Welcome to Arkansas State University!

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Welcome Parents!


We are excited that you are considering letting your students go abroad, and we are here to help! We have provided this page to answer some questions regarding your pressing concerns. This study abroad journey will help your student gain the confidence and the essential skills to grow independent in the world. We want you to be able to feel confident about sending your student to study abroad. We want to assist you and your student to have the best experience possible!


  • ACADEMICS
    • How will my child get their course credit?
      • All academic credits earned through approved programs will be transferred back to Arkansas State University upon receiving the student’s transcripts from the host institution abroad. The student will be required to fill out a pre-course approval form that states what courses are approved by their advisor and chair of their major’s department will transfer to Arkansas State University as credit. We also require the student to request an official transcript from their host institution to send back to our office.
    • Will the grade earned abroad affect my child’s overall GPA?
      • Credits earned at a host institution will transfer to Arkansas State University as pass/fail and will not affect a student’s GPA as long as the participant receives a passing grade. Exceptions may apply.
    • What will the academic environment be like?
      • The academic environment will vary greatly depending on the host country. In many countries, for example:
      • Textbooks may be optional.
      • A course might take place every day with extended hours, or the course might take place every other day lasting only a few hours.
      • Attendance may not be required (though we still encourage it).
      • Course grades might be based on one exam at the end of the semester.

     

  • FINANCES
    • Health Insurance
      • A-State students and participants in A-State study abroad programs are required to enroll in the study abroad worldwide health insurance plan for the time they are abroad. Students studying abroad through ISEP will purchase insurance through ISEP. All other students will work with the study abroad office to enroll with our insurance provider AXA. Read more about our study abroad insurance here: http://www.astate.edu/a/study-abroad/health-safety/
    • How much is the cost of the program?
      • Program costs vary greatly. There are certain programs where students can pay A-State tuition and fees, or they can pay the host institution all costs.
    • Will my child’s financial aid or scholarship apply while abroad?
      • Depending on the type of program your child selects will determine if their financial aid or scholarships will apply while they are abroad. We encourage each student to meet with their financial aid advisor to ensure their financial needs are met before making a final decision.

     

  • GENERAL QUESTIONS
    • Why is studying abroad important?
      • Studying abroad will be a great opportunity for your child. The student will be equipped with the following through study abroad:
      • Increased self-confidence and maturity
      • Enthusiasm towards academic study
      • Improved problem-solving skills
      • Engagement in foreign language study
      • Enhanced understanding of cultural values
      • New career opportunities
    • For how long can my child study abroad?
      • A student may study abroad for any desired length of time, ranging from one week to an academic year. 
    • What can my child study while abroad?
      • A student can take language immersion courses, major-specific courses, elective courses in English or a foreign language in countries all across the globe depending on the program they choose.
    • Does my child need to know a second language to study abroad?
      • There are many English and non-English speaking countries where your child may choose to take courses in English.  Many of the programs that A-State offers host a variety of options for students who are seeking to further their education with an English-based education system. However, studying abroad is an efficient way to increase language proficiency if your student is interested in learning a language.
    • Will my student be safe abroad?
      • Safety is A-State's top priority when it comes to assisting our students on and off campus- especially when sending your student to another country! It is important to be aware, whether here in the United States or in a foreign country where students need to be culturally aware. Our staff will work with the program provider overseas to help arrange accommodations and ensure the student will have resources to make their education abroad successful.
    • What if my student has never flown before?
      • Many airlines will have someone available to help your student get to their gate and get on and off the flight. Be sure to check with the airline to see if they offer this escorting service throughout the entire journey to your student's host destination. We will be sure to work with your student so that they are prepared to travel long distance and will be comfortable on their new study abroad journey.
    • How does my student begin the study abroad process??
      • Watch this pre-recorded Study Abroad 101 Workshop here in order to assist your student in the study abroad process
  • SAFETY
    • How will I communicate with my child while they are abroad?
      • The regularity with which you contact your child will depend entirely on you and your child’s preferences. Some communication methods to consider are WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom.
    • Where should my child contact in case of emergency?
      • We enter all of our study abroad students into an application (Keynect Up) that allows us to send vital travel and safety information to the travelers’ phones. We also provide the students with the A-State campus police number, study abroad hotline (emergencies only), and study abroad office number if they need assistance in an emergency.
    •  Who will study abroad release information to?
      • Information related to the student will only be provided to the student. No information will be able to be sent to anyone, as FERPA prohibits this action. If you have any more questions regarding the privacy of your student, visit this link: FERPA Information
  • QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOST INSTITUTION
    • Where will my child live while abroad?
      • Depending on the student's preference and their program, students may live in an on-campus residence, a shared apartment or in a homestay with a local host family. Please check the programs’ detailed description to see what options are available to your child.
    • What are the meal plans like?
      • Meal plans vary depending upon location and program. Some institutions may provide on-campus meal plans, and some may not. Please refer to the specific program webpage for a detailed description of the meal allowance provided.
    • What are the admission requirements?
      • Admission requirements will vary for each host institution. Some may have the following:
      • Language prerequisites
      • Certain course prerequisites
      • A higher GPA requirement than Study Abroad requires

     


SA PARENT RESOURCES
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Contact Study Abroad and Exchange Office

Study Abroad

Phone: 870-972-2329

Room: S301
International Programs Building

Postal Address:

P.O. Box 2230
State University, AR  72467

Shipping Address:

102 North Caraway Rd
Jonesboro, AR  72401

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