and new home.

Financial Considerations 

How does my child’s financial aid transfer to their study abroad program?

Financial aid portability varies based on the Program Type. Click here for more details.

Are there any scholarships available for study abroad? 

Yes. There are a variety of scholarship offerings, particularly for underrepresented students wishing to go abroad. See our scholarship page for details on major scholarships and eligibility requirements. We also encourage students to utilize the other resources listed on our page to find more specific scholarships.

 Is there any kind of financial aid counseling offered for study abroad?  

Yes. The Education Abroad Office works with students in the preliminary stages of the process, advising them on the expected costs and best program types for student’s financial situation. Once a student has selected a program, the Education Abroad Office creates an approximate budget. The student then works with Student Financial Services to determine how grants, scholarships, and loans apply to the program costs and what additional funding sources may be available.

Preparation  

Does my child need a visa to study abroad? 

Sometimes. This depends on the location and length of stay. Students are responsible for consulting the U.S. Department of States Website to determine visa requirements.

How do I know what vaccines my child needs to go abroad? 

The Education Abroad Office does not provide medical consultation nor does it advise on required or recommended vaccines. The University, however, has a Student Health Center on-campus that can provide medical consultation and vaccinations or student's can meet with their own medical providers. We encourage students to consult the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention for country-specific information.

My child is considering travelling independently while on their program, is this common? 

Many students choose to take advantage of the opportunity to travel while abroad, but their travel is often influenced by location, academic schedule, and personal preference. Some program providers arrange travel excursion or site visits for students which provides a structured way to travel and minimal coordination on the students part. We provide a list of resources that may of assistance when students are planning their own travel, but we encourage students to do their own research and exercise good judgment when making travel plans.

Who can I contact if I have questions regarding my child’s study abroad program or process? 

Your child! In order for your child to be successful while abroad, it is important that s/he is well-informed as to the processes and details of their program and be able to exercise a high level of initiative and resourcefulness. S/he, therefore, should have many of the answers you are looking for.  Given that, our office is always open to answer questions and address concerns parents may have. We can be reached at 206-296-2226 or by email at suabroad-info@seattleu.edu.