Study Abroad for Parents - Colorado College

Parents and family members play a significant role in supporting students throughout the off-campus study process, and it is important you have a clear idea of the steps and policies involved. We hope you will answers to your many questions regarding academic and logistical matters.

Studying off-campus is an endeavor that takes a high level of initiative and responsibility on the part of the student to make it successful. The staff in Office of International Programs works primarily with the student as the main constituent, as research shows that the more involved a student is with their own planning process, the more successful the off-campus study experience is on many levels. We believe that while taking full responsibility for planning the off-campus study experience, students can learn and practice skills that prepare them for future travels. Should you have any questions or concerns after reading these pages, we encourage you to first ask your student.

If parents are visiting campus and wish to meet with a staff member from the Office of International Programs we strongly encourage that the student make the appointment and is present at the meeting.

Some quick facts:

• Approximately 60% of Colorado College students will study abroad at least once before graduating. What are some of the good reasons to venture off campus to study for a semester in Chicago or Senegal, or spend an academic year in London?
• Studying off campus helps students develop global perspectives on their chosen major, minor or general education requirements. Students are able to explore academic topics from different cultural perspectives or conduct field research in geographically different ecosystems.
• Studying abroad in a non-English speaking country provides students with the opportunity to become proficient in a second or third language. Language immersion is the ultimate language learning classroom.
• Student who have studied abroad tend to experience personal growth, a greater sense of confidence, self-reliance and sense of direction.   Students often develop lifelong friendships with people from around the world.
• Studies have shown that studying abroad can strengthen marketable career skills, such as ability to work in teams and be flexible. Employers are increasingly in need of employees with a global perspective and foreign language skills.
• Students at CC have the opportunity to participate in programs that meet a wide range of academic interests and range in length from one block, led by CC faculty, to a full academic year.

Cultural Adjustment

Education Abroad (article: pdf):
The Career Value of Education Abroad by Sheila J. Curran

Advice for Parents—Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.globaled.us/safeti/v2n1_hoffa.html

What's Up with a Culture (we recommend students check this website that deals with culture adjustment.)
http://www.pacific.edu/sis/culture/

A US state department website that covers most issues of study abroad:
http://studentsabroad.state.gov/