Scroll back to the top

Parent/Family

As a parent or family member, you play a crucial role in your student's Education Abroad experience. Take a few moments to review the information on this page to learn how you can best assist your student navigate through this process.


Greetings from Education Abroad!

Picture of Holly Hudson sitting on a green couch

Time and time again our students tell us that going abroad was the single-greatest experience of their time here at Texas A&M University. It is a transformative experience that challenges students to think independently and grow intellectually, helping them to gain the confidence and maturity they need to engage in today’s society through a global lens.

An Education Abroad program will equip your student with the skills and knowledge they need to take on the world – literally.

As a parent myself, I fully understand the concerns you might have in sending your student abroad and appreciate that this decision involves the entire family. Please know that your student’s safety and well-being are our top priority.

I encourage you to take some time to review the information and resources on this page. I hope that you will find it useful when considering this incredible opportunity. Most importantly, have a conversation with your student about their ideas, goals, and expectations. Your guidance and support can mean so much to them through every step of their educational journey.

Best regards,

Holly Hudson, Ed.D.
Executive Director, Education Abroad at Texas A&M University

COVID-19 Information

Review COVID-19 updates from Education Abroad at Texas A&M University.

READ MORE

Student Privacy

Education Abroad at Texas A&M University must abide by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This means that we cannot divulge student academic, financial or enrollment information to parents unless explicit permission has been provided by the student. Find out more information about student educational privacy rights.

Independence is critical for a successful abroad experience, therefore we believe that students should always contact the Education Abroad directly with questions or concerns. We highly encourage you to shift responsibility for all aspects of Education Abroad participation to your student. This is an amazing opportunity for exploration and growth.

Why go abroad?

Here at Texas A&M, we tell students that they should go abroad to Explore, Experience, Extend, and Excel. Data shows that students who study, intern, research, or volunteer abroad come back with knowledge, skills, and connections that propel them faster and further towards their future goals.

DISCOVER THE BENEFITS

Funding Education Abroad

The presumed cost is the No. 1 deterring factor among students and their families when deciding whether or not to pursue an abroad opportunity. However, one of our top priorities is to make these experiences as accessible as possible. Did you know that Texas A&M awards about $1.5 million annually in scholarships just for Education Abroad? Did you know that financial aid and grants can often be applied to study abroad programs? Our advisors can help your student find affordable options and can point them in the direction of applicable funding opportunities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FUNDING

Health and safety

Student health and safety is the No. 1 priority for all of our programs. We work continuously to ensure we assess the various factors of risks that may be involved with international travel. The student, however, must also take responsibility for their own safety and wellbeing. To assist with this, we provide health and safety resources to students during two phases: Pre-Departure and While Abroad.
 

Pre-Departure

All students participating in an Education Abroad program are required to attend health and safety orientation sessions** prior to their experience. These sessions cover checklist items to take care of before departure as well as advice on how to stay safe while abroad.
Prior to departure, you can help your student prepare for a safe trip by considering the following:

  • Completing a wellness checkup, vaccinations, and immunizations
  • Researching cultural norms, local laws, and health and safety risks of the destination
  • Registering any needs for special accommodations to Disability Services
  • Consider purchasing additional international health insurance coverage
  • Make copies of important documents, such as passport, debit/credit card information, and emergency contact information for host country (911 equivalent, US Embassy or Consulate, emergency services, etc.)


While Abroad

All students should follow health and safety precautions specific to their destination as well as those discussed during the pre-departure and on-site health and safety sessions.
Each program will also have a program leader, support staff, and/or faculty member on-site to assist with any health and safety concerns that may arise.


In an Emergency

Education Abroad maintains an emergency phone line and email account for issues that may require immediate attention. Members of our crisis management team are on call 24/7.
+1 (979) 255-6103
abroademergency@tamu.edu


Student Privacy related to health and safety

Education Abroad must abide by federal privacy laws including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). Applicable information about health and safety issues will only be released to those listed as the student’s emergency contact.
 

VISIT OUR HEALTH & SAFETY RESOURCE PAGE

 

Communicating while abroad

Fortunately, we live in a time in which an abundance of technology makes global communication fairly easy. There are a variety of free apps you and your student can utilize to stay connected such as WhatsApp or Skype. Keep in mind, however, that because of time differences and other factors you may not be able to communicate as often as you would like. And that’s ok! In reality, this will help your student become more independent and make the experience even more transformational. Consider developing a communication plan before your student leaves that outlines when and how often you plan to check-in with each other.

Additional resources

The decision to travel and study abroad is often one made by the entire family and has an impact on all involved. Check out these parent and family resources full of great tips and advice to guide you through the process.
 

A Parent Guide to Study Abroad

Published by the Institute fo International Education
A PARENT GUIDE TO STUDY ABROAD
 

Information for Parents

Published by the U.S. Department of State
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Frequently asked questions

Education Abroad can find a program that fits with any major. There are hundreds of approved programs in 110 different countries.

The majority of our programs are tied directly to Texas A&M University credit. Other programs offer Texas A&M equivalent transfer credit. In addition, we require all students to work directly with their academic advisors while planning their abroad experience to ensure there is no adverse impact to their academic progress.

Not necessarily, but students are encouraged to know which courses they want to take abroad so our Education Abroad advisors can identify a suitable program with relevant academic coursework.

The cost of studying abroad may be less than you think! The true cost is determined by comparing the difference between a semester in Aggieland and one studying abroad. There are even some programs where the total cost is the same or less than a semester in College Station.

Yes! Your student’s award packages can be applied toward most programs. Texas A&M also offers about $1.5 million in scholarships annually specifically for Education Abroad. Outside scholarships are also available. In some cases, students who are eligible for state and federal tuition assistance/waiver programs can also use those benefits for education abroad.

Texas A&M University is committed to your student’s safety. All programs are vetted and continually monitored and assessed for health and safety. All students are provided with:

  • Pre-departure health and safety orientation;
  • Access to 24/7 emergency support;
  • On-site administrative support;
  • Regular communication with Education Abroad or Texas A&M staff.

Prior planning is critical. Students have many choices and factors to consider. The sooner they start researching and exploring options, the better chance they have at securing funding resources. Students should start by attending an Abroad 101 session, talking to an Education Abroad Ambassador, searching programs, and reviewing the application process.