Information for Parents

A Letter to Parents from the Center for Global Education and Engagement

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Congratulations to you and your child for choosing to study abroad! Gaining international experience is not only an essential component of one's educational and professional development, it is also an exceptionally unique opportunity for personal growth. 

We share your excitement about your child's approaching study abroad experience and we would like to assure you that we will do everything we can to make the entire experience a positive one.

For many, studying abroad is a student's or parent's first encounter with international travel. While we are always available to answer questions and offer assistance, the student should assume primary responsibility of the process. We expect the student to complete and return all required forms in a timely manner, obtain course approval, secure travel documents, make travel plans, attend the pre-departure orientation, and make any additional necessary preparations for their program abroad. 

We do our best to provide all of the information you may request, but there are some limitations on what we may disclose. The federal law known as the Family Education Reform Privacy Act (FERPA) prevents us from releasing information that concerns students, even to immediate family members. However, students can choose to provide our office permission to release information to specified individuals by the completing the Permission to Release Information Form found under the post-decision materials checklist on their online application. We encourage our students to keep parents and close family members informed about their study abroad program and to refer you to the appropriate websites and resources for additional information.

There are many issues that students and parents should think about during the pre-departure period to better prepare for what may occur overseas. It is important to learn as much as possible about the study abroad process and life overseas before the student leaves home, and there are steps you can take to support and maximize the learning experience of your child. Encouraging your child to become familiar with the host country, reading all pre-departure materials, attending the pre-departure orientation, reviewing the Student Policies and Procedures Handbook, establishing a communication plan with family/friends, discussing health and safety concerns, and making financial preparations for living overseas are all great ways to better prepare your child for their program. Please discuss these issues with them before they leave in order to help you both transition more smoothly. 

Your support is very important and will go a long way toward enabling your child to thrive and learn from the study abroad experience. Parents are welcome to call the Center for Global Education and Engagement with questions. 

Again, congratulations and thank you for supporting your child's decision to study abroad with SUNY Brockport!

Sincerely,
Education Abroad

The Center for Global Education and Engagement
SUNY Brockport
Phone: (585) 395-2119
Email: overseas@brockport.edu