Preparing Your Student to Go Abroad
Preparing your student for studying abroad requires a careful balance between being overly involved and not involved enough To assist with this process, we provide essential information during pre-departure orientation, through emails, one-on-one advising sessions, and via the FreemanAbroad account Each student receives a comprehensive study abroad handbook at orientation, outlining crucial steps for their preparation This information is also shared with parents and guardians to ensure they are informed and can effectively support their students in the pre-departure preparations.
All travel outside of the U.S requires a passport If a student does not have a passport, they will need to apply for one as soon as possible
Students should verify the expiration date of their passports, as many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the return date to the United States.
The processing time for a passport application can take four to six weeks, so students are encouraged to plan ahead
For U.S citizens seeking to apply for or renew a passport, it is recommended to visit the U.S State Department's website at [http://travel.state.gov/passport](http://travel.state.gov/passport) for comprehensive information and access to the passport application.
For non-U.S citizens: To obtain or renew a passport, students should check with their local embassy or consulate
During the pre-departure orientation, Study Abroad & Exchange emphasizes the importance of passports as the most crucial document for students traveling outside the United States Students should always know the location of their passport and are encouraged to make multiple copies of the photo and signature pages, storing these copies separately from their luggage While it's generally not required to carry passports at all times in most countries, students are strongly advised to keep their passports in a secure location, such as a locked apartment, dormitory, hotel room, or hostel.
Students planning to study abroad for over 90 days typically require a visa In most instances, it is essential for students to secure their student visas in the U.S before departing for their destination.
Visas are issued exclusively by the consulates or embassies of the host country, each having its own immigration and visa policies For detailed information on the visa application process, students can refer to the program brochure at https://freemanabroad.tulane.edu and attend pre-departure orientation sessions This information is compiled by Study Abroad & Exchange using the latest updates from relevant immigration authorities It is important to note that only foreign governments can grant visas, and Study Abroad & Exchange does not influence visa issuance or immigration policies Students are encouraged to directly contact their respective consulates or embassies for assistance.
11 country to which they are traveling or visit the embassy or consulate’s website for more information
Students should plan ahead for their visa applications, as processing can take three to four months It's crucial to research visa processing times at the relevant consulate or embassy and to schedule appointments as soon as they are accepted into a program Even if a letter of acceptance or proof of accommodations is required, students should not delay scheduling their appointment, since slots can fill up weeks or months in advance.
Visa requirements vary depending on a student’s nationality, host country, length of stay, and the embassy or consulate that processes their application
A valid passport with a sufficient number of blank pages is needed prior to applying for a visa
Many consulates and embassies mandate that student visa applicants apply in person, often requiring them to visit the consulate or embassy corresponding to their permanent address For instance, New York residents typically need to go to New York City or Washington D.C., while those from Louisiana usually travel to Houston Tulane students with permanent addresses outside Louisiana may also apply for their student visas at the Houston consulate if they cannot reach another location It is advisable for students to contact their host country’s consulate in Houston for further details.
Proof of Financial Support for Visa
When supporting a student financially while they study abroad, some embassies or consulates may require proof of financial support from parents or guardians It's essential for students to communicate their specific needs regarding this documentation Notably, countries like Denmark, Italy, and Switzerland mandate that financial proof must be in the student's name, as they do not accept parental financial support documentation.
To support a student visa application, consulates may accept financial support documentation from a parent, which usually includes three months of bank statements, a copy of your ID, and an original notarized letter of financial support Below is a sample letter that you can customize for this purpose.
Consulate General of (Country Name)
To Whom It May Concern:
I certify that I am the (father/mother/legal guardian/other) of (student name) and will provide a monthly allowance of at least (amount) during (his/her) stay in (country name) Additionally, I take full financial responsibility for any emergencies that may occur.
If you have any questions concerning this matter, please call me at (home/cell phone) or e-mail me at (email address)
Several countries mandate that students provide evidence of a monthly allowance of at least $1,000 while studying abroad, with some nations like Australia and Switzerland imposing higher requirements This financial stipulation may not necessarily align with the actual needs of the student during their time overseas.
Health and Travel Insurance Policy: GeoBlue Worldwide
Students participating in a Tulane-approved study abroad program are automatically enrolled in a comprehensive health and travel insurance plan provided by GeoBlue Worldwide, ensuring coverage throughout their time abroad This insurance plan offers essential benefits and services tailored to support students during their international experience.
Medical, political/security, and natural disaster evacuation
For comprehensive details on GeoBlue Worldwide, including benefits, limitations, and exclusions, visit www.GeoBluestudents.com It's essential for students to log in to GeoBlue Worldwide and print their insurance card prior to departure.
Parents/guardians can create a parent/guardian account on www.GeoBluestudents.com
Parents/guardians will need their student's certificate number to create an account on the
GeoBlue website After registering for an account, a parent/guardian can access the following tools and information:
When traveling to a new destination, it's essential to stay informed about various factors that could impact your health and safety This includes receiving timely news alerts, understanding the security profile of the country, and accessing a health atlas that provides vital information Additionally, having a list of local doctors, hospitals, and clinics is crucial, along with knowledge of vaccination requirements and potential health risks For assistance, GeoBlue customer service contact information should be readily available Travelers can also benefit from searching for drug equivalents available in the destination country and translating medical terms and phrases into the local language to ensure effective communication.
Search for doctors, hospitals and mental health professionals
Learn more about direct pay to avoid claims
Cultural Adjustment
Experiencing "culture shock" while studying abroad is a common phenomenon, involving the adaptation to new social, economic, and educational environments, as well as unfamiliar foods, climates, and languages Although this adjustment process can be difficult, it ultimately enhances problem-solving and communication skills, fosters flexibility, and encourages initiative in students.
Many students embark on their journey abroad filled with excitement and high expectations, often experiencing an initial euphoria where new experiences and similarities among people captivate them This phase, characterized by intrigue and positivity, can last from a few days to a few weeks, but it is often fleeting.
Irritation and hostility, commonly known as culture shock, occur when students shift their focus from similarities to the overwhelming differences in their new environment This phenomenon often magnifies specific cultural discrepancies, leading to heightened discomfort For many Americans, issues such as cleanliness standards, attitudes toward punctuality, and the perceived value of human life become particularly pronounced during this adjustment period.
Loss of the ability to work effectively
During the adjustment phase, students often face acute distress and may attribute their struggles to the host culture, a common aspect of cross-cultural encounters While not everyone experiences severe culture shock or all its symptoms, some navigate this transition with relative ease, encountering serious reactions only occasionally Conversely, if a student never feels uncomfortable, they might be overly isolating themselves from the host culture.
Gradual adjustment to a new culture often occurs so subtly that the student may not immediately recognize the changes As she starts to understand and interpret cultural cues, the environment will begin to feel more familiar, leading to increased comfort and a reduced sense of isolation.
Cultural adaptation enables individuals to navigate and thrive in two distinct cultures with confidence Upon returning home, students often exhibit various customs, communication styles, and personal attitudes they embraced during their time abroad.
How to Help Your Student Abroad
Allowing your student to take charge of their study abroad journey can be challenging for parents and guardians It's essential to step back and let them make decisions and take responsibility for preparations before and during their time abroad While your support, advice, and assistance are crucial, the primary responsibility for the experience lies with the student.
Staying engaged in your student's study abroad journey is possible without making decisions for them Numerous online resources provide valuable information about studying abroad and specific countries By researching the destination's culture, current events, and health and safety, both you and your student can gain a deeper understanding This knowledge will help alleviate concerns and foster confidence in their experience abroad.
When your student is abroad, they are likely to experience culture shock and homesickness shortly after arrival It's important to remember that they may share more about their struggles than their positive experiences, so not every day will be a good day This is a common part of adjusting to life in a foreign country, and patience is key as they integrate into the new culture Students have access to a support system of international program staff who are familiar with local customs and can provide assistance In most cases, challenges will resolve over time, but if you have concerns, encourage your student to seek help from these resources.
32 their international office at their host university about the problem If the problem persists, the student may wish to contact Study Abroad & Exchange for guidance and/or support
The following situations and suggested parent responses are taken from NAFSA's guide What
Parents Need to Know: A Parents’ Guide to Education Abroad
How can parents recognize, and best help their children deal with, the symptoms of culture shock?
Culture shock often goes unrecognized by students, who tend to attribute their discomfort to external factors such as the host country, their academic program, local teachers, program advisers, roommates, and even the local cuisine and customs.
Culture shock can be particularly overwhelming for children facing a foreign language alongside various cultural differences, often leading to feelings of frustration or a desire to avoid the language altogether This reaction is a normal aspect of adapting to a new culture and language It’s important to listen empathetically and reassure them that such feelings are common Often, a good night's sleep or a more positive day can significantly alleviate these challenges.
Studying abroad can lead to feelings of regret as your child may question their decision, longing for familiar loved ones and activities they left behind These sentiments often stem from the discomfort of adapting to a new environment with different cultural values and expectations The absence of a familiar support system can heighten these challenges, yet overcoming them fosters independence, self-confidence, and maturity Ultimately, navigating these cultural differences is a crucial aspect of a rewarding study abroad experience.
When parents receive complaints from their child studying abroad, it can be challenging to discern the nature of the issues being reported It's essential to assess whether the complaints stem from cultural adjustment, unreasonable expectations, or genuine concerns that may require intervention There is no universal solution for every situation, but understanding the typical challenges of cultural adaptation can help parents differentiate between normal ups and downs and more serious problems that should be addressed with on-site support staff.
"Wait and see" echoes the sentiment of a classic 1960s song, where a homesick child at summer camp expresses his disdain for the experience in heartfelt letters to his parents, pleading for them to bring him home.
In the song's conclusion, the sun shines brightly as "guys are swimmin' and guys are sailin'," prompting parents to ignore the letter This shift in tone emphasizes a carefree, joyous atmosphere, contrasting with the earlier urgency to bring him home.
Returning Home Re-Entry Shock
When students return to the United States after studying abroad, parents often feel relief and happiness, but students may experience mixed emotions, including excitement and sadness This transition can lead to "reverse culture shock," a period where they struggle to readjust to their old lives after feeling at home in another country The duration and intensity of this adjustment vary greatly among students, making it unpredictable how their experiences will impact them Studying abroad inherently changes students, often resulting in increased maturity and confidence, while some may return with new values Ultimately, your student is likely to come back as a different person than the one you sent away, navigating through four distinct stages of reverse culture shock.
Disengagement often starts before a student departs from their host country, as they begin to say farewell to friends and the place they have called home The chaotic atmosphere of finals, farewell parties, and packing can amplify feelings of sadness and frustration Students may already feel a sense of loss for the friendships they've formed and may be hesitant to leave.
Initial euphoria often kicks in just before departure, characterized by excitement and anticipation among students as they reconnect with family and friends However, this phase quickly fades when they realize that others may not share the same enthusiasm for their abroad experiences, leading to a sense of disappointment as they find people growing weary of their stories and photos.
Irritability and hostility can emerge more rapidly than during a student's initial overseas experience They may grapple with feelings of frustration, anger, alienation, loneliness, and disorientation, often without understanding the underlying reasons This emotional turmoil can lead to increased irritability and criticism towards others and American culture, as well as a diminished sense of independence Ultimately, they may feel like a "stranger" in their own country.
Readjusting to life at home after studying abroad involves a gradual process where familiar surroundings may feel different due to the new attitudes, beliefs, and habits your student has developed While things may start to feel normal again, it's essential to embrace the positive aspects of their international experience and integrate these insights into their personal and professional goals.
Here are just a few areas to which your student may experience difficulties in readjusting:
Relationships with family and friends, including boyfriends or girlfriends
Returning to Tulane and their regular "routine"
Incorporating personal growth and changes into life in the U.S
Keeping alive their friendships and other connections made while studying abroad
Many parents find the re-entry phase of their student's study abroad experience to be the most challenging To assist families in navigating this transition, the School for International Training offers a valuable guide titled "Surviving Re-Entry: A Readjustment Manual," which can be downloaded at http://www.worldlearning.org/SSA_other_documents/parent_reentry_handbook.pdf Here are some helpful tips for supporting your student during this critical adjustment period.
Expect your student to have a period of transition upon return, sometimes as long as the period he or she was abroad
Consult Study Abroad & Exchange’s information for students on reverse culture shock Copies of the student re-entry handbook can be sent to parents/guardians upon request
Maintain your enthusiasm for your student's experience even after they return home, as they often struggle with friends and family losing interest in their journey.
Support their ongoing engagement with the international education community at Tulane, as many returnees often pursue opportunities abroad again, whether through internships, full-time positions, or significant scholarships.
Contact Study Abroad & Exchange if you have additional concerns about your child's readjustment from studying abroad
We invite students to share their experiences from studying abroad by completing a program evaluation shortly after their return We encourage thorough and honest feedback, as it plays a crucial role in upholding the highest standards for our study abroad programs Your insights not only help us improve but also assist future participants in preparing for their own international journeys.
Before departing for the program, students must submit a completed learning agreement, which remains subject to change If students alter their class schedules, they should seek approval from Study Abroad & Exchange and their BSM Academic Counselor for the new courses It is the responsibility of the students to contact these advisors before adding, dropping, or changing any courses.
Upon receiving the transcript, we will reach out to the registrar's office to request credit for the classes approved in the learning agreement All classes taken abroad will receive letter grades; however, these grades will not contribute to the Tulane GPA.
Tulane works with World Education Services (WES) for credit evaluation and grade conversion
To access WES grade conversion tables, please visit the host university brochure page online at http://freemanabroad.tulane.edu/
Students are advised to keep all notes, exams, syllabi, handouts, and materials from their study abroad courses, as these documents may be required to assess course equivalencies, credit transfers, or the duration of their coursework.
Students must adhere to the academic policies set by their host institutions, including grading standards, exam schedules, and performance expectations It is their responsibility to meet these requirements and to follow the host university's procedures regarding grades and credits Tulane University cannot intervene in the evaluation made by another instructor or the policies of another institution Any inquiries or concerns regarding grades obtained while studying abroad should be addressed directly to the host university.
Transferring grades, classes, and credits earned during an exchange semester typically takes about three-quarters of the following semester However, students with unique circumstances may experience longer processing times.
If your student has any questions about the course approval and credit transfer process, please encourage them to contact us
Career Development and Study Abroad
Students can leverage their cross-cultural adaptation skills and language proficiency gained from studying abroad in various ways This experience fosters essential qualities such as responsibility, sensitivity, flexibility, independence, and openness to new ideas, all of which are highly valued by future employers It is advisable for students returning from study abroad to consult with a career counselor at the Career Management Center (CMC) to effectively integrate their international experience into their resume and cover letter, as well as to prepare for job interviews For further details on the services offered by the CMC, students can visit their website at [http://www.freeman.tulane.edu/career-center](http://www.freeman.tulane.edu/career-center).