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Guidance on how to prepare students for study abroad programs, so parents can maintain the maximum peace of mind.

Although strict new regulations from America's INS Department have made obtaining student visas very difficult for those interested in studying abroad in the United States, there has been an increase in the number of US and international students studying abroad in other countries. According to the Institute of International Education: Open Doors 2004 report, almost double the number of university students received credit for study abroad in the 2002/2003 academic year, and that number rose another 9.6% for 2004.

Some experts say this trend stems from the increased need that American students feel, in a post-9/11 world, to understand other cultures and experience them firsthand. Since that 2000/2001 school year, the number of student studying abroad has gone up overall by almost 20%.

Another reason the number of students is increasing may be that the focus of student travel programs is getting broader. For example, just as Elderhostel has long served seniors with a global range of interests, residential camps and boarding schools now offer summer travel and study tours for middle and highschool students, based out of inexpensive university housing. Organizations like the Brighton Foundation are now developing language and cultural immersion programs, including sports and cooking classes, for high school as well as univeristy students, citing how impressive student resumes with international living experience will appear to college admissions offices.

Easing The Transition For Loved Ones

While traveling for a semester abroad is very exciting for students of any age, it can often be a worrisome time for parents and guardians who remain at home, sometimes far away.

Founded in 1865, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts is known for its project-based undergraduate curriculum and global projects program based on five continents. In the first 30 years of the WPI Global Perspective Program, more than 4,000 students have completed off-campus projects. At present, WPI claims to send more undergraduate engineers and scientists abroad for academic projects than any other American university.

"Good communication and preparation can help greatly reduce a parent's apprehensions," says Ms. Natalie A. Mello, WPI's director of Global Operations. "Be sure to talk with your children to let them know what your expectations are while they are abroad, and discuss any issues you might be concerned about, such as alcohol consumption or letting people know where they are at all times."

After working with foreign study students and their families over the years, Ms. Mello is able to offer advice on some key topics:

• Communication -- Establish how you expect to hear from your child -- phone, e-mail, etc. Will they contact you when they get there? How often will they call or e-mail? Consider setting up an international long distance calling plan for your home phone and/or your son's or daughter's cell phone. It may save you a lot of money in the long term.
• Medical -- Make sure that your child has updated immunizations; your personal physician will recommend whatever is necessary for their particular study location. If your son or daughter is taking prescription medication, it may be beneficial to purchase enough for the duration of the semester; however, make sure the medication is in the original, clearly marked, containers to avoid problems with customs. Contact your insurance company to find out if medical care is covered internationally. If not, there may be options you can arrange through your student's university or outside insurance companies.
• Money -- Contact your child's credit card company and bank. Credit cards can sometimes be declined unless cleared for international use first. Also, debit cards from a U.S. bank will not necessarily be compatible to overseas ATMs. Have a reserve fund of money that can be wired to a student in case of emergency (card is stolen, bank card is declined, etc.)
• Visiting -- If you are considering visiting your child, plan a time that is best for him or her. Student's course work may not allow them to drop everything for several days to be your tour guide. Visiting just before or after the semester or term typically works best. Parents should be sure to get a passport so they can visit on short notice.