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.

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

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.

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