PARENTS: INTERNATIONAL FAQ

What financial support is available?

What if my child gets sick or injured while they are abroad?

What if there is an emergency?

What safety policies and procedures are followed on summer experiences?

When should my child start planning their international experience?

Will my child be safe?

Will my child’s scholarship(s) apply to the cost of international study?

Will study abroad be more expensive than studying in Ann Arbor?

Will study abroad put my child behind for graduation?

Will the credit transfer?

Will the program count for the International Experience requirement?

What financial support is available?

Some grants are available through A&D and your student should check with the Office of International Engagement. Study abroad will effect your child’s financial aid – depending on the program, they might qualify for more aid. Some aid, such as work-study awards will not apply during time abroad. Discuss the plans with your financial aid counselor for details.

What if my child gets sick or injured while they are abroad?

Most programs offer on-campus health care much as there is here in the US. The U of M has an outstanding travel insurance policy that is required for all students who do not already have insurance included as a part of their program. The cost is $1 per day and has an outstanding network of caregivers around the world, no deductible, and, in a worst case scenario, includes medical evacuation to the US. More details on this policy is available at: http://www.uhs.umich.edu/tai/.

What if there is an emergency?

UM maintains a travel registry of all traveling students and will work to facilitate aid in the event of health emergencies such as avian flu outbreak. You are encouraged to maintain a communication plan with your child in the event of other family or personal emergencies. You are welcome to contact the Office of International Engagement for assistance.

What safety policies and procedures are followed on summer experiences?

All A&D faculty and staff who lead summer experiences are trained in safety and emergency procedures. All students are required to purchase travel insurance through the UM travel plan. This excellent coverage includes regular doctor visits, prescriptions, an established network of caregivers around the world and medical evacuation. Your child should have a standard physical and dental exam prior to departure. Plan for any prescription medications ahead of time.

When should my child start planning their international experience?

As soon as possible! Allotting time in their schedules for foreign language study could start as early as first semester freshman year. Research on countries and programs can also begin during their first year. Students typically complete semester long study abroad programs during their Junior year, but they are eligible to participate in Summer programs in the first year. Applications for semester long study abroad are typically due the semester prior to departure.

Will my child be safe?

A&D counsels students on how to handle new cultural situations. Certainly, there are risks in traveling to any location – be it London or Chicago. Discussions with your child about navigating new situations and cultural settings will help them be mindful about risks they can and should avoid.

Will my child’s scholarship(s) apply to the cost of international study?

Possibly – depending on the scholarship and program your child enrolls in. UM based scholarships can apply for UM based international programs. Michigan based scholarships can apply for Michigan based international programs (MSU, EMU, etc.)

Will study abroad be more expensive than studying in Ann Arbor?

Depending on the program, the costs vary. Fees and living expenses in many parts of the world are less than those in Ann Arbor.

Will study abroad put my child behind for graduation?

With good planning, an international experience will not only keep your student on track, but also advance their development for their degree.

Will the credit transfer?

With good planning and pre-approval, credits can and will transfer, but this must be reviewed prior to travel.

Will the program count for the International Experience requirement?

Please read the requirement outlined on this website. With planning and communication, your student’s experience will indeed count and be of great benefit to them.