Student exploring his surroundings while studying abroad.
Study Abroad

Parents and Family

Dear Family,

Thank you for supporting your student's desire to study abroad! A study abroad experience is closely linked to a higher GPA, on-time graduation, and career development. Employers seek employees with intercultural competencies, problem-solving skills, and “soft skills” that study abroad helps develop – maturity, confidence, self-sufficiency, flexibility, and resilience.

Pace offers study abroad programs with different financial models and duration. Pace is committed to high academic standards, and your student will work with a Study Abroad Advisor in tandem with their Pace Academic Advisor to ensure that their study abroad program is the right fit personally and academically. We work with students to ensure that individual needs and concerns are addressed–before, during, and after their study abroad experience. Reach out to us with questions or concerns: studyabroad@pace.edu.

See this helpful resource for parents/family:

International travel considerations post-COVID

Students and parents should review Pace's policies on study abroad post-COVID, to understand the risks and precautions.

Your student’s privacy

If your student would like someone from Pace Education Abroad to speak to you about their participation in study abroad and FERPA-protected details, we encourage your student to complete the FERPA Release Forms at Pace University, called “Authorization to Disclose Information from Education Records”. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records, but these rights transfer to the student when he/she/they reach the age of 18. In the unlikely event of an emergency situation during study abroad, we will do everything we can to find out the information needed to support your student – and we will always encourage your student to reach out to you directly with the information. However, privacy laws are different in other countries, and there may be limitations on what information can be shared with our office since your student is considered an adult.

Tips to support your student pre-departure

Encourage your student to:

  • attend all Info Sessions offered by Education Abroad – to understand the application process, finances, scholarships, academics, and the student’s responsibilities.
  • meet with a Pace Academic Advisor to discuss what timing, program types, and related academic coursework fit best with your student’s academic plan at Pace.
  • review our Study Abroad FAQ.
  • understand the financial implications of study abroad. Students can meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to discuss program costs and finances as outlined on their program’s “cost” tab on the Pace study abroad portal. They can also reach out to Pace's Financial Aid office with any questions about what Financial Aid is applicable towards their study abroad program.
  • review scholarships for study abroad and apply early!
  • reach out to a Pace Study Abroad Advisor for assistance in choosing a program or with any concerns/questions. Students can schedule an appointment.
  • meet all application deadlines–both Pace's and the overseas host institution's deadlines – and complete all required application forms and waivers in the Pace study abroad portal.
  • apply for a passport (valid at least 6 months past the study abroad program’s end date).
  • apply for a visa (if relevant)
  • attend mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Sessions at Pace. These orientations address academics, finances, health and safety abroad, student identity, culture shock, and more.
  • learn about the destination where they'll be studying abroad to help minimize culture shock, including cross-cultural communication dos and don'ts.
  • stay informed about health and safety risks. Register with the U.S. State Department Smart Traveller Enrollment Program.
  • prepare for good health. Before departure, students should have a general physical and dental exam; get a typed copy of any prescriptions; and consult their doctor regarding how to handle routine prescription medications while abroad.
  • understand what is and isn't covered by their insurance plan. For all Pace students studying abroad for a semester, Pace-designated international travel insurance is mandated and students will be enrolled for it by Pace (and billed for this coverage via their student account). For those participating on Pace faculty-led programs, insurance is included in the programs.
  • understand Pace's Academic and Financial Policies related to study abroad.

We encourage Parents to:

  • Research the country, location, and host university abroad where your student wants to go.
  • Learn about the process and costs. Watch this pre-recorded "Abroad 101" info session for students (20 minutes long) to learn more about studying abroad at Pace.
  • Support your student in completing study abroad next steps (outlined above).
  • Attend a Parent & Family study abroad pre-departure session (hosted virtually by Pace Education Abroad twice yearly), to better understand how their student should prepare for study abroad and how best to support their student going abroad
  • Contact bank/credit card company. Financial institutions should be notified about overseas travel. If your bank hasn’t been notified and they see international charges, they may freeze. Ask your bank about fees that your student will incur while withdrawing money abroad and/or using their credit card.
  • Ask your current cell phone provider what international plans are available.
  • Familiarize yourself with communications apps: Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. – to keep in touch with your student abroad. Social media sites also allow families to follow their students' adventures abroad. When communicating, let the conversation focus on them sharing their highlights and challenges; reassure and encourage them.
  • Understand culture shock, and support your student… as they will likely experience some form of these emotions: confusion, disorientation, discomfort, and anxiety that comes from immersion in a new culture.
  • Know who to contact in case of an emergency.
  • Get a passport. In case of an emergency, it could be helpful. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for details.
  • Understand privacy considerations. Pace University must abide by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This means that we cannot divulge student academic, financial, or enrollment information to parents. However, per FERPA, Paces reserves the right to contact a parent(s) or family members on issues of health, safety, or security.

Tips to support your student while they're abroad

Tips to support your student after their program

  • Understand “reverse culture shock”, and support your student who may be experiencing these emotions post-program. Create opportunities for your student to express their opinions, tell their stories, and share their photos. Prepare for transformation.
  • Encourage your student to contact Pace Career Services to learn how to put their study abroad experience on a resume and leverage the experience in a job search.
  • Attend Education Abroad events, to stay in touch with other students at Pace who have studied abroad and talk about their experiences.
  • Understand the implications of unpaid balances due to foreign institutions abroad. Students must pay all bills incurred abroad with Pace’s overseas host institution partners, such as with housing arranged through the partner and additional fees, etc. – in order for students to receive their foreign transcript. Pace will not be able to process students’ foreign credits without the receipt of the official transcript from the study abroad partner (foreign institution/program provider). Delay in the receipt of the foreign transcript will impact future course registration at Pace and potentially delay graduation. A transcript hold may also be placed on the student’s Pace account until the bill is paid.

Review these Study Abroad FAQ if you have more questions, or contact us at studyabroad@pace.edu.