Before departure:

• Communicate your concerns and discuss ways you can stay in touch.
• Discuss your son/daughter’s goals for the study abroad program and what his/her expectations are.
• Share your e-mail address. Be aware, however, that your son/daughter may have limited access to the Internet.
• Discuss with your son/daughter how to handle financial needs as well as emergency funds. Credit cards and bank cash cards are the most helpful as they provide access to local currency at the best exchange rates, and are usually easily available.
• Locate a map and become familiar with where your son/daughter will be staying. This may help you feel more connected with your son/daughter and where he/she is staying.
• Purchase travel guides about the area your son/daughter is staying.

During the study abroad experience:

• Expect that your son/daughter will quickly rise to a new level of independence.
• During the first few weeks, your son/daughter may call or write about difficulties he/she is experiencing due to differences in culture and lifestyle. Allow him/her to express him/her self.
• Expect communication to dwindle as he/she becomes accustomed to his/her surroundings.
• Send mail as your son/daughter will appreciate receiving things from home.
• Suggest that your son/daughter send you a picture of his/her living space, as it will be comforting to you if you can picture the setting.
• On rare occasions, students have a difficult time adjusting. Be alert for signs that your son/daughter is not adjusting well, such as your son/daughter being excessively critical or that he/she is spending an extreme amount of time e-mailing or calling you. If you are concerned about your son/daughter’s health, safety, or well-being, please notify our office.

Upon re-entry:

• Your son/daughter will be excited about sharing his/her experiences for months to come. Be willing to talk about these experiences and to look at pictures and souvenirs. 
• Realize it is common for people to make many comparisons to American life after an international experience. He/she will refer back to his/her time abroad repeatedly. 
• It is normal for students to go through a period of mild depression after he/she returns. Be understanding and patient while he/she readjusts.
• Understand that an international experience often has a tremendous effect on people and that your son/daughter may have changed some and grown in many ways.