For Parents & Family

Your student will work closely with the CIE study abroad team to choose a program that fits their academic goals, budget and personal needs. They also complete a required pre-departure orientation that covers health and safety, cultural adjustment, travel logistics and what to expect day-to-day while abroad.

We’ll continue to support your student while they are overseas. Depending on the program, students have access to on-site staff or trusted program partners, along with ongoing support from CIE. We maintain established emergency protocols and provide on-call assistance so students are never navigating challenges alone.

When your student comes home, we offer re-entry support to help them reflect on their experience and integrate what they learned into future academic and career planning.

Support structures vary by program type, from faculty-led programs with UWM staff present to international universities and study abroad program providers with on-site teams. Each option is designed with student safety, academic quality and support in mind. 

• Safety is understandably a major concern for parents and families of UWM study abroad students. While no university can guarantee a student’s safety, careful planning and strong program oversight reduce risks.
• Before departure, students participate in required orientations focused on safety, good judgment and destination-specific information. As part of the process, students are expected to review travel recommendations from the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with other country- and program-specific resources.
• All study abroad and faculty-led programs offered through UWM go through a thorough review process before they are approved. As part of this process, the university evaluates important factors, such as the safety of the destination, the reliability of on‑site support, and overall program quality, to help ensure students have a well‑supported and secure experience abroad. 
• The CIE study abroad team actively monitors global conditions and does not send students to locations considered unsafe. While abroad, students are supported by program staff and the CIE study abroad team, who maintain on-call response and emergency protocols. 

Before departure, students and families are asked to review and share emergency contact information and discuss basic safety expectations. Families should first attempt to contact their student directly. 

Students are also provided with program-specific emergency contacts and instructions before they depart. Depending on the program, this may include on-site staff, program partners or a CIE emergency contact line available 24/7. These resources will support your student if an urgent situation arises, and help ensure immediate assistance when needed. We encourage families to review this information with their student before departure so everyone knows who to contact and what steps to take if an emergency occurs. 

Most students will have access to Wi-Fi while abroad. International calling and data plans may be available depending on the service provider. Before departure, you should talk with your student about communication preferences and expectations. 

Keep in mind that part of the study abroad experience is learning independence and building confidence in a new environment. Staying connected is important, but allowing space for your student to navigate daily life on their own supports that growth. 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of students’ educational records, including financial, health, academic and study abroad information. UWM, including the CIE study abroad team, cannot release confidential information without the student’s written consent.

Students may complete a study abroad FERPA release form to allow CIE to share information with designated individuals during their program. The form is available in the student’s application portal after acceptance.

Other campus offices (e.g., Student Health & Wellness Center, Student Financial Services) may require separate releases for their records. Contact those departments directly for details.

Homesickness is common during study abroad, especially early on. Feeling out of place or missing home is a normal part of adjusting to a new environment.

Your encouragement and reassurance can help. Listen, stay positive and encourage your student to stay engaged and build connections. Students tend to reach out more during difficult moments, so offering support without trying to solve the situation can be especially helpful.

If homesickness becomes persistent or affects your student’s well-being, program staff and the CIE study abroad team are available to support them and connect them with appropriate resources.

Students will earn general elective credit while abroad and can advocate for courses to meet general, major or minor requirements through an equivalency approval process. Students should work with their academic advisor for guidance on how their courses abroad will meet degree requirements. With advance planning and appropriate course selection, students can stay on track for graduation.

Not with early planning. When students work with their academic advisor and choose courses intentionally, study abroad can fit into their degree plan without delaying graduation. We generally recommend studying abroad before the final semester, as transcripts from international institutions can take time to process and may delay degree posting if a student goes abroad in their last term.

Costs vary by program. Individual program pages have detailed program cost breakdowns, including program fees, airfare estimates, etc.

Students may be able to use financial aid, including federal aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), along with grants and scholarships, to help pay for study abroad. Learn more on the Costs & Scholarships page and attend a Financing Study Abroad 101 information session.

Yes. There are many local, regional and national scholarship opportunities to apply to study abroad program costs. Students should apply for scholarships at the same time they are applying to their program abroad, and not wait for acceptance to their program.

Keep in mind that when returning home adjustment can take time. Listening, being patient and allowing your student space to reflect can be very helpful.

If your student would benefit from additional support, please encourage them to connect with the Student Health and Wellness Center, which offers mental health resources and support for students navigating transitions.

Studying abroad will likely help your student develop their adaptability, communication, problem-solving skills and much more.

Encourage your student to reflect on their experience and connect with the Center for Student Experience and Talent for help translating their study abroad experience into résumés, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles and successful interviews.