Frequently Asked Questions for Parents of Students Going Abroad
This opportunity will likely only present itself to your student during their university
time. Among the most cited benefits of studying abroad are:
Increased self-confidence and maturity
Enhanced interest in academic study
Improved problem-solving skills
Reinforced commitment to foreign language study
Enhanced understanding of one’s own cultural values and biases
New career direction and improved employability
As soon as possible! Ideally, students should begin planning at least one year in
advance and should have their applications ready to turn in at the beginning of the
semester prior to their time abroad.
Planning ahead can allow your student to maintain a four year graduation schedule.
Studying abroad is a very important investment and the global mindset it fosters is
certainly an asset for students entering the ever-more globalized job market. The
Office of Education Abroad even provides workshops and resources for returning students
to learn how to put these skills to use in their career or graduate program search.
Beyond our basic eligibility requirements, there is no one time frame that works best for all students. We encourage students
to begin thinking about studying abroad early so they may plan a time that's right
for their academic journey.
Students may study abroad for any desired length of time, ranging from one week to
an academic year.
Program options are unlimited. A student can take language immersion courses, major
specific courses, elective courses in English or a foreign language, or general education
courses in over 70 countries at over 250 universities worldwide.
Here is a helpful resource to research program options and destinations:
No, there are many English and non-English speaking countries where your students
may take courses in English. Many of the programs we offer host a variety of options
for students seeking an English based education system. However, studying abroad is
a very effective way to increase language proficiency if your student is interested
in learning a language.
All academic credits earned through approved programs will be transferred back to
Missouri State University upon receipt of a student’s transcripts from the host institution
abroad.
Faculty-Directed programs will transfer as letter grades. All other credits will transfer
as pass/fail and will transfer as GEN 000, or general education credits, unless the
student obtains course approvals.
Credits earned at a host institution will transfer to Missouri State University as
pass/fail and will thus not affect a student’s GPA as long as the participant receives
a passing grade. Exceptions to this are Faculty-Directed programs.
The academic environment will vary greatly depending on the host country. In many
countries, for example,
Textbooks may be optional
One class may meet every day for multiple hours
Attendance may not be required (though we still encourage it)
Course grades might be based on one exam
Depending on students’ preferences and their program, students may live in:
An on-campus residence
A shared apartment
A homestay with a local family
The Office of Education Abroad will help your student determine what options are available
for their program.
Admission requirements will vary for each host university. Some may have:
Language prerequisites
Course subject requirements
A higher GPA requirement than Education Abroad requires
We encourage you to review our Getting Started page with your student. We have resources to find program options and basic information
on searching and applying for programs.
Program costs vary greatly. Our budget planning worksheet in the student application
and the Education Abroad advisor will assist your student in financially planning
their time abroad.
Students who are studying abroad through approved programs are eligible to use their
Missouri State University scholarships and financial aid. Students must:
Meet Education Abroad eligibility requirements
Participate on an approved education abroad program
The frequency with which you contact your student will depend entirely on you and
your student’s preferences. Here are some communication methods to consider:
