Parent FAQs

The University of Texas recognizes all credit obtained through programs that the Study Abroad Office facilitates. It is your responsibility to speak with your study abroad and academic advisor to learn how/if your credit will apply to your degree plan.

If a course has been previously evaluated, the SAO will know the equivalent UT course. Students complete a Foreign Course Approval Form (FCAF) prior to departure. For courses that have not been previously evaluated, students bring back their course descriptions and syllabus in order to facilitate transferring credit back to UT.

For Exchange and Faculty-Led programs, grades are calculated in the student’s UT GPA. Affiliated credit appears on the transcript but is not calculated in the UT GPA.

How does my son/daughter register?

Your son/daughter completes UT registration for their summer/semester abroad during the semester prior to departure. Students will either pay a $400 affiliated studies fee for affiliated programs or UT tuition for exchange/faculty-led programs.

How does my son/daughter set up the class schedule? Is it before leaving or after they arrive there?

Course registration procedures vary by program. Most students register for classes at their host institution once they have arrived in the host country.

How many classes are recommended?

During the fall and spring semesters, undergraduate students must take a “full load” of 12 hours at their host institution. For summer programs, undergraduate student must take 6 hours per session. Students taking fewer than 12 hours during the semester or 6 hours during a summer session are not eligible for financial aid.

Will my son/daughter have an orientation once he/she arrives?

Different host institutions provide varying levels of orientation, which may include topics such as course registration, housing, transportation, local acclimation and so on. Encourage your son/daughter to thoroughly review the host institution website to find out about specific orientation practices.

Will my son/daughter have enough time outside the classroom to get to know other things, such as cultural places?

Yes. Some programs even arrange excursions to visit local attractions.

Communication Abroad

How can we keep in touch with our student while he/she is abroad?

The best, most cost-efficient way to communicate will probably be via e-mail or an internet-based chat/talk program (e.g. IM, Skype). Most students will have cell phones, but using local calling cards will be cheaper. BEWARE: Making international calls from a cell phones can be extremely expensive!!! Note: your student knows your schedule better than you know theirs, it might be best to leave calling up to them, or determine a set day and time to talk regularly. Another way to communicate is via online social networking such as Myspace or Facebook.

Can my student send me collect calls from abroad?

Yes; however, your student must learn the local number to contact an operator.

How does the postal service work overseas?

You can mail internationally from the post office as well as UPS, FedEx and DHL. Correspondence is taken via air, and will cost more than domestic mail. Packages can get pricey to ship, but your student will be able to receive packages in their host country. Private companies are considered safer than regular mail. Mail often takes longer to arrive, so avoid sending packages right before your student returns to the U.S., as they may not receive them in time.

Will my student be able to communicate without having a firm grasp of the language?

Depending on your student’s willingness to learn and explore, he/she may have a very enjoyable time learning the culture and language of their host country. Many programs require students to enroll in a language course. Additionally, tutors and language exchange programs may be available. Advise your student to explore the language support networks of their program. Learning the language beforehand will help your student once they arrive. Language learning programs of all types are available at most bookstores and on the Internet.

Will he/she have an interpreter if the language is unfamiliar?

Some schools offer/require an intensive language course even before the regular orientation begins, but most institutions do not provide interpreters. For exchange programs that require advanced language proficiency, a language evaluation is required during the UT application process.

Finances

Will my student receive financial aid?

To be eligible for financial aid, your student must fill out a FAFSA. For all official UT study abroad programs, financial aid can be applied to the costs of the overseas programs. The UT Office of Student Financial Services will take into account the extra cost of studying abroad when calculating student aid packages for semesters abroad.

Are there special scholarships for UT students studying abroad?

Yes. All scholarships awarded through the SAO can be found on the Global Assist website. There are general scholarships that everyone is eligible for and specific scholarships for certain countries or types of students.

What does my student need to budget for?

Each program is a little different. In general the student pays for: program fees, tuition & books, airfare, local transportation, a cell phone, Internet, printing, room & board and personal expenses. We also advise students to have at least $500 set aside for emergencies.

How much will be spent in living expenses?

This varies greatly by country. Your student will be given country-specific information during their pre-departure sessions.

Are there any other costs?

Your son/daughter may need more money if he/she plans on traveling during weekends and/or breaks. Additional expenses may include university-specific fees, rent deposits, and emergency costs.

What is the exchange rate?

To see a daily exchange rate of the U.S. Dollar to other currencies, go to:
http://finance.yahoo.com/currency?u

How much cash should my student take?

ATMs can be found in most countries. A tourist guide for your country will give information on the location of ATMs and banks in most major cities (where most cash can be exchanged for local currency). It is recommended that, upon arrival in the host country, students withdraw or exchange at least $50 into local currency. The total amount a student will need for their stay varies greatly by country as well as lifestyle choices.

How does my son/daughter exchange money?

The easiest way to get money is to use an ATM card with a Visa or MasterCard logo. Money retrieved will be in local currency. Full-service banks in the US can also exchange money for some currencies. There are also money-exchanges in most international airports. Overseas, local banks will exchange money (particularly in tourist or downtown areas).

My son/daughter lost his/her debit card. What do I do?

Call the bank and have the debit card canceled. If you are on the account, have a new card issued. For immediate spending, your son/daughter should talk to their resident director (if available) about the potential of getting a loan. You may also send him/her money via the methods mentioned below.

What is the best way to send money to my son/daughter?

Electronic Fund Transfers (EFTs) or online banking transfers into your student’s U.S. account are the easiest and most secure ways to deliver money to your student abroad. He/she can then go to the ATM and take out cash. Wires are also commonly used (Western Union, etc.), but charge a fee for their services. Before departure, determine two or three ways that funds can be sent.

What are Traveler’s Checks and where can they be obtained/used?

Traveler’s checks take the place of cash, and offer an additional level of security because cash can be retrieved if the traveler’s checks are lost or stolen. Traveler’s checks receive mixed opinions from students abroad, because locations where the checks can be exchanged/spent are limited.

Health and Safety

Will UT contact me in the case of an emergency?

A Federal Law called FERPA limits the information the SAO at UT can release without prior written permission of the student. All students are required to list at least one stateside emergency contact. In the event of an emergency, we will contact the emergency contact listed by the student. Please be sure to speak with your student if you would like to be listed as this contact.

Does my son/daughter need to purchase international insurance?

Yes. The University of Texas at Austin recommends CISI insurance. It costs $33/month. Please note that many UT Faculty-Led and Affiliated Programs have insurance included in the program fees.

What does CISI cover?

CISI covers sickness and accidents at 100% while a student is outside the U.S. It also provides emergency medical reunion – if the student is hospitalized for more than six days, travel and hotel for one individual is covered up to $3000. It also covers medical evacuation/repatriation and the return of mortal remains.

Does my student need to keep his/her US insurance while abroad?

Yes. The above-mentioned (CISI) insurance only covers accidents/sickness while outside the U.S. Where there is a lapse in coverage, an injury incurred while abroad or current (ongoing) treatment may be considered a preexisting condition upon return.

What emergency services are available for my son/daughter?

The quality of medical services varies greatly by country. In order to provide an appropriate standard of medical care to all UT students traveling abroad, the UT System has contracted with International SOS, a word-wide crisis management service covering all students while abroad.

What does International SOS offer?

SOS is a global team of medical and security experts that are available via 24-hour call centers located around the world. Students can access a host of health and safety information. For example, an ill or injured student can call SOS collect to talk to a nurse, or find the nearest English-speaking doctor. SOS also monitors and advises on unstable political situations and severe weather conditions.

Do students need to register for SOS?

All students traveling abroad through the UT SAO are automatically covered by SOS; however, we recommend each student register his/her travel information and documents as well as create a medical file (visible only to doctors) as a safety precaution. By using the UT policy (number provided by advisor/program coordinator), your student can log on any time to activate/update his/her International SOS Emergency Record.

Should my student register with the local US Consulate? Why?

Yes, this can be done at no cost by visiting: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. This helps the local consulate serves your student in the event of a lost passport, crime, accident or illness. When an emergency happens, or if natural disaster, act of terrorism, or civil unrest strikes during foreign travel, the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate can be your student’s source of assistance and information. Please see: https://travelregistration.state.gov.

Why does my son/daughter have to get medical clearance?

All students are required to have medical clearance prior to studying abroad. This allows the SAO as well as onsite representatives to better prepare for possible incidents. Advanced preparation is critical, as certain treatment and medication are not as accessible in some countries as they are in the US.

My son/daughter is being treated for a medical condition. Can he/she study abroad?

In order to study abroad, student must get medical clearance from their treating medical practitioner and any specialists that they are seeing. Students should discuss implications of study abroad with their doctor(s).

My son/daughter is a student with a disability. Can he/she study abroad?

We encourage students with disabilities to study abroad. Mobility International has resources to help students with disabilities choose an appropriate program/location. In addition, students need to notify their SAO advisor/program coordinator of the accommodations they’ll need. This can be done via Services with Students with Disabilities if they prefer.

How can my son/daughter know if his/her condition can be treated abroad?

In addition to speaking with their doctor, please refer to the following organizations for additional information:

Does my son/daughter need any immunizations?

Immunization requirements and recommendations vary by country. The UT Immunizations Clinic at University Health Services specializes in international travel and can make suggestions. They also provide immunizations at discounted rates. See: http://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/education/travelhealth.html

Does my son/daughter need to take my medical records?

The best way to store medical records is an International SOS Emergency Record. This makes them available 24-7 from anywhere in the world. Once entered, only International SOS medical practitioners can view this information.

Holidays

Do terms and semesters vary between schools?

Just as schools in the U.S. have varying schedules, universities around the world work on different academic calendars. Most universities have fall, spring, and summer sessions. Your student will have to look at important dates when considering a program.

What does my son/daughter do when the school is on holiday?

Your son/daughter is free to travel during holidays or explore their host city. The dorms or apartments will still be open during these times.

When is the best time to visit my student?

Consider the local weather, prices and your academic schedule. It can be better have visitors towards the end of your stay, when you’re most comfortable with your host city.

Can my student travel before/after/during the program?

While students are free to travel in their free time, we recommend they reserve travel for the second half of their time abroad as well as after the program. They are more comfortable with the country and culture, thus making travel safer.

Is travel recommended?

Traveling while overseas is highly recommended and is quite safe, depending on the location of travel and travel companions. Encourage your student to travel in groups and stay in reputable hotels/hostels. Learn the specifics of their travel plans (when, where, what mode of transportation, with whom, which hotels).

Where can my student receive advice about travel?

Local students and other acquaintances can be great resources for travel tips and suggestions. Traveling with local students can provide a unique, non-touristy experience. This approach is also quite safe, as a local is fluent in the local language and familiar with the culture and norms.

Housing

Where do most students live? What is safest?

Most students live in either on-campus housing or in off-campus apartments. Some, particularly in language programs, live with host-families. It is safest to live on campus, or in housing provided by the school. If you choose to find your own housing, you can ask the local staff for advice.

Will my son/daughter have roommates in a dorm or in an apartment? How many?

This will vary. To have a private room is more expensive. Depending on the school, you may live with local students or with other international students. It depends on the school’s dorm availability and costs.

If I decide to visit my son/daughter, can I stay with him/her?

Most dorms and home-stays do not allow overnight guests. It is best to refer guests to a hotel.

Are items like bedding and computers provided or does my son/daughter need to take them?

Depending on the living situation, bedding/linens may need to be provided by the student along with most furnishings unless living in a dorm or furnished apartment. Computers may be accessed at internet cafés, libraries, etc. or you can bring your own.

Can my son/daughter take his/her favorite pet?

No pets.

Passport/Visas

Does my student need a passport?

Yes, your student will need a passport valid for more than six months after the program ends. Many countries also require a minimum of 4 blank pages.

Do I need a passport to visit my student?

Yes, you will need a passport to enter and exit both the U.S. and the foreign country. It is a good idea to get a passport even if you don’t intend on visiting your student. Without a passport, you cannot visit your student, even in the event of an emergency.

How does my student get a passport?

For the latest information, see the Department of State’s website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Where can he/she get a passport?

He/she can complete their passport application/renewal with the Passport Coordinator in the UT International Office (Wooldridge Hall - WOH) (http://www.utexas.edu/international/passport/) or at most post offices.

When should he/she apply for my passport?

You should apply for your passport upon acceptance to the program. The process can be lengthy.

Does my student need a visa?

For most countries, you will need a visa. Your SAO advisor or program coordinator will tell you if you need a visa.

How does he/she get a visa?

Questions about visas should be directed to the US-based foreign consulate. Documents that you might need for a visa could include, but are not limited to: proof of funds (bank statement and/or financial aid reward letter), proof of US university enrollment (from the UT registrar’s office), proof of enrollment in a foreign institution, proof of immunizations, local address.

Will the SAO help my student get a visa?

The SAO can issue proof of participation in a program as well as direct students to the proper consulate; however, we cannot advise students on the details of applying for a visas. This is because visas are issued by foreign governments whose requirements are constantly changing. The SAO simply cannot keep up with immigration laws for the eighty-some countries that we send students to.

My student's leaving in a week and his/her visa hasn’t come yet, can’t the SAO do something?

Unfortunately, the SAO does not have relationships with foreign governments to be able to intercede on behalf of the student.

Student Privacy

Will UT contact me in the case of an emergency?

If I contact the SAO regarding an issue abroad, will the SAO share that information?

The SAO is committed to acting in the best interest of the student. In the case of an emergency, (e.g. threatening), the SAO will seek the support of the UT Dean of Student Affairs as well as on-site support staff and health/safety providers, in order to provide relevant student information as is appropriate.

Can I contact the SAO on behalf of my student?

Communication with the SAO is the responsibility of the student. Because of FERPA regulations, SAO staff members are limited in what they can communicate to parents. Students are free (and encouraged) to share any and all information with their parents; however, SAO staff do not copy parents on e-mails sent to the student, even at the student’s request. Furthermore, in the best interest of the student, the SAO reserves the right to disclose to the student any information discussed with a parent.

Travel & Transportation

Who is responsible for making travel arrangements?

The students are responsible for arranging travel to and from their host country.

What documents are needed to travel abroad?

Students will need a passport valid for more than six months after program ends. Many countries also require a minimum of four blank pages. Depending on the country, duration and nature of travel, students may also need a visa.

Will someone be there to meet my student at the airport?

This varies by program. If the students’ program does not arrange for airport pick-up, students will be given directions on how to get to their housing/hotel.

What are the common means of transportation while abroad?

In much of the world, bus, train, metros and taxis provide frequent services. Use a guidebook to determine the safest and best ways to travel. Renting cars or purchasing mopeds overseas is not recommended. For longer stays (in some countries), purchasing a bike could be a good investment.