Supporting Your Student
As a parent, family member, or member of a student's support network, it can be both exciting and scary for your student to study abroad. All employees in the Education Abroad Office share your goals of supporting and advocating for your student. If you have any questions about ETSU study abroad programs, policies, or procedures, please email studyabroad@etsu.edu.
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Why should my student study abroad?
Studying abroad has many benefits! These include:
- Experience and learn about another culture
- Travel the world
- Learn or improve language and communication skills
- Gain independence and adaptability
- Gain creative problem-solving skills
- Gain patience, perseverance, and resilience
- Get out of your comfort zone and try new things
- Build new relationships
- Have immersive learning experiences
- Earn academic credit
- Stand out on applications for jobs or grad school
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What is the timeline for studying abroad?
Specific timelines depend on the student's desired study abroad term, but it's never too early to start planning! A rough timeline includes the following steps:
- Step 1: Interest Session
- Interest sessions are held by term. For semester-long programs, they are usually held a year in advance. For short-term programs, interest sessions are usually held several months in advance.
- Attending an interest session is required for all programs except ETSU faculty-led programs.
- More information about our interest sessions can be found here
- Step 2: Reflect & Explore Program Options
- During this stage, students should reflect on their goals related to location, courses and academics, timing, funding, and eligibility requirements.
- Students may choose to meet with their academic advisor and financial aid advisor during this time.
- Students are required to meet at least once with their study abroad advisor after attending an interest session.
- Step 3: Apply
- All students are required to submit an application in the Bucs Abroad portal.
- While some deadlines may be flexible, others are very firm.
- Step 4: Predeparture
- After students are approved for their study abroad programs, they enter what we call the predeparture stage.
- During this stage, students will complete program requirements, apply for scholarships, complete required forms, determine transfer credit and financial aid eligibility, make travel arrangements, apply for a visa, etc.
- Step 5: Abroad
- Each student's study abroad experience will be unique, but all students will receive support from ETSU and their host university and/or study abroad program.
- Step 6: Return & Re-Entry
- When students return from their study abroad programs, they may take some time to adjust to being back home. ETSU will provide students with resources and support during this stage.
- Step 1: Interest Session
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How can I support my student before they go abroad?
Choosing to study abroad can be a huge decision. Your student may have questions about many important topics, like finances, safety, academics, health, and more. Familial support can be a very important factor in many students' decision-making process. To best support your student before they study abroad, please consider the following suggestions:
- Research
- Doing your own research may help you feel more secure. Some suggested topics to research
include:
- Host country history, culture, customs, laws, social/moral codes, dress, language, etc.
- Phrases in the local language
- Program information and literature
- Student study abroad testimonies
- Help your student find information, but allow them to do their own research too. Teach them the benefit of thinking ahead and analyzing what is best for them as an individual.
- While it's important that your student feel empowered to make their own decisions, don't be afraid to ask them questions about their program, the process, and any requirements.
- Doing your own research may help you feel more secure. Some suggested topics to research
include:
- Learn to let go
- Allowing your student to make their own decisions and take responsibility for their study abroad requirements can help them feel empowered.
- Give your student the information and resources they need to make informed decisions.
- Try not to complete requirements for them. After all, you won't be there with them when they are abroad.
- Be involved in the process
- Even though your student should do the bulk of the research and planning, you can still be involved!
- Discuss financial, social, and academic responsibility with your student and set expectations.
- Make sure your student knows their medical history, has necessary prescriptions, etc.
- Help your student book their flight, make travel plans, and pack.
- Make a communication plan
- Consider scheduling regular check-ins with your student while they are abroad.
- Understand which types of communication are available to your student.
- For example, students may use FaceTime, Zoom, phone calls, text, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook Messenger, email, etc.
- Set expectations for when and how often your student should check in with you while abroad.
- Understand that your communication plan may need to be altered once the student settles into their schedule abroad.
- Plan for emergencies
- While emergencies abroad are rare, it's important to be prepared.
- Sign up for travel alerts through the US Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
- Make a copy of your student's passport and other important documents to keep while they are abroad.
- Make sure you have a current passport. In the rare case of an emergency, having a current passport would allow you to travel to your student's host country, if needed.
- Research
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How can I support my student while they are abroad?
- Help them manage culture shock and homesickness
- It can take some time for students to adjust to their new surroundings. When students first arrive, things may be new, interesting, and exciting. As differences become apparent, your student may feel frustrated. This can lead to homesickness or helplessness. Most travelers will overcome this culture shock and learn to adapt to their host culture.
- Help your student determine if what they are experiencing is a temporary setback, as described above, or a serious mental health concern. Resources are available to help students seek mental health help abroad. Students can also return early from their study abroad programs, if desired.
- Sometimes some words of encouragement from a loved one are all that is needed to help a student overcome a bout of homesickness.
- Be flexible with communication
- Be clear about when you want to hear from them.
- Don't expect to hear from your student every day.
- Don't try to make your student feel bad for missing out on things at home or for not communicating.
- Avoid calling the program provider or ETSU unless it's an emergency.
- Usually, no news = good news!
- Keep emergency contact information handy
- Encourage students to resolve their own issues
- Let students experience the experience! They won't gain independence, adaptability, and more if you resolve every problem they face.
- Step in only when necessary.
- Send letters or a care package
- While international postage and shipping can be costly, having a piece of home can help students overcome homesickness.
- Some ideas for a care package are:
- Favorite candies or snacks not available in the host country
- Notes from friends and family
- Favorite brands of personal hygiene items not available in the host country
- Small decorations for their room
- Visit your student abroad
- You may choose to visit your student while they are abroad, but it's important to do it the right way!
- Remember that your student still has responsibilities like homework, classes, projects, exams, etc.
- Visit at a time that is convenient for your student. Avoid visiting during busy times like finals week, or during times of adjustment, like at the beginning of the program.
- The more time you spend with your student, the less time they are immersed in the host culture, and the less time they have to spend with their new friends.
- Depending on timing and visa requirements, a better time to visit your student may be after their study abroad program ends. This way, they can focus all their attention on you!
- Help them manage culture shock and homesickness
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How can I support my student after they return home?
- Help your student cope with reverse culture shock
- Many students think that returning home will be easy and will not require an adjustment period, but this is not the case.
- Reverse culture shock refers to the psychological and emotional issues that students may face after returning home from their study abroad programs.
- Your student may be tired and emotional. Give them time and space to adjust and be patient.
- Help students reconnect with their home community, while encouraging them to seek opportunities to continue engaging with their host culture.
- Do something special to welcome them home
- Meet them at the airport with flowers, balloons, cards, etc.
- Cook their favorite meal or take them out to eat at their favorite restaurant.
- Ask them what they missed most about being home.
- Invite them to share about their experience
- Ask them questions.
- Look at their photos.
- Listen to their stories.
- Encourage them to keep in touch with the people they met abroad.
- Acknowledge the importance of the experience. Do not attempt to diminish it or ask them to move on.
- Learn who they are now and how they have changed.
- Help them reflect on how they grew while abroad.
- Ultimately, do what is best for your student and their unique needs.
- Help your student cope with reverse culture shock
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Is it safe to study abroad?
In the Education Abroad Office, student health and safety is our top priority. If you have any questions about specific safety concerns, please email studyabroad@etsu.edu.
Program Vetting & Review
Each program approved by ETSU undergoes a risk assessment process led by ETSU and/or our partner organizations and universities. In general, programs offered by our partner organizations and universities are endorsed. However, there may be exceptions and ETSU may withdraw approval for an endorsed program at any time.
During our program review process, the following categories are considered:
- Personal security and crime risks, including both petty crime and serious crime
- Gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and assault risks
- Terrorism and kidnapping risks
- Potential for social unrest and related risks
- Level of (non)supportiveness of local law enforcement in handling crimes against or committed by international students
- Risks related to cultural differences and awareness
- Potential environmental risks related to weather or natural events
- Locations near the program site(s) that are considered unsafe
- Potential public health risks
- Risk of food- or water-borne diseases
- Risks for people with food or environmental allergies
- Factors that may affect mental health
- Access to emergency, routine, and specialist medical care
- Covid-19 requirements or restrictions for entry
- Access to Covid-19 testing, quarantine, and care
- Housing types and security measures
- Transportation types and security measures
- Program activities
- Minimum fitness levels
- Alcohol or legal substance consumption
- Risks related to health status or health conditions, disability status, or personal characteristics
International SOS
International SOS is a health & safety service firm and a leader in international risk management. Their Assistance Centres are available 24/7 for health, security, or travel advice, including lost documents, referral to local medical providers, and assistance during critical health incidents or emergencies.
ISOS can work directly with ETSU's international insurance provider to pre-approve medical expenses that cost over a certain amount and to help file claims.
ISOS offers a mobile app that makes it easier to plan travel, use their services, and receive real-time notifications of potential health and safety hazards in your area and information about how to stay safe. All students participating in education abroad programs are required to register their travel information in the app. An ETSU email address and password is required to log in to the app.
Insurance
Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) offers comprehensive international travel, medical, and security insurance. It is valid for nearly any international destination. All students studying abroad through ETSU are required to enroll in ETSU's CISI insurance plan, regardless of other insurance coverage.
Coverage includes: medical expenses for accidents and illness; trip cancellation, delay, interruption, and lost bags; security & medical evacuation.
Coverage does NOT include: routine medical, dental, or vision care; treatments that are not medically necessary; injuries due to mountaineering where ropes or guides are normally used, hang gliding, parachuting, parasailing, bungee jumping, racing by horse, motor vehicle, or motorcycle.
Predeparture Meetings & Forms
All students attending ETSU-approved education abroad programs are required to attend predeparture meetings led by their ETSU study abroad advisor, their program/university abroad, and/or their ETSU faculty leader. Health and safety requirements and recommendations are covered during these meetings.
All students complete two predeparture forms that ask for travel information, passport number, medical history (optional), and more. Information added to these forms is used only as needed for predeparture advising and/or in the event of an emergency. Information added to these forms is never used to determine a student's eligibility for studying abroad.
Individualized Advising
All study abroad students can schedule a meeting with their ETSU study abroad advisor to discuss specific health and safety concerns. ETSU advisor salaries are not tied to student numbers; we will advise students not to attend a particular program or visit certain locations if we believe it is not in their best interest.
Data
According to the 2023-2024 Student Risk Report published by the Forum on Education Abroad:
- There were 134,783 study abroad students included in the report. 2,438 incidents were reported in 2023-2024.
- To date, the incident rate for programs participating in the project is 1.8%. That is, about 1 in 56 students in the dataset experienced and reported an incident between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024.
- The most commonly reported incidents were:
- Property Loss, including theft, loss, robbery, or burglary (48% of all incidents)
- The vast majority of Property Loss incidents were in the Theft/Loss category (no force or threat of force)
- Physical Illness (18% of all incidents)
- Mental Health Crisis, a mental health event serious enough that it involved emergency department support, suicide risk and/or report of mental health distress that results in death, program departure, or hospitalization (9% of all incidents)
- Property Loss, including theft, loss, robbery, or burglary (48% of all incidents)
- In 2024, 89% of incidents reported resulted in students returning to program, suggesting that incidents are responded to in such a a way that generally allows students to cope or recover and still pursue their educational programming after the incident.
- In 2024, 5.3% of all reported incidents resulted in program withdrawal or dismissal. Mental health distress incidents were the most likely incident type to result in program withdrawal. (75% of students who experienced a crisis in 2024 withdrew from their programs after the incident.)
- 16% of incidents reported in 2024 led to a student being hospitalized. 77% of these students continued their education abroad programs after the incident.
- One (1) incident during the reporting period resulted in a student death.
- There were twelve (12) program disruptions reported between January 1, 2023 and December
31, 2024.
- Six (6) were described as natural disasters.
- Three (3) were described as being caused by civil unrest.
- Two (2) were described as a vehicular crash.
- One (1) was a fire which occurred in a student homestay but did not result in any student injuries. The student was relocated to another home.
- All but one of these program disruptions were followed by a return to program, though a note was provided to indicate that in one case, the program was relocated to another country in order to resume operations following disruption due to civil unrest.
Conclusions
Ultimately, no location is 100% safe, including Johnson City. The Education Abroad Office takes a proactive approach to health and safety, but we offer ample resources to students who do experience health and safety issues while abroad. No matter what, we are your allies in supporting and advocating for your student.
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What should I do if my student experiences an emergency abroad?
- First, ask yourself, is this an emergency? Examples of emergencies include:
- Serious illness or injury
- Mental health crisis
- Missing student
- Crime committed against the student
- Student arrest
- Serious financial distress
- Denial or revocation of entry to a country
- Large scale events, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, transportation accidents, etc.
- If possible, contact your student directly
- Determine if they are affected or could be affected without action.
- Ask if they would like your help or if they would prefer to handle the emergency on their own.
- If it is not possible to contact your student directly or if you have not been able
to make contact:
- Contact the ETSU Education Abroad Office or your student's host university, program, or program representative.
- We may not legally be able to share specific details, depending on the situation and if you have been listed as the student's emergency contact, but rest assured that we respond swiftly to all student health and safety concerns.
- First, ask yourself, is this an emergency? Examples of emergencies include:
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How much does it really cost to study abroad?
The total cost of a study abroad program will depend on the following factors:
- Program length
- In general, longer programs are more expensive than shorter programs, but longer programs may open up more eligibility for financial aid and scholarships.
- Program location and cost of living in that location
- In general, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand are more expensive.
- In general, Eastern Europe, Central & South America, and some locations in Asia are less expensive.
- Cost of living calculators can help estimate costs for things like transportation, meals, etc.
- Program type
- In general, programs available through our partner universities are cheaper than studying abroad through a provider organization.
- Programs that allow students to pay ETSU tuition may open up more eligibility for financial aid and scholarships.
- Included program activities
- Some activities and experiences are simply more expensive than others.
- High-cost activities can include overnight excursions, private transportation, adventure activities, etc.
- Low-cost activities can include hikes, walking tours, museum visits, etc.
- Passport & visa costs
- The cost of applying for a U.S. passport is determined by the U.S. Department of State.
- If a visa is required, costs may vary widely depending on the program location. Some countries may require students to travel to the nearest embassy or consulate for an in-person appointment.
- Available financial aid & scholarships
- Financial aid awards depend on your student's aid package, course schedule, and number of credit hours.
- More information about financial aid and scholarships can be found here.
- Program length
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Can I meet with my student's ETSU study abroad advisor?
Because the Education Abroad Office is a student-facing office, all of our communication will be with the students themselves. We encourage students to keep their parents and families abreast with any information.
Families are always welcome to attend any of our events that are open to the public, including the Study Abroad Fair and interest sessions. If you would like to attend an advising appointment with your student, please have your student let their study abroad advisor know ahead of time that a family member will be present.
We are bound by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which means we cannot share information about student academic, financial, or enrollment data with parents and families. This means that, depending on the topic, we may only be able to give parents and families general information instead of information specific to your student. We know that this may be frustrating, but allowing students to take the lead in navigating the study abroad process can be a great opportunity for student growth and development.
You are always welcome to email studyabroad@etsu.edu with any questions.