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Study Abroad
Parent and Family Resources

Parent and Family

Research the country and host school your student wishes to attend. Links to all schools can be found on our Sister School page.

2. Visit the Office of Financial Assistance Open

Your student will meet with the Study Abroad Coordinator to obtain a consortium form which outlines the budget including tuition, fees, books, housing, meals and airfare. Additional expenses may include passport, visa, housing deposits and personal expenses. After obtaining a consortium form, students should meet with the financial aid office to determine what is applicable towards their semester abroad.

Study Abroad Contact: Mimi Nguyen (mtnguye4@uiwtx.edu)

3. Meet with the Coordinator of Study Abroad Open

Appointments available during lunch and after 5 with advance notice. You can schedule an appointment by e-mail or phone, 210-805-3015.

4. Attend the Pre-Departure Session Open

The Pre-Departure Session includes information regarding registration, money, health, safety, culture shock, etc. Pre-Departure sessions are held twice a semester for departing students and their parents. Students studying abroad in the summer and fall should attend the session in April and students studying in the spring should attend the November session. Contact the Office of Study Abroad for dates and times.

5. Contact your bank and/or credit card company Open

Notify your bank and/or credit card company that your student will be abroad. If your bank has not been notified and they notice international charges, they may freeze the account for your safety. You should also ask your bank about fees that your student will incur for withdrawing money abroad and/or using his/her credit card. These fees vary from bank to bank. Some banks may have sister banks abroad that you can use without a fee.

6. Ask your current cell phone provider what options are available Open

Some cell phone providers may offer international plans, however in many cases students choose to turn off their data and use their smart phones in locations where Wi-Fi is available.

7. Become familiar with Skype and communication apps Open

Many families rely on Skype to communicate with their student abroad. If you have a smart phone there are also apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc) available that will allow you to text or video chat with your student.

8. Consider social media Open

Facebook and similar social media sites allow families to follow their students' adventures abroad, seeing the places they are visiting, their photos, and in some cases even chatting with them. With the increasing availability of Wi-Fi in many locations, social media has allowed families to maintain contact.

9. Register your student with STEP Open

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

10. Obtain a passport Open

In case of an emergency it is recommended that a parent/ guardian have a passport. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for details.