Dear Parents of Study Abroad Applicants,

We are delighted that your student is planning to study abroad next spring. Washington University’s Office of Overseas Programs will provide information and support for you and your student throughout the pre-departure period, time abroad, and return to St. Louis. Study abroad can be a transformative personal and intellectual experience, and it is our goal that you and your student feel confident and well informed on each step of this important journey.

Below, please find an overview of the communications you will receive from the Office of Overseas Programs at different points in the pre-departure process and information that you may find immediately useful. Since your questions and concerns may be different from those of your student, some of the information we provide to parents may not be duplicated in materials we give to students.

Please refer to the links on this page for information on the topics below to be sent with the first mailing early in the semester preceding your student's study abroad semester, contains:

  • A checklist of areas to be discussed with your student (health, travel, etc.)
  • A list of university contacts for questions you may have about study abroad
  • An explanation of WU tuition policy, billing procedures and health insurance policy for study abroad students
  • A program pricing sheet describing how estimated charges for your student’s program abroad will be billed the semester he or she goes abroad. Current estimates are posted in the pricing section of the student pages of this website.
  • A general Overseas Programs handbook. While all information contained in the handbook is important, we would like to draw your attention to the following sections:
    • General information on program pricing, billing and applicability of financial aid, pp. 14-17
    • WU’s withdrawal policy, pp. 10-11
    • General safety guidelines, p. 21-22
A second mailing, sent at the end of the semester preceding your student's study abroad semester, will contain:
  • Confirmed pricing information
  • A copy of your student’s program agreement
  • Any uncollected documents for your student
  • A final checklist for planning as your student prepares to go abroad (communication plan, financial pragmatics, etc.)

For an overview of the program your student has selected, please visit our website: www.artsci.wustl.edu/~overseas/. Under the “Programs” section, you will find a description of the program as well as links to courses and housing arrangements.

We look forward to working with you as you and your student prepare for this important personal and academic experience.

Sincerely,

Jennifer White Reding
Associate Director, Overseas Programs