Frequently Asked Questions
For Parents of Education Abroad Students
Is it affordable?
Most of our programs cost the same or just a little more than studying at ESU.
Is financial assistance available?
There are many outside scholarships available, especially if a student studies in a country deemed "essential" by the Federal government (many in Asia, South America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe).
Emporia State University has made a commitment to supporting studying abroad, and during the 2007-2008 school year the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is offering many scholarships specifically for study abroad.
Most financial aid--loans and scholarships--can be applied to your student's international experience.
Will the classes taken transfer?
Before a student studies abroad, our office and the academic advisor work to find a program which best fits the student's major and offers courses that will transfer back to ESU for credit. Students are also required to fill out a Prior Approval Form before departing, which ensures they have put together a carefully considered academic plan.
What kind of Education Abroad opportunities are available?
Students may choose from faculty-directed short-term programs to longer-term programs of study. Emporia State is affiliated with several program providers that offer a variety of educational opportunities and are academically credible. Short-term programs are offered typically during the summer; students interested in a long-term program can study abroad for a semester or a year.
Students can choose from
Will my student fall behind academically?
If a student plans ahead and talks to the academic advisor early, she or he will not prolong the time spent studying at ESU. Any student who decides second semester Junior year to spend time abroad during the Senior year may delay graduation. And students in programs such as Education or Nusing are encouraged to plan ahead.
Will it help my student's career opportunities?
Students who have ANY kind of international experience will be at a distinct advantage in the job market. For starters, only 1% of college grads have some type of international education experience, so it places the student in select company.
Second, a student who studies abroad develops a variety of skills employers deem essential, including sensitivity to other cultures, self-confidence, looking at a problem from different perspectives, fluency in another language.
Studies have also shown that students who study abroad return with more clarified career goals.
Will my son or daughter be prepared to go abroad?
ESU offers a Study Abroad Orientation course that students take prior to leaving the country. The sessions are designed so they will have a successful study abroad experience.
When is the best time to go?
Junior year is usually the "best" time to study abroad. By that time, students have completed many of their introductory courses and have a clearer idea what their major is.
What can I do?
Encourage your student to visit our office as soon as possible. View resources on the previous page for tips on ways to help before they go, while they are abroad, and when they return.
Last Updated April 26, 2007