Resources for Parents

Why study abroad?

Here are the top ten reasons for studying abroad as an undergraduate:

1. Become more independent and self-assured.

2. Hone your language skills.

3. Learn about your ethnic heritage and/or religion.

4. Challenge yourself and grow as a person.

5. Gain greater knowledge about different cultures.

6. See your own culture from a different perspective.

7. Experience how your major is taught abroad. Take courses not offered at Roanoke.

8. Meet new people and make lifelong friends.

9. Prepare for graduate school or the job market. Study abroad increases your marketability.

10.  See the world! Take advantage of the opportunity to travel.  

Can we afford to study abroad?

We are very proud to allow students to use their financial aid towards our sponsored programs. Our goal is to remove cost as a barrier for students who want to study abroad. This document offers more detailed financial information for parents.  

What can you do to support your student?

This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about your student's interests and provide support as they go through the process. 

We encourage you to:

• Research the country and program your student in which your student is interested. Travel.state.gov and their Students Abroad site are great places to start.

• Have a current passport if your child is traveling abroad for long periods. You may want to go visit. 

• Read The Parent's Guide to Study Abroad, a free online resource produced by IIE.

And, as always, please feel free to email Dr. Michael Hancock-Parmer, Coordinator of Global Engagement, if you have questions.