Parents

Information for Parents

The Office of International Education understands your nervousness when thinking about your child being thousands of miles away. Rest assure, while abroad your child will be in very good hands. IPFW and its partners have a wealth of experience in study abroad programming and we take the safety and security of your child seriously. 

Beginning with the pre-departure orientation and continuing overseas with program monitoring by our partner institutions, our study abroad programs provide a thorough support system for all participants. However, you must remember that these students are adults and we expect them to ask responsibly and uphold the University Student Code of Conduct, to carefully read the Study Abroad Handbook, and to sign a General Release Form.

The Office of International Education encourages you to apply for a passport or if you have one, ensure that it is valid. Should an emergency arise, having a passport gives you the freedom to immediately fly overseas. When an emergency develops, the last thing you want is to wait for paperwork or pay exorbitant fees for a passport when your child needs you at his or her side. We also encourage you to speak with your child about his or her overseas experience. Together, review program materials, feel free to attend the pre-departure orientation and secure a copy of the travel itinerary and contact phone numbers before the group leaves. 

Nevertheless, majority of study abroad programs allot free time for students to explore their surroundings without staff supervision. Based on the program type and location, this may include, but is not limited to, traveling to another city or outside the country, visiting a historical monument or bar, or going out with individuals he or she has just met. “Please discuss with your child that he or she, not the University, assumes full responsibility for his or her safety and well being during breaks.” However, program staff members are available to assist students as best they can in an emergency situation. In fact all IPFW and affiliated study abroad programs have an emergency response plan in place should one arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should I accompany my child overseas? No. This experience is designed to provide your child an opportunity to exercise independence and responsibility. Additionally, it can be embarrassing for your child to arrive at his or her destination with you handling his/her affairs, particularly in locations where students are expected to be rather independent from an earlier age. As difficult as it may be, trust your child to be ready and equipped to handle the challenges from the beginning.
• Should I visit during the program? Absolutely! The Office of International Education recommends that you visit at the end of the program. This timing does not interfere with any language, the transition to a new culture or the independence and self-reliance necessary to study abroad.
• Should I worry if I do not hear from my child everyday/week? No. Frequent calls tend to indicate that your child is still dependent on you to solve problems that he or she should resolve alone with the help of the people at the site. There usually is nothing you can do thousands of miles away. Email communication is the best means of maintaining contact.
• How is my child advised after being accepted for study abroad? The Office of International Education will handle the details of the program your child has chosen to partake. Soon after the official notice of acceptance, students may schedule appointments with the Assistant Director for International Programs. The initial appointment usually involves completing IPFW and the host university’s required forms. Some forms can be completed and signed right away, but others need to be returned after the student has researched such things as medical insurance for study abroad, courses available at the host institution, etc.
• Who will make sure that all of the necessary steps are done before my child leaves? While the study abroad advisor keeps a checklist for each student to ensure that nothing is left undone prior to departure, it is ultimately the responsibility of each student to have things completed and to follow up on forms and supporting documents.
• Is there an orientation session before departure? Students participating in study abroad programs are required to complete an official pre-departure orientation before going abroad.
• Do you help students get passports? The Office of International Education advises students without passports about how to get one and we ask students who already have one to check the expiration dates. For more information on obtaining a passport, visit the U. S. Department of State’s website for instructions and forms.
• What is a visa and why does my child need one? A visa is a document from a foreign government that allows a non-citizen to enter a country for a specific purpose. Many countries require student visas to be stamped on a blank passport page before the student may attend university in that country. The Office of International Education will advise students about the visa application process. The student is responsible for completing all relevant forms and applying on time.
• What type of medical insurance is required for study abroad? All participants are required to have medical insurance to participate in any study abroad program.
• How do I contact the Office of International Education? The Office of International strongly encourages communication through the adult student who has chosen to participate on a study abroad program. While we recognize that many parents have a list of questions and concerns, it works best to funnel those through the student so that the student is informed and empowered in the process.