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Study Abroad

Families & Support Systems

Studying abroad offers students the opportunity to actively engage academically in new ways, as well as to further develop the skills and competencies necessary to excel in an increasingly diverse, global environment. In addition to students’ NC State advisors, mentors, and instructors, the support of family members, parents, and others is essential to a successful study abroad experience.

Feel free to explore the curated resources below to learn more about study abroad at NC State and how to best encourage your student(s) in every step of their #PackAbroad journey.

Study Abroad Overview & Process

There are countless study abroad programs with various academic offerings and international locations. When beginning to explore options, students should consider applicant eligibility criteria, the program and scholarship application deadlines for their desired term, and the numerous steps of the application process.

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Costs & Scholarships

Many students and their families are eager to learn more about the costs of studying abroad. While costs will vary from program to program, the Study Abroad Office makes information about anticipated expenses, as well as the numerous scholarship and funding opportunities, readily available.

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Health & Safety

Students’ health, safety, and wellbeing are the top priorities of the Study Abroad Office. We have numerous resources and tools in place to guide and support students in both their preparations for their term abroad and once they have arrived in-country.

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After Study Abroad

Returning home after studying abroad can present unique challenges for students, and families and support systems play an important role in assisting students through this period of readjustment and in making meaning out of their abroad experiences.

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Communications

The Study Abroad Office adheres to NC State’s policy regarding communicating with parents under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the federal legislation that governs the privacy of student records. While the Study Abroad Office is available to answer questions from a student’s support network, in many cases we are not able to share information due to FERPA regulations.

As a student-centered office, the Study Abroad Office values the support that students’ families and others provide throughout their study abroad experience. In keeping with university policy, we consider it the student’s responsibility to keep their parents, families, and others informed about their study abroad enrollment, preparations, and experiences. The Study Abroad Office will send all correspondences directly to the student via their NC State email address and student newsletters, and we encourage students to share important information and updates regularly with their respective support systems. 

In assisting your student for their experience abroad, do not hesitate to encourage them to reach out to our staff for clarification, guidance, and support.