A Parent Guide to Study Abroad

The Institute of International Education and the American Institute of Foreign Study published A Parent Guide to Study Abroad a comprehensive resource for parents of students interested in studying abroad.

Cost, scholarships, and financial aid

Studying abroad may be more affordable than you think. With the exception of visa/passport fees, insurance, and airfare, most North Park University (NPU) study abroad programs cost about the same as a semester at NPU. For NPU Exchange and ISEP Exchanges, students pay NPU tuition; all financial aid applies. For faculty-led programs, students pay a program fee that includes flights, excursions, and most meals. Estimate your expenses.

Benefits of studying abroad

Study abroad provides valuable academic, personal, and professional growth. It can help students:

• Develop a global mindset to address international challenges.
• Understand different cultures and adapt to diverse environments.
• Gain new perspectives on the world.
• Improve language proficiency.
• Strengthen communication, teamwork, and adaptability skills.
• Increase confidence, independence, and personal responsibility.
• Enhance career opportunities.

Staying in touch

There are many ways to stay connected to your student while they are abroad: Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Line, and Viber are popular free communication tools when Wi-Fi or cellular data is available. We recommend setting communication expectations, like weekly or biweekly calls, before your student departs to ease any concerns about staying connected.

Students will have access to Wi-Fi at their host university. They can purchase a local cellular plan or a SIM card in their host country to stay connected with friends and family. You should check with your cellular provider to see if they have an international unlimited data and text plan.

Health and safety

Your student’s safety and well-being are our top priorities.

• • Pre-departure preparation: All students participate in mandatory orientation sessions. The first part of orientation focuses on health and safety while they are abroad. The second session focuses on the cultural and academic aspects of studying abroad. OIA will connect them with Health Services and Counseling Support Services if they have any questions.
  • Travel registration: Students are encouraged to register with the United States Department of State’s Smart Traveler Program (STEP) to notify the local embassy or consulate of their presence in a foreign country. Students enrolled in STEP will be alerted to emergency travel advisors in their host country.
  • Ongoing support: OIA sends monthly check-in emails to remind students of deadlines, share helpful resources, and follow up on any concerns. Every Thursday, we offer virtual office hours; students can contact their study abroad advisor for the link. Your student’s host university and/or study abroad program provider have dedicated teams supporting them.

NPU and our partners monitor U.S. Department of State travel advisories and communicate these to students and their host universities. Our partners work closely with our study abroad team to ensure the health and safety of your student.

Critical student information

Ensure your student provides you the following, especially for the case of an emergency:

• Address abroad
• Copies of their
  • Health insurance policy and card
  • Passport
  • Visa
• Health insurance provider information
• Host university contact information
• Nearest US embassy or consulate’s contact information
• Study abroad advisor’s contact information

Emergency contact information

• North Park University Study Abroad: (773) 244-5553 or (773) 244-5571
• North Park University Emergency: (773) 244-6200
• ISEP Emergency Support (ISEP students only): (1-301) 681-2388
• To find the nearest US embassy or consulate:
  • From the US or Canada: (1-888) 407-4747
  • From outside the US or Canada: (1-202) 501-4444