FAQs for Parents
Choose from the frequently asked questions to jump down to the answer:
- 1. What is Study Abroad?
- 2. Can students study abroad at Springfield College?
- 3. Why should my student study abroad?
- 4. How can studying abroad help my student once he or she graduates?
- 5. When can students study abroad?
- 6. What does study abroad cost?
- 7. Is it safe to study abroad?
1. What is Study Abroad?
Study abroad is one way that U.S. college students can be introduced to other cultures of the world. By spending a year or semester abroad, U.S. students are able to learn about the language, culture, and philosophy of others.There has been a dramatic increase in the choice of study abroad options available for students to experience a wide range of the world's cultures. Studying abroad includes high-quality classroom learning and immersion in a different culture. Back to top.
2. Can students study abroad at Springfield College?
Yes. Studying abroad is an increasingly popular option for Springfield College students who want to expand their educational horizons. Springfield College is excited about its expanded Study Abroad program and is committed to creating leaders who excel in today’s international marketplace. Springfield College offers students opportunities to study abroad in semester-long programs in eleven different countries. Back to top.3. Why should my student study abroad?
Having the opportunity to experience another culture is the best bridge to communication across barriers of custom, language, geography, and politics. An encounter with different values, educational methods, and foreign cultures can broaden your student’s understanding of the world. Back to top.4. How can studying abroad help my student once he or she graduates?
As students think about what they will study at Springfield College and the careers they’ll pursue, consider that all have international dimensions. For example, in the health-related professions, there is a focus on world health issues; business is conducted on an international scale; and the diverse field of communications is certainly global in scope.Whether students are pursuing a career in education, allied health, theatre arts, or in another field, developing an awareness of and sensitivity to the global issues which directly and indirectly influence all of our lives is important. Studying abroad will allow them to become more independent and informed about the world around them while they earn academic credit. Back to top.
5. When can students study abroad?
Students may study overseas during the academic year, fall or spring. Most Springfield College students who study abroad do so in their sophomore or junior year for one semester. To be eligible for participation, they must have completed a minimum of thirty credit hours before going abroad. Transfer students must complete one semester at Springfield College before applying to study abroad. Back to top.6. What does study abroad cost?
Costs for study abroad at Springfield College are comparable to the cost of a regular semester of full-time study on campus. Students pay regular Springfield College fees, tuition, and room and board if provided by the program, and not the costs indicated in the program’s brochure or Web site. All scholarships and financial aid are applicable toward studying abroad, with the exception of federal work study or scholarships specific to on-campus activities. Students incur the additional fees of airfare, travel, passport, visa, and personal expense while abroad. Back to top.7. Is it safe to study abroad?
While there are certain risks related to any study abroad program, Springfield College works to provide our students with a positive and safe international experience. Springfield College has developed useful and practical guidelines for students and their families. Although no set of guidelines can guarantee the health and safety needs of each individual involved in a study abroad program, these guidelines address issues that merit attention and thoughtful judgment.Participants in a study abroad program have an important responsibility in representing both Springfield College and the United States during all phases of their international educational experience. Students must be vigilant of their actions, and prior to leaving, are required to sign an agreement that they will behave in a manner that will bring credit to themselves, their family, Springfield College, and the United States.
Parents, guardians, and families can play an important role in the health and safety of their students by talking with them about the importance of their behavior overseas. We respect our students and want them to be safe and successful in all areas of their study abroad experience. Please support us in this endeavor by discussing with your student the importance their conduct overseas. For more information, please visit our safety and travel information page. Back to top.