Study Abroad

Family and Friends

The Towson University Study Abroad Office encourages parents, friends and family to take an active role in supporting their student's interest in study abroad. Your encouragement and support can make all the difference in the success of their study abroad experience.

As your student navigates the study abroad program selection process and prepares for their time overseas, you may have a number of questions of your own. We have compiled a list of responses to the most commonly asked questions from family and friends and we hope you will find it useful.

General Questions About Study Abroad

• How do I contact the TU Study Abroad Office?
• What are the benefits of studying abroad?
• Are there different types of study abroad?
• What is the first step in the study abroad process?
• What is the cost of studying abroad?
• Can my student use financial aid and scholarships to pay for study abroad?
• Will my student need to take a leave of absence in order to study abroad?
• Will my student receive academic credit for their time abroad?

Next Steps

• How can I support my student before, during and after their time abroad?
• What are the mandatory forms that my student is required to turn into the Study Abroad Office before departure?
• If my student currently lives on campus, will they receive a refund for their housing deposit?
• What should my student bring with them abroad?
• What if my student wants to withdraw from their program?

While Your Student Is Abroad

• How should my student handle money while abroad?
• How can I stay in touch with my student while they are abroad?
• How will my student stay healthy and safe while abroad?
• What happens if there is an emergency overseas?

Additional Resources

• Family and Friends Orientation Presentation (PDF)
• StudyAbroad.com Parents Guide
• StudentsAbroad.com Advice for Parents
• Additional resources

Study Abroad Office
Administration Building, 2nd Floor
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 410-704-2451

Fax: 410-704-4703
Email: studyabroad@towson.edu

"My son, Kevin studied in Florence, Italy. He absolutely loved it! He learned so much and was able to experience (and photograph) so many special places and people - it was positively life-changing for him. As a parent, I quickly went from worrying about whether he would be homesick to wondering if he would ever want to come home!" - Stacy O'Conor