Advice for Parents on International Education, Finances and           Health and Safety Issues

The University of Hartford realizes that study abroad is a big decision not only for your son or daughter but for you as a parent as well. We consider parents an invested partner in their child's education and hope that you will utilize our services as your son or daughter explores the many Study Abroad opportunities available to them.

Below are questions and answers to many of the most common concerns addressed by parents.

What is International Education?

International education enables a student to pursue an educational experience designed to help him/her understand foreign cultures and societies and/or global and transnational issues and processes.

Why should my son/daughter participate in any form of international education?

International education gives a student a competitive edge in the employment marketplace and allows him/her to be effective in our ever-changing, global society. Study abroad, in particular, enriches a student's education through alternative learning experiences not available at the home institution. It stimulates the mind and fosters a better understanding of other cultures. Students gain maturity, self-confidence and independence. Being immersed in another culture students come to appreciate diverse perspectives and become more well-rounded. More importantly, the experience is a life altering event that will positively change the student's life forever.

How long are study abroad programs?

A study abroad program can be for a semester, one academic year, for several weeks over the summer/winter, or even spring break. It is fairly flexible and dependent on what the student wants to pursue. Multiple study abroad programs can be completed during the course of a student's academic career if planned appropriately and early on in the student's career. It's all about early and proper planning --- the sooner, the better!

What are the different ways my son/daughter can Study Abroad?

Approved Programs through other accredited Universities: A student University of Hartford is eligible to take a program sponsored by another 4 year accredited institution.

Approved Programs: A program available through an organization, like American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), which designs a complete study abroad experience for the student.

Approved Exchange Programs between a domestic or international institution/organization : A US student exchanges places with an international student.

Approved Direct Enrollment: A student may be eligible to directly enroll into an international institution.

Hartford Short-term Programs: Faculty from the home institution run the program. Program length varies from one week to three weeks. Locations are based often on faculty interest.

When should my son/daughter apply for study abroad?

Application deadlines vary from program to program. Generally, for a semester program, you should apply one semester in advance. For a year program, you should apply one year in advance. In all cases, refer to the specific deadline for the program in which you are interested. Please keep in mind that most programs offer rolling admissions, which means that students are accepted as applications are received. There are times that programs will be filled prior to the application deadline.

By participating in any of these programs, will my son/daughter graduate in four years?

It is always our goal to have the study abroad experience compliment the student's experience at Hartford and not to extend their stay at Hartford. Students should meet with their advisors to plan a program abroad that fulfills their requirements. The majority of international education opportunities overlap with requirements necessary for graduation. If the program of choice should happen to extend the student's stay at Hartford, this is something that the student is made aware of and is strongly encouraged to discuss with his/her family. If a student begins planning as a freshman, he/she can possibly include more than one international experience.

Are there language requirements for study abroad?

Many of the programs offer the majority of their courses in English. However, foreign language proficiency will be a requirement on some programs. Any previous coursework in the host language will certainly aid in adjustment to the host culture. Students are highly encouraged, if not required, to take an appropriate level language course in their host country. This will be dependent on a given program.

Is there a system in place to ensure college credits when studying overseas?

While studying abroad on an approved program in the fall and spring semesters, students will be registered as Hartford students. All credits earned while studying overseas on an approved program will be entered on your transcript. The credits will count toward your overall degree requirements and the grades WILL be calculated into your cumulative GPA. You must meet with your academic advisor prior to departing to determine which classes you can take abroad that will fulfill specific requirements i.e.) how the courses will be applied to your degree requirements. Students utilize an "Application for Adjustment of Undergraduate Degree Requirements" .

Students may choose to study abroad on non-approved programs or to make independent arrangements to study abroad on approved programs. In this case students make academic and financial arrangements directly with the study abroad program provider. Before going abroad they should seek a leave of absence and go on "active status" for the period that they will be abroad. Students are responsible for ascertaining that the courses they take under such circumstances will transfer back to the university and/or fulfill their requirements for a degree.

Will the credits earned overseas by my son/daughter apply toward his/her major?

It's important to know that you can study abroad on approved programs and have the classes you take abroad count toward your degree. Some of the credits earned by certain courses may apply toward the student's major and/or graduation. This would need to be determined by the student's major advisor at Hartford prior to the student departing for his/her sojourn abroad (as mentioned above). In most cases, requirements for the major and general education requirements can be fulfilled and will be denoted on the student's transcript.

Students may choose to study abroad on non-approved programs or to make independent arrangements to study abroad on approved programs. In this case students make academic and financial arrangements directly with the study abroad program provider. Before going abroad they should seek a leave of absence and go on "active status" for the period that they will be abroad. Students are responsible for ascertaining that the courses they take under such circumstances will transfer back to the university and/or fulfill their requirements for a degree.

Can my son/daughter study abroad during the summer or winter sessions?

University of Hartford runs several of its own short-term programs, such as Hartford at Hertford College at Oxford University, the archaeological expedition to Bethsaida, Israel, and the Painted Sketch in Sicily. If your son/daughter chooses to attend a Hartford-run program during the summer/winter, then he/she will be registered as a Hartford student and receive grades and credits just as if in residence at Hartford.

Beyond Hartford's short-term programs, there are numerous other opportunities for students to choose. However, if students choose programs NOT run by Hartford, then they will be "independent students". Any courses and credits achieved on that other program can come back as transfer credits, but this must be arranged through Transfer Admissions at Bates House before the student leaves.  

Will a passport or visa be needed for overseas travel?

For most destinations, you will need a passport and/or a visa and a picture ID to travel. Information regarding passport and visa information for U.S. citizens is available from the U.S Department of State, (http://travel.state.gov/travel/ ) the Consulate of the country where your son/daughter is studying abroad, the program provider, and the Study Abroad Office.

Are there any other forms that need to be completed prior to departure?

In general, students need to make arrangements to have appropriate health forms and inoculations completed prior to departure. Visits to doctors and dentists for annual check-ups are a good way to prevent health problems overseas. You may wish to obtain an international student identity card (ISIC) ( www.isic.org ) and/or a Youth Hostel Card ( www.hiusa.org ). Additionally, you must make sure that you attend the mandatory pre-departure meeting and fill out all of the necessary paperwork.

What is my role as a parent in this whole process?

It is important for parents to understand the full process of the program and have a basic understanding of certain things. Those include:

•  The difference between domestic travel and study abroad
•  The program structure (i.e. duration, location, etc.)
•  How credits are earned and counted towards the degree
•  The costs and how to finance the program
•  Safety issues
•  What appropriate documents are necessary
•  Insurance
•  Health preparations
•  How to get in touch while abroad
•  What to do in case of emergency

The Financial Issues Study Abroad

How do you pay for an overseas program?

Financing an overseas program is a very pertinent factor in planning for travel. Federal and State Financial Aid (except federal work-study), as well as loans and scholarships, DO apply to your student's study abroad program. Scholarships are also available through various organizations and program providers. University of Hartford also offers our own in-house scholarship opportunity: The Domenica DiMatteo Scholarship . (Link to requirements for scholarship)

What is the cost to study abroad?

Students pay Hartford tuition, plus the room and board costs of the program they have chosen. For some programs, the cost of tuition and room and board will be the same as that at Hartford. For other programs, the total costs may be lower because of less expensive room and board.

Do I pay Hartford tuition in addition to the cost of the study abroad program?

No. For many approved programs, students pay Hartford tuition OR the host university tuition if it is higher. For example, the Washington Semester at American University charges a higher tuition amount than Hartford. In this case then, you are responsible for the higher tuition amount. Note: If the host program's tuition is less than Hartford's tuition, you still must pay Hartford tuition. However, you will never pay the tuition twice.

How does housing and meals work?

Whatever option the student chooses from the program provider will be billed onto their Hartford account. If the student does not have a meal plan while abroad, then they will not be charged for a meal plan on their Hartford account. Similarly, if the student decides to pursue independent housing on their study abroad experience, then they will be directly responsible for those costs and no charges for housing will be posted on the Hartford account.

Does financial aid apply toward a study abroad experience?

All financial aid that a student receives (with the exception of work-study) will be applied to his/her study abroad or off-campus experience. This applies only to semester/year long programs. This does NOT apply to summer/winter programs.

My son/daughter participates in tuition exchange and/or tuition abatement. Can they still do so during study abroad?

No, students can not participate in either tuition exchange or tuition abatement for a study abroad semester or year. Tuition abatement and exchange students must pay the cost of the program they have chosen.

We are in the AMS monthly payment plan. Can we still participate in this plan when my son/daughter studies abroad?

Yes. You may raise or lower your contributions to the AMS plan as it suits your needs.

Are there any special fees to study abroad?

All study and off-campus students pay the following fees per semester: Graduation fee: $26; Registration Fee: $30; International SOS Insurance: $100

Who do you pay --- Hartford or the Program Provider?

For most semester and year long programs, you will continue to pay Hartford which we, in turn, will pay the program provider. There are several times that you will pay the program provider directly. They are for: the initial application fee, a confirmation fee, and any room damage deposits. Hartford will credit the confirmation fee to your son/daughter's Hartford account, as long as they go and study abroad for that semester/year.

Health and Safety Issues

Are there orientations for my son/daughter to prepare for travel?

Hartford runs its own mandatory pre-departure orientation for all semester and year long study abroad and off-campus students. Additionally, the program providers and then the actual foreign universities where students study, typically also run pre-departure orientations including health, safety and security information. These orientations generally take place on-site once all students arrive in the host country.

Who will help my son/daughter find the best program for them?

The Study Abroad Office strives to assist all students in finding the best program for their needs. Ultimately, the program choice will be a decision made by the student. Often students find it useful to talk with study abroad alumni from the various programs. Many programs have email contacts and blogs on their websites to aid students in their decision-making. Additionally, almost all programs have 1-800 numbers that parents and students are encouraged to utilize to receive advice and answers to their questions.

How safe are study abroad programs for my son/daughter?

Hartford takes the well being of their students very seriously. To ensure this, safety precautions are taken into consideration and we regularly consult with our colleagues who are involved with administration of study abroad and other experts all around the world on a regular basis. We require all students participating in programs where they will receive Hartford credit to participate in the International Medex Emergency Assistance Program. Information can be found at their website at: www.medexassist.com or by contacting the Study Abroad Office for more information. You should also ask many questions and gain a full understanding of all aspects of the program prior to the student departing. For additional safety and travel information, check the following websites: http://www.nafsa.org/ or www.travel.state.gov..

Will there be experienced staff available on site to help my son/daughter adjust?

Since the student will be studying at a university or with a program provider, English speaking advisors, faculty and experienced staff are usually available and accessible to the students during their overseas stay.

How do I contact my son/daughter in case of an emergency?

It is important that arrangements are made prior to the trip. It is up to you to obtain as many reliable means of contact before your son/daughter leaves the country. Usually, the program provider provides this type of information. Due to technological advances, you can make arrangements through your phone company for an international number or 1-800 number or purchase a cell phone for your convenience. Sometimes an email distribution list is established to help in disseminating information. Whatever arrangements have been made through the program should be utilized first before attempting on your own to contact the student directly. It may also be helpful to develop your own family system in case an emergency arises. You may wish to visit http://www.studentsabroad.com/ and http://www.globaled.us/safeti/ for additional recommendations.

What happens if my son/daughter gets sick while abroad?

All students should have their own major medical insurance coverage in the United States while abroad. All Hartford students participating in off-campus programs for Hartford credit are required to participate in the International SOS emergency insurance plan. Additionally, it may be a good idea to purchase supplemental health, life, and personal property insurance for students to fill in any coverage gaps that may exist. The Study Abroad Office can suggest several short-term options.

Are there special services or accommodations that can be arranged for my son/daughter's disability?

Disability support services are not as widely recognized overseas as they are in the United States. Often if it something that we or the program provider are made aware of before the student begins the semester overseas, certain measures may be arranged to accommodate your son/daughter.

Are there counseling/therapy services for emotional and psychological needs?

If your son or daughter has received treatment for psychological problems such as, depression or an eating disorder, we urge you to discuss this issue within your family.  Study abroad can be stressful and exacerbate such problems. If there are any medical issues that concern you, or if your son or daughter has any chronic or recurring problems, program personnel should know of these issues before your son or daughter leaves home.