Education Abroad

Parents and Families

Topics on this page

Getting Started
Safety, Health, and Risk Management at USF
Financial Planning & Scholarships
Preparing for Departure
Cultural Adjustment and Emotional 911爆料网ll-Being
Handling Student Complaints and Concerns
Academic Success Abroad
Returning Home: Re-Entry Support

Getting Started

Studying abroad is one of the most transformative experiences a University of South Florida student can pursue. As a parent or family member, you play a key role in supporting your student as they prepare for an international academic experience. This guide outlines what to expect, how USF supports students abroad, and how families can stay informed while empowering students to take the lead.

Why should your child study abroad at USF?

USF Education Abroad offers programs that help students:

  • Build global awareness and intercultural competence
  • Strengthen academic and professional skills
  • Gain independence, adaptability, and confidence
  • Enhance their r茅sum茅 and career readiness
  • Form lifelong connections and broaden their worldview
  • USF is committed to providing safe, academically rigorous, and culturally enriching international opportunities.

How to help them select the right program for their studies.

USF offers a wide range of study abroad options, including:

  • Faculty-led programs (short-term, USF professor-led)
  • Exchange programs (semester or year-long at partner universities)
  • Affiliate/third-party programs (specialized or location-specific options)

USF advisors work directly with students to ensure academic alignment and program suitability. Please consider discussing the following questions with your student and family while they are in the planning phase:

  • How does the program fit into the student鈥檚 academic plan?
  • What are the housing arrangements?
  • What support services are available on-site?
  • What are the financial considerations?

Safety, Health, and Risk management at USF

The safety of all participants on a USF Global Learning program is of the utmost importance. Therefore, we have a team whose focus is to assess the possible risks before a program is offered, discuss the safety and security with faculty and in-country coordinators accompanying the students, and monitor the program while the students are abroad until they return.

USF Education Abroad prioritizes student safety through:

  • Pre-departure orientations
  • 24/7 emergency support
  • Mandatory international health insurance
  • Country-specific risk assessments
  • Partnerships with vetted international institutions

USF partners with International SOS, a global leader in travel health, safety, and security. This partnership ensures students have access to expert assistance before travel, during their program, and in emergencies abroad.

Through International SOS, students can:

  • Receive pre-travel health and safety guidance
  • Access 24/7 medical, mental health, and security support
  • Locate trusted clinics, hospitals, and specialists abroad
  • Get help with lost documents, travel disruptions, or urgent situations
  • Receive coordinated emergency assistance if needed

All USF study abroad participants should download the ISOS app before departure. The app allows students to:

  • Contact ISOS with a single tap
  • Access real-time alerts and country-specific guidance
  • Store emergency contacts
  • Quickly find local medical and security resources
  • Parents are encouraged to remind their student to download the app and review its features before traveling

Financial Planning & Scholarships

The program cost of an Global Learning program will include housing and other expenses for the student which will depend on the cost of living of the particular city or cities where the program occurs.

Typical expenses include:

  • Tuition and program fees
  • Housing and meals
  • Airfare and transportation
  • Passport/visa fees
  • Personal expenses

Our office understands that studying abroad requires careful financial planning, and financial resources need not be a deterrent. In order to assist students in finding funding, our office provides access to study abroad scholarships, funding workshops, transparent costs for each program, and online resources. 911爆料网 advise that students look into obtaining the funds needed to pay for their program costs and additional expenses as early as possible, and apply to multiple scholarships to increase their chances of receiving funds. 

Encourage your student to meet with USF Financial Aid and explore scholarship opportunities early.

Preparing for Departure

USF provides detailed pre-departure guidance, but families can support by helping students stay organized. Before their journey, students will need to: 

  • Secure or renew their passport
  • Complete visa requirements (if applicable)
  • Attend all mandatory orientations
  • Understand international phone and banking options
  • Review academic expectations
  • Download the ISOS app and explore its features

Healthy communication helps students grow while keeping families reassured. Parents and families can assist by discussing communication expectations, reviewing emergency plans together, and encouraging independence and problem-solving from your student. USF will contact the student directly if any program-related issues arise, but work with your child to:

  • Establish a communication rhythm that works across time zones
  • Use messaging apps or video calls requiring data rather than overseas minutes
  • Avoid over-checking in 鈥� independence is part of the learning process

Cultural Adjustment and Emotional 911爆料网ll-Being

Adjusting to a new culture is an important part of the study abroad experience. It鈥檚 normal for students to move through phases of excitement, homesickness, frustration, and eventually confidence as they settle into their new environment.

USF encourages students to reach out for support whenever they need it. 911爆料网 have access to timely virtual care, allowing them to speak with mental health professionals no matter where they are in the world. In addition, students can contact International SOS (ISOS) for help identifying trusted local resources, including medical providers, counselors, and other support services abroad. It is common for students to experience:

  • Initial excitement and curiosity
  • Homesickness or cultural fatigue
  • Frustration or confusion as they adapt
  • Increased confidence and independence over time

You can help by listening if they contact you without immediately trying to solve the problem, encouraging them to use available support services, and reminding them that cultural adjustment is a normal, temporary process.

Handling Student Complaints & Concerns

USF follows a student-first communication model, which means students must initiate and lead all communication. If a student has a concern, complaint, or issue abroad, they must contact USF Global Learning directly. Staff will then guide the student through the appropriate steps and support resources.

If there is an emergency or inquiriy from a family while a student is abroad, please contact our office, and USF staff will confirm receipt of the message. However, due to university policy, privacy regulations, and the educational purpose of study abroad, staff will only respond substantively to the student, not the parent.

911爆料网 can address and submit their in-program concerns by:

  1. Directing all concerns to the on-site program staff first, as they are best positioned to address and resolve issues quickly.
    • All decisions regarding housing or roommate issues made by on-the-ground staff are final.
    • Issues related to registration, financial aid, billing, or other administrative matters will only be addressed during regular business hours.
  2. Using emergency contact numbers for urgent issues.
  3. Reaching out through the International SOS app for health or safety concerns.
  4. Emailing the Global Health and Safety unit at eaassist@usf.edu for urgent matters.
    • This is the only email monitored during non-business hours, weekends, and holidays.

Academic Success Abroad

Parents can encourage students to stay engaged academically and communicate with USF advisors as needed. 911爆料网 should be prepared during their pre-departure orientations and understand:

  • Their course load expectations while abroad
  • Attendance and participation requirements
  • How grades will transfer back to USF
  • Available academic support abroad

Returning Home: Re鈥慐ntry Support

USF offers resources to help students adjust after returning home, including:

  • Re-entry workshops
  • Career integration guidance
  • Opportunities to stay globally engaged on campus

Parents can help by listening, asking open-ended questions, and encouraging students to reflect on their experience.

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