Information for Parents

Things Parents Should Know about Study Away

Parents often have different concerns than students when it comes to study away, so here is a brief list of common concerns parents often ask about:

NIEC Services: The National & International Exchange Center works with students to prepare them for study away. Through the course of academic advising sessions, an orientation, and pre-departure meetings, we help students through the application process, applying for passports and student visas, arranging accommodations, and choosing courses. While students are away, the NIEC continues to provide support, serves as the primary link with KSC, and assists with any emergencies. Upon return, NIEC assists with the transfer of credits. Our friendly staff is available to answer students’ and parents’ questions any time, so contact us for more information!

Academics: Students can earn credit toward their majors, minors, general education requirements, and electives. We help students plan out their study away semesters and pre-approve the courses they take while away. Students are required to take a normal, full-time credit load of at least 12 credits.

Travel Documents: If your student is planning to study outside the United States, he or she will need a passport, and most likely, a student visa. We recommend that students apply for passports upon notification of acceptance to a KSC study away program. We discuss the visa application process with students at country-specific pre-departure meetings after orientation.

Insurance: KSC provides students with medical coverage while they study away. However, students are welcome to supplement with their current insurance provider.

Billing: The majority of programs bill students through KSC, not directly. Each program is different, however, so the National & International Exchange Center provides students with cost sheets in their acceptance packets which detail the billing process for their specific study away programs.

Financial Aid: Students applying to all approved semester and year-long KSC study away programs remain eligible for financial aid.

Health: Before departure, your student should have a general physical and dental exam; women should also have a gynecological checkup. Make sure your student packs enough prescription medication (including birth control) for the entire duration of his or her study away adventure. When traveling with some medications, it is also a good idea to carry a copy of a doctor’s letter explaining the use of the medication, and a copy of the prescription should your student need an emergency refill.

Travel Planning & Finances: You and your student will need to purchase airfare, decide on the best method of accessing funds while he or she is away, and of course... pack! Visit here for helpful Travel Tips.

Emergency Procedures: While studying away is often no more dangerous than a semester at KSC, the idea of dealing with an emergency far from home can be somewhat frightening. We’ve established emergency procedures that will help you and your student in the event of unforeseen problems. It is a good idea for you and your student to be familiar with these procedures before departure. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.