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Study abroad advising meetings focus on ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ goals for their study abroad experience, and discuss the steps and considerations to ensure the program they select is the best one for them. We take a ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ-centered approach, but do ask that ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs take initiative with the program research and ownership of the program application process. Admittedly, there will be a lot of work for the ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ to do—but it is worth it!

We encourage ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs to consider

1. Academic goals. What academic requirements do you want to fulfill while abroad? Some programs may be a better fit for specific majors or minors. Miami Plan credit, including the Global Perspectives and Intercultural requirements, capstones and thematic sequences may also be earned abroad.
2. Career goals. A purposeful study abroad program can help ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs to develop professionally by providing exposure or experience in a specific field. Additionally, many soft skills employers value, such as intercultural communication skills, can be gained abroad.
3. Personal goals, interests and needs. Do you want to be with a group of Miami ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs, or not? Do you want to take courses with local ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs, or live with a host family? Are you interested in getting to know a single location well, or visiting multiple locations for a short period of time?
4. Financial needs. ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ can vary in cost based on location, inclusion, and the organization offering the program. Federal financial aid can apply to all credit-bearing study abroad programs, but Miami scholarships only apply in some circumstances. It is also easiest to apply aid for semester programs; off terms like summer and winter offer fewer aid opportunities.
5. Challenge yourself! The most growth can happen when comfort zones are challenged.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ education records, both financial and academic. Study Abroad/Away falls under FERPA protection. Global Initiatives, MUDEC, and the Education Abroad office cannot share ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ-specific study abroad information with parents, guardians or others without the ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ’s permission as expressed by the signed FERPA release. This can include information about a ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ's participation in a study abroad program, the location/itinerary for the program, payment information, remaining application requirements, and academic (including credit and grades).

Complete FERPA Release

We encourage all ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs to have a FERPA release on file for all parents/guardians before they come to campus.

Study Abroad is a big step for ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs and parents. Here are some strategies you can use to support your ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ in their study abroad experience.

1. Research programs and ask that your ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ keep you updated with program details as they come.
2. Read as much as you can about the location your ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ is going to. It will help provide some context for you as to what your ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ will be experiencing. The more ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs and parents know about their host location, the more empowered and comfortable they feel upon arrival.
3. While abroad, be sure to lend a listening ear as your ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ begins to process their new surroundings and experiences. Almost all ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs will experience culture shock to an extent as the excitement wears off and homesickness or frustration sets in. Be prepared to listen and offer encouragement, but also be on alert for signs that your ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ is struggling with more than just culture shock.
4. Understand that communication may be less frequent than when your ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ is in Ohio. This may be due to technology or your ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ may want to disconnect from home to better immerse themselves in the experience. Also note that often ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs will call home only when their morale is low and they need encouragement or to vent. They may call less frequently to tell you the good experiences, but they are most likely have those too.
5. Be mindful of holidays or special occasions that your ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ may miss while abroad. Often, Thanksgiving or a birthday is the most difficult time to be abroad. Find ways to make your ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ feel included if you can.
6. Encourage your ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵ to be independent. While it feels overwhelming at first, ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈÊÓƵs love coming home from their study abroad experience feeling empowered by the “I just have to figure it out,” attitude that they learn from studying abroad. This part of what makes the experience so transformative.