Family Resources

FERPA

Adrian Pilkington

Free Brochure: "What Parents Need to Know!"

Would you like a free copy of a brochure that covers a variety of topics to help you through the program selection and preparation process, as well as while your student is abroad?

Please contact the Global Experiences Office at 402-472-5358 or globalexperiences@unl.edu to request one.

(Brochure published by NAFSA: Association of International Educators)

A Parent Guide to Study Abroad

A Parent Guide to Study Abroad, a companion guide to A Student Guide to Study Abroad, "contains critical information parents need to inform themselves and to support their high school or college student as he or she navigates the study abroad experience." This 68-page book is available for purchase or PDF download, in English and Spanish.

Information of Special Interest

Affiliated Program Pages

Is your student's program administered through an education abroad organization? If you are not sure, we encourage you to ask your student. Many of these education abroad organizations, or "third-party providers," have created web resources and guides for parents/family: 

Timeline for Planning & Preparing for your Experience

  1. Six Months to a Year Prior to Departure

    - Attend a Huskers Abroad 101 session to get started.
    - Start learning about the education abroad process and exploring program options.
    - Know your deadlines - some exchange programs and scholarships have one deadline a year.
    - Apply for your passport, your passport must be valid for six months past your return from your time abroad.

  2. Three to Six Months Prior to Departure

    - Set up an appointment with your college Coordinator
    - Set up an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your academic plan
    - Review your program cost sheet and make sure you understand the full cost.
    - Visit with an advisor in Husker Hub to discuss your current UNL/federal aid and other funding options.
    - Apply to additional scholarship funding.
    - Submit your application to the UNL Global Experiences Office through MyWorld and apply directly to the provider/host institution if required.

  3. Two to Three Months Prior to Departure

    - Confirm your participation in your program.
    - Research and purchase your flight.
    - If a visa is required for travel to your host country, begin the application process.
    - Seek course pre-departure credit evaluation from departmental evaluators if transferring back credit to UNL.
    - Visit the University Travel Health clinic or your preferred medical professional to discuss vaccinations and other health concerns.
    - Complete the UNL Health Clearance Form if required.

  4. One to Two Months Prior to Departure

    - Finalize course pre-departure credit evaluations if seeking transfer credit.
    - Complete cost adjustment worksheet and meeting with Husker Hub to secure financial aid and UNL scholarships.
    - Attend UNL pre-departure orientation.
    - Complete remaining items in Via-TRM portal.
    - Photocopy any important documents you are taking with you such as your passport, I.D., credit card, and debit card. Scan copies to yourself and a family member.
    - Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans so they do not freeze your accounts; check to see whether your bank charges service fees for international transactions or ATM withdrawals.