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Education Abroad (EA) at UK is dedicated to facilitating a meaningful international academic experience for your son or daughter. We assist students in developing skills to investigate and research programs of interest, as well as their country of destination. We hope that parents will provide a supportive role in the abroad experience of their son or daughter and this page is dedicated to issues that may arise before, during or after your child's experience. If your questions are not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at (859) 257-4067 ext. 252, or by email at EducationAbroad@uky.edu.
Who benefits from Education Abroad?
What is the role of the parent, the student and the EA staff?
When will my child experience culture shock, and what can I do to help?
Where can I get more information on Travel, Packing, Health and Safety, and Communication?
Why does my child seem different now that she or he has returned?
FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act)
Who benefits from Education Abroad?
Your son or daughter, regardless of major, has the opportunity to have an overseas academic experience. The skills learned abroad, tangible and intangible, are an asset to the student's academic and personal growth, not to mention the international dimension of their resume. Both domestic and international employers are seeking employees who are flexible and adaptable, are good communicators and who are inter-culturally competent.
Families benefit from a student's time abroad, as they can live vicariously in another country for a period of time through letters, emails and phone conversations. When your son or daughter returns, he or she can share photos, stories, cuisine, and perspectives from the host country. It is almost certain that there will be plenty to discuss at family dinners for many weeks to come! Occasionally, family members may be able to make a visit to the country where the student is studying. It is best to coordinate trips with academic holidays or wait until the academic program is finished to ensure that the student will be able to continue with classes and exams as normal.
The University of Kentucky benefits from Education Abroad, as we strive to become internationalized and educate students as global citizens. When a student returns from abroad, his or her classmates, professors and friends are able to hear of new perspectives from another country or culture. A returned student can use direct knowledge gained abroad and share it with others to create unique solutions, empower others, or inspire and conduct innovative research.
Beyond the UK community, the knowledge gained abroad often develops into ideas that can affect other communities and institutions with whom your son or daughter interacts. Many students return with both a more open mind and a more defined focus. They may pick up a second major, decide on a graduate program, or pursue a particular career with increased focus. The energy and enthusiasm of a returned student is hard to match!
What is the role of the parent, the student and the EA staff?
As your child goes abroad, whether or not it is for the first time, it is helpful for family members to assist in keeping important information organized and accessible. Some points for discussion with your son or daughter:
The role of the students involves responsibility, as they must maintain contact with their Education Abroad Advisor, their Academic Advisor, and any other relevant offices on campus. Students are responsible for submitting their applications prior to the Education Abroad deadlines, as well as ensuring that their applications to specific programs (as applicable) are submitted directly to the Program Provider by the Provider's deadline. Please see the Program Process section of the EA website for more information.
Although the coordination requires time and effort, the rewards for thorough, advance planning are exponential. Not only will a student be properly prepared for an experience abroad, but he or she will gain valuable experience in making and maintaining connections that will serve him or her well while abroad. In addition, many students find education abroad a wonderful excuse to get to know their advisors and faculty, who are typically in full support of education abroad and/or may have international experience themselves. Students should consider their academic, career and personal goals, and carefully consider which programs and locations would suit these goals while fulfilling their degree requirements.
The role of Education Abroad at UK is to provide excellent service to students, parents, advisors, faculty, and campus departments and units. The entire Education Abroad Team is dedicated to making the Education Abroad experience possible and enjoyable for all UK students. Our Education Abroad Advisors are a crucial part of guiding students through all stages of the education abroad experience, and it is highly recommended that all students meet with an EA Advisor prior to going abroad. Besides assisting students in finding an appropriate program abroad, EA Advisors can provide information on financial resources, country-specific cultural information, and can address any special needs.
When will my child experience culture shock and what can I do to help?
It is completely normal for your child to experience some level of culture shock while abroad. For some, this may happen the moment of arrival at the airport; for others, it may not occur for days or weeks. Do not be alarmed if your son or daughter calls or emails home during the first few days with feelings of regret or worry. Besides culture shock, this may be a symptom of jet lag. What may seem overwhelming at first may simply be fatigue and confusion from jet lag. It is best to be supportive and positive during this crucial time.
Many of our students report a "honeymoon" phase when they are filled with the initial excitement of their new host country, and then something changes several days/weeks later. Typically, this is when they encounter their first serious cultural difference, academic style difference, or miscommunication with their host family or international friend. This dissonance of cultural norms and expectations can be a great personal challenge. Students will learn how to adapt to these differences, how to communicate more effectively, and will overcome this time of uncertainty. These adaptive skills will serve your son or daughter well in future endeavors and are very appealing to employers.
Your son or daughter may not only turn to Education Abroad at UK for guidance, but we also encourage the use of local resources such as a program director, host family, or classmates to identify issues and find solutions. Although it is important to remain in contact with families and Education Abroad staff, students are learning critical skills such as problem-solving, local networking and intercultural relations. We can best help them from here by recommending ways of connecting with others abroad who are currently in the same context.
Where can I get more information on Health and Safety, Travel, Packing and Communication?
Once your son or daughter has chosen and applied for his or her program, it is time to begin researching the future host country more thoroughly. The issues of Health and Safety, Travel, Packing and Communication are topics of concern for both parents and students alike. Fortunately, there is a wealth of information available on UK's campus as well as on the internet.
The links below will take you to other sections of the EA at UK website. Please use the Back button or the bar on the left to return to the For Parents section.
Health and Safety
Travel
Packing
Communication
Given the ease of communication, it is tempting for students to spend all of their free time on the computer or cell phone rather than experiencing their new environment and its culture. Their success on the program involves not only your support, but also the support of the friends and acquaintances who are there with them in person. It may be helpful to set up expectations before the trip for how often (e.g., once a week, twice a week) you will communicate so that you can share your son's or daughter's experiences but also give them the space to make local connections.
Re-Entry Sessions Calendar
Returning from Education Abroad
Discussion Group! Education Abroad in Developing Countries
Education Abroad (EA) at UK is dedicated to facilitating a meaningful international academic experience for your son or daughter. We assist students in developing skills to investigate and research programs of interest, as well as their country of destination. We hope that parents will provide a supportive role in the abroad experience of their son or daughter and this page is dedicated to issues that may arise before, during or after your child's experience. If your questions are not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at (859) 257-4067 ext. 252, or by email at EducationAbroad@uky.edu.
Who benefits from Education Abroad?
What is the role of the parent, the student and the EA staff?
When will my child experience culture shock, and what can I do to help?
Where can I get more information on Travel, Packing, Health and Safety, and Communication?
Why does my child seem different now that she or he has returned?
FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act)
Who benefits from Education Abroad?
Your son or daughter, regardless of major, has the opportunity to have an overseas academic experience. The skills learned abroad, tangible and intangible, are an asset to the student's academic and personal growth, not to mention the international dimension of their resume. Both domestic and international employers are seeking employees who are flexible and adaptable, are good communicators and who are inter-culturally competent.
Families benefit from a student's time abroad, as they can live vicariously in another country for a period of time through letters, emails and phone conversations. When your son or daughter returns, he or she can share photos, stories, cuisine, and perspectives from the host country. It is almost certain that there will be plenty to discuss at family dinners for many weeks to come! Occasionally, family members may be able to make a visit to the country where the student is studying. It is best to coordinate trips with academic holidays or wait until the academic program is finished to ensure that the student will be able to continue with classes and exams as normal.
The University of Kentucky benefits from Education Abroad, as we strive to become internationalized and educate students as global citizens. When a student returns from abroad, his or her classmates, professors and friends are able to hear of new perspectives from another country or culture. A returned student can use direct knowledge gained abroad and share it with others to create unique solutions, empower others, or inspire and conduct innovative research.
Beyond the UK community, the knowledge gained abroad often develops into ideas that can affect other communities and institutions with whom your son or daughter interacts. Many students return with both a more open mind and a more defined focus. They may pick up a second major, decide on a graduate program, or pursue a particular career with increased focus. The energy and enthusiasm of a returned student is hard to match!
What is the role of the parent, the student and the EA staff?
As your child goes abroad, whether or not it is for the first time, it is helpful for family members to assist in keeping important information organized and accessible. Some points for discussion with your son or daughter:
- Does your son or daughter understand the international travel medical insurance policy and how to make a claim? Students who have purchased the HTH Travel Medical Insurance through the Education Abroad office should visit the HTH Web site to collect names of English-speaking physicians in the areas to be visited, learn how to file a claim, find translations of medicine names, etc. Students with other travel medical insurance should do similarly.
- Students should register with the US Embassy in the country where they are going to spend the majority of their time, as well as when they are on an extended trip. They may do this online at the State Department Web site.
- We recommend that at least one parent or family member have a valid passport in the event of an emergency.
- How and how often will you communicate with each other?
- Are any special accommodations needed due to a physical, medical, behavioral, or learning condition or disability? Make sure that your child has communicated these needs to her or his Education Abroad advisor, as well as the program director or host institution. Students should list any and all conditions or disabilities, including prior conditions that may resurface while abroad, on their Self-Disclosure Form, which is part of the online EA at UK application process. Most disabilities can be managed overseas, but advance notice and preparation are important.
- We recommend that students visit their physician or the Student Health Services on campus to discuss their program abroad. A physician can help plan for immunizations if needed and ensure that students have a written copy of their normal prescriptions to take with them. Students should keep these written prescriptions in a separate place from their medications. If a student wears glasses or contact lenses, he or she should bring a copy of this prescription as well. Some countries have regulations about medications being brought into the country by visitors. If you are unsure, your physician should be able to suggest solutions.
University of Kentucky Health Services: 859-323-2778
University of Kentucky Travel Clinic: 859-257-5150
University of Louisville Travel Clinic: 502-852-3691
University of Kentucky Travel Clinic: 859-257-5150
University of Louisville Travel Clinic: 502-852-3691
- We recommend that students have a photocopy of the ID page of their passport with them when they travel (kept separate from their passport) and leave a copy at home with their family. This accelerates the processing of a new passport in the event that their original passport is lost or stolen. These documents are also submitted to the Education Abroad at UK office before departure as part of the EA at UK application process.
The role of the students involves responsibility, as they must maintain contact with their Education Abroad Advisor, their Academic Advisor, and any other relevant offices on campus. Students are responsible for submitting their applications prior to the Education Abroad deadlines, as well as ensuring that their applications to specific programs (as applicable) are submitted directly to the Program Provider by the Provider's deadline. Please see the Program Process section of the EA website for more information.
Although the coordination requires time and effort, the rewards for thorough, advance planning are exponential. Not only will a student be properly prepared for an experience abroad, but he or she will gain valuable experience in making and maintaining connections that will serve him or her well while abroad. In addition, many students find education abroad a wonderful excuse to get to know their advisors and faculty, who are typically in full support of education abroad and/or may have international experience themselves. Students should consider their academic, career and personal goals, and carefully consider which programs and locations would suit these goals while fulfilling their degree requirements.
The role of Education Abroad at UK is to provide excellent service to students, parents, advisors, faculty, and campus departments and units. The entire Education Abroad Team is dedicated to making the Education Abroad experience possible and enjoyable for all UK students. Our Education Abroad Advisors are a crucial part of guiding students through all stages of the education abroad experience, and it is highly recommended that all students meet with an EA Advisor prior to going abroad. Besides assisting students in finding an appropriate program abroad, EA Advisors can provide information on financial resources, country-specific cultural information, and can address any special needs.
When will my child experience culture shock and what can I do to help?
It is completely normal for your child to experience some level of culture shock while abroad. For some, this may happen the moment of arrival at the airport; for others, it may not occur for days or weeks. Do not be alarmed if your son or daughter calls or emails home during the first few days with feelings of regret or worry. Besides culture shock, this may be a symptom of jet lag. What may seem overwhelming at first may simply be fatigue and confusion from jet lag. It is best to be supportive and positive during this crucial time.
Many of our students report a "honeymoon" phase when they are filled with the initial excitement of their new host country, and then something changes several days/weeks later. Typically, this is when they encounter their first serious cultural difference, academic style difference, or miscommunication with their host family or international friend. This dissonance of cultural norms and expectations can be a great personal challenge. Students will learn how to adapt to these differences, how to communicate more effectively, and will overcome this time of uncertainty. These adaptive skills will serve your son or daughter well in future endeavors and are very appealing to employers.
Your son or daughter may not only turn to Education Abroad at UK for guidance, but we also encourage the use of local resources such as a program director, host family, or classmates to identify issues and find solutions. Although it is important to remain in contact with families and Education Abroad staff, students are learning critical skills such as problem-solving, local networking and intercultural relations. We can best help them from here by recommending ways of connecting with others abroad who are currently in the same context.
Where can I get more information on Health and Safety, Travel, Packing and Communication?
Once your son or daughter has chosen and applied for his or her program, it is time to begin researching the future host country more thoroughly. The issues of Health and Safety, Travel, Packing and Communication are topics of concern for both parents and students alike. Fortunately, there is a wealth of information available on UK's campus as well as on the internet.
The links below will take you to other sections of the EA at UK website. Please use the Back button or the bar on the left to return to the For Parents section.
Health and Safety
Travel
Packing
Communication
Given the ease of communication, it is tempting for students to spend all of their free time on the computer or cell phone rather than experiencing their new environment and its culture. Their success on the program involves not only your support, but also the support of the friends and acquaintances who are there with them in person. It may be helpful to set up expectations before the trip for how often (e.g., once a week, twice a week) you will communicate so that you can share your son's or daughter's experiences but also give them the space to make local connections.
Why does my child seem different now that she or he has returned?
If you have reason to believe that your son's or daughter's adjustment has been particularly difficult, please encourage your child to make an appointment with his or her Education Abroad Advisor who will be able to direct the student to professional resources on campus if needed.
Families will most certainly notice a change when their son or daughter returns home from an abroad experience, and depending on the length of the time abroad, the differences may be more or less subtle. You can expect them to be different. They have just returned from a unique, rewarding, and challenging time that has changed them in ways they may not realize until they return to the US.
Be patient during the first few days as they again adapt to jet lag, climate, food and even language differences. They may have left friends and host families behind that they miss terribly, and although they are glad to see their own families, it can be a shock to their system. This is commonly called "reverse culture shock," and for some students, especially those who have spent a significant amount of time in developing countries, reverse culture shock may be more pronounced than the initial culture shock in their host country.
Be patient during the first few days as they again adapt to jet lag, climate, food and even language differences. They may have left friends and host families behind that they miss terribly, and although they are glad to see their own families, it can be a shock to their system. This is commonly called "reverse culture shock," and for some students, especially those who have spent a significant amount of time in developing countries, reverse culture shock may be more pronounced than the initial culture shock in their host country.
Education Abroad at UK has resources for students who are experiencing reverse culture shock and we have found that one of the best ways for a student to integrate his or her new worldview with the home culture is to get involved on campus. One option is to apply to serve as an Education Abroad Student Ambassador (EASA), which will allow them to share their experience with other students and faculty on campus.
We also offer workshops, photo contests, and social events to connect returned students with others like them who are re-adapting to their life in the US. These will be discussed during the Re-Entry Sessions.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are "eligible students." When a student turns 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary institution, the student, and not the parent, may access, seek to amend, and consent to disclosures of his or her education records.
Once FERPA rights have transferred to a student, University of Kentucky employees are limited in what we can discuss with a parent. We cannot disclose any "non-directory" information, that is, any information that would not ordinarily be included in a public directory. Students may make a special request to the University of Kentucky that even directory information not be disclosed without written consent.
If your son or daughter is considered a dependent for tax purposes, we may discuss non-directory information with you. Otherwise, we must have on file a signed and dated written consent from the student allowing Education Abroad at UK (or other representatives from the UK Office of International Affairs) to reveal to you the fact that your son or daughter is studying abroad or applying to study abroad and to discuss details of their chosen program and other relevant non-directory information. If your son or daughter has listed you as an Education Abroad Emergency Contact, then in situations of health or safety emergencies, we will be allowed to disclose non-directory information to you. If your son or daughter has listed you as an Education Abroad Financial Contact, we may discuss financal information with you.
Rather than requesting tax information from the parent or student in order to determine what we may disclose, we have included as part of the EA at UK online application process an optional signature document that your son or daughter may submit giving us permission to discuss at any time information relating to his or her Education Abroad program with any contact (Emergency or Financial) listed on his or her personal EA Homepage.
Returning from Education Abroad
Discussion Group! Education Abroad in Developing Countries
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Last modified 09/23/2008
