You are here
Study Abroad Navigation
Study Abroad
Parents and Family
While the study abroad experience is focused on the student, family members can play an important role in the health and safety of study abroad participants by helping them plan, make good decisions, and stay connected.
Best Ways to Be Involved
- Be informed about and involved in the decision of the student to enroll in a particular program.
- Carefully evaluate all program materials, as well as related health, safety and security information. Haverford College requires the parents/guardians have a valid passport for the period of time the student is abroad. In the unlikely event of an emergency, parents/guardians need to be prepared to travel abroad as quickly as possible.
- Discuss with your student any travel plans/activities that may be independent of the study abroad program.
- Engage your student in a thorough discussion of safety and behavior issues, insurance needs, and emergency procedures related to living abroad.
- Be responsive to requests from the program sponsor for information regarding your student.
- Prearrange a set time to Skype or talk with your student.
- Be aware that the participant rather than the program may most appropriately provide some information.
Info to Obtain Beforehand
- The name, address, phone number, fax and email address of the program director in the United States, if there is one, and the program director on site. If your student is going through another university or college in the United States (Sweet Briar College, Wellesley College, etc.), parents should call the US director first, whenever possible.
- The address, phone number, fax and email of the resident director or housing warden. Your student's personal address, phone number, email, etc. In some programs, the mailing address will be different from the actual residence.
- The name, address, phone, and fax number of key people at Haverford College, such as the Dean's Office, Office of Residential Life, Registrar, Business Office, Financial Aid Office, and your student's Academic Advisor in case you need to contact us directly about issues of concern.
- Be sure to have a copy of your student's personal information, including but not limited to: social security number, passport, visa, ATM/credit cards, etc. Your student will also need to keep a record of these numbers with them, but not in the same place as the originals. With these measures, if important documents are lost or stolen they can easily be replaced. Don't forget to obtain the 24 hour phone number where you can report lost or stolen credit cards.
- Please be sure to have your student let you know, well in advance, when and on what flight they will be returning home.