Why should students study abroad?
Students who study abroad will gain a new perspective on the world and develop skills that cannot be acquired while at home in one’s comfort zone. Students are able to learn more about themselves in the short time spent abroad than in many years at home. While abroad, new strengths will be found from overcoming the challenges of living in a new culture and speaking a new language. Studying abroad provides an opportunity to break out of a routine, find excitement, and gain new skills. As a result, employment prospects are enhanced and more developed. Finally, the value of the student's degree increases and becomes more meaningful to those who travel abroad.
When should students start planning to study abroad?
It is never too early to start planning! The Office of Study Abroad (OSA) recommends that students begin planning their study abroad approximately six to nine months before studying abroad. However, OSA can work with students individually to develop a time frame that works best for each student.
When a student studies abroad does he/she remain a student at MSU?
All students who study abroad through Mississippi State University will maintain their student status while participating in all study abroad programs. Students will be enrolled in a Placeholder Course that indicates they are abroad for the semester. Once we receive the student’s transcript from their program, the Placeholder Course will be removed and the academic courses will be input. This placeholder course will allow students to maintain their fulltime enrollment status for scholarships, financial aid, and insurance purposes.
Can students receive academic credit for studying abroad?
Students can receive course credit while participating in all MSU affiliated study abroad programs, which can be transferred and applied to their MSU degree. OSA is not an academic unit and therefor is unable to provide guidance on credit transfer. Students will need to meet with their academic advisor to discuss degree applicability. Once courses are identified, the student will complete a Course Approval Form, ensuring credit transfer prior to studying abroad.
How can parents help their student have a great experience abroad?
The simple fact that you are already interested in your student’s experience will be beneficial to your student. Learn as much as you can about the culture and places that your student will be living and visiting and encourage your son or daughter to do the same. Stay informed and encourage your student to complete all the steps necessary to study abroad, but remember to step back and accept that your student must complete these steps, not you. If your student is not organized and prepared enough to complete the application materials, then he or she probably is not ready to study abroad. Also, remember that your student may experience culture shock upon arrival to a new country and reentry shock upon return home. Research the potential emotional roller coaster that your student might be going through during his or her study abroad experience.
Are there scholarships or financial aid available?
An MSU degree-seeking student who participates in an MSU affiliated study abroad program is eligible to apply for Financial Aid to help cover the required costs. Each program is handled on an individual program and student basis, and most costs associated with the study abroad program can typically be taken into consideration when determining Financial Aid eligibility. For more information refer to the Scholarships & Financial Aid page. The amount of aid received for study abroad is dependent upon the individual student’s eligibility at the time of application. Students who wish to receive Financial Aid to help pay for an MSU study abroad program should contact Student Financial Aid to discuss options and availability. A student planning to participate in a study abroad program through an organization or school that has no affiliation agreement in place with MSU is not eligible to receive Financial Aid through MSU for the program. For additional information, please visit Student Financial Aid. Some MSU Colleges and Departments have study abroad scholarships available for students of that college to apply for. The Office of Study Abroad encourages you to check with academic college and/or department to see about study abroad scholarship opportunities. Generally, scholarships range from $250- $2,000 per student, but award amounts vary by college, department, and funding. National and program-specific scholarship may also be available. Research applicable scholarships and apply for those in which you are eligible.
Why are students required to purchase additional health insurance?
Mississippi State University requires that ALL students studying abroad purchase sufficient health insurance for their stay abroad. This inexpensive insurance is designed to assist with specific needs that can develop while in another country. Even if you already have health insurance, additional coverage is important to cover situations that may not be covered by a domestic carrier. Mississippi State University requires all students studying abroad to obtain insurance coverage that (at the minimum) meets the following: Accident coverage: This coverage should be at least $50,000 Health/Illness coverage: If you have a chronic condition, be sure to check on coverage for pre-existing conditions. Coverage should be sufficient to cover an extended hospital stay. This coverage should be at least $50,000 Repatriation: In the event of death, this benefit pays for remains to be transported home. This coverage should be at least $50,000 Emergency Evacuation: This benefit pays for you to be airlifted in a medically equipped critical care, helicopter or plane to the closest medical facility that is equipped to handle your care. This coverage should be at least $125,000 All faculty-led programs include this cost in the program fee and most provider company programs, such as AIFS, API, CEA, ISA, Semester at Sea and SIT, provide sufficient coverage. Other affiliated programs, including exchange and direct-enroll programs, do not always include sufficient health insurance in their program fee. Students studying abroad with these programs may need to purchase additional coverage.
How can parents communicate with their student while abroad?
Before your student goes abroad, set appropriate guidelines as to when and how you should communicate. Review all of the contact information that your student has received (address, phone number, program office, etc.). Understand that your student may not be able to contact you immediately upon arrival. It may take several hours or more than a day to reach his/her host city and to get settled enough to call or email you. Be patient. Your student will be dealing with all sorts of new circumstances. Email and online services (such as Skype and FaceTime) make communicating increasingly easier and cheaper than ever. If your student has access to Internet, you may chat freely at no cost to either of you. If your student purchases or rents a phone while abroad, you will be able to reach him or her at a moment’s notice. Remember to watch out for high phone bills if you plan to rely on this form of communication. If your student intends to travel with a U.S. smart phone, there are many free or inexpensive apps that can be used with a WiFi connection to call, text, or voice message friends and family in the U.S. These apps include, but are not limited to, HeyTell, Skype, Viber, Voxer, and WhatsApp. Don’t expect to speak as frequently as you may speak when your student is stateside. You may be facing a time difference that could require you to set up appointments to speak with each other. Adequate expectations regarding communication will help to ease the transition. Your student will also be traveling within his or her host country and may not have a routine schedule. If your student does not respond to your email immediately, do not assume that there is a problem.
Can parents visit their students?
Absolutely! Visiting your student can be an exciting role reversal for both of you to enjoy together. Your student will be eager to serve as your guide and to show off his or her new culture and language skills. However, it is important that you do not disrupt your student’s routine while abroad. After all, your student is studying abroad. Make sure that your student does not have prior commitments or upcoming exams before you purchase your flight. Your student should not be expected to skip classes in order to be your tour guide. Also, depending on accommodations, it may not be possible for you to stay with your student in his or her residence. Consider visiting your student during a holiday break or after the program is over. We do not recommend that you fly over with your student. Allow your student to take the first step alone, as it helps to set the tone for their entire stay!
Why do parents need a passport if they are not planning to visit their student abroad?
We recommend that at least one parent have a passport in case your student becomes sick or injured while abroad. If you do not have a passport, you will not be able to leave the country to visit your student. To look into this process, please visit The U.S. Department of State’s website.
What happens if there is an emergency?
If your student contacts you during a potential emergency, remind him or her that the on-site staff is the best resource. Whether your student is ill, has been harmed, or was a victim of theft, the on-site staff has the resources and know-how to handle this situation far better than anyone stateside. The on-site staff will work to help your student immediately and will contact the Office of Study Abroad at Mississippi State University at the appropriate juncture. As a parent, you will be your student’s emotional contact when times are tough (and they will be tough at some point if your student is abroad for an extended period of time). If you feel that your student’s distress is caused by something more than culture shock and normal issues with adjusting, have your student call or email the Office of Study Abroad to let us know what is happening. We can make contact with on-site staff and your student if necessary to try to resolve the problem. Our primary concern is your student’s safety. If a crisis or natural disaster develops while your student is abroad we will work with on-site staff to locate your student and contact the U.S. Embassy if necessary. We collect each student’s emergency contact information prior to departure and will contact you with all updates related to your student’s wellbeing. If there is a study abroad emergency after business hours or on the weekend, please call the University Police at 662.325.2121. They can put you in contact with the Office of Study Abroad or an appropriate school official.