Frequently Asked Questions for Parents
We have compiled this list of frequently asked questions specifically for parents. Most other information as well as general FAQs can be found on our main pages.
What are the program dates?
Program dates vary every semester. They may start or end earlier than the Clark semester, and they will most likely have different break/vacation times. Please contact the Study Abroad Office studyabroad@clarku.edu at x7363 or refer to a copy of your student's program handbook for specific start and end dates. It is important to emphasize to your student to adhere to program rules and regulations, and that the student must be present ("sit") for all exams before departing for home.
How do we make travel arrangements?
For most Clark programs, student must make their own travel arrangements. Most programs offer advice or some kind of airport pick up service; refer to your student's program handbook or the host university's web site for more information.
Students who arrive earlier than the scheduled arrival date are responsible for arranging their own lodging and local travel, and must make arrangements to meet the group in the designated location, if applicable.
Many students take advantage of the lower rates offered at:
- STA Travel Here, students can also order the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which gives them discounts on flights, accommodation, and in-country attractions.
- Student Universe
For a few programs (such as Namibia and China), group flights are available. If this option exists, we strongly encourage that your student take advantage of it since the rates are typically lower and all students travel and are met at the airport together. More information will be provided in the program handbook.
In either case, students must keep the Study Abroad Office notified of their flight schedule by turning in the Flight Arrival Form to our office after the flight is booked.
A few other notes:
Passports - It is the responsibility of each student to obtain or update a passport for international travel. Passports must be valid up to six months after the student's return date. To find out how to order or update a Passport, visit the U.S. State Department's Passport web site. Note that there are ways to expedite the passport process at an extra cost. We strongly recommend that passports be obtained well in advance.
Visas - Depending on the program, participants may be responsible for obtaining their own visa. Information will be made available in the student's program handbook.
Ticket Purchase - Most immigration policies require proof of a round-trip ticket, but you may want to check with the host country consulate to see if a round-trip ticket is required. If you do purchase a round-trip ticket, you should check to see what the change-of-date or cancellation restrictions are before purchasing.
Much more information on traveling abroad is available in the Clark Handbook, given to all students shortly after acceptance into their program.
How does billing and payment work?
Visit our pages on Cost, Aid & Scholarships for more information on costs and billing. In general, billing works the same as if your student was at Clark. Note: This does not apply to Non-Clark Programs.
Will there be unanticipated costs?
Independent travel, personal expenses (beyond typical meal expenses), supplies/books, plane tickets, insurance, passport/visa applications and any departure taxes are not covered by Clark's International Programs Fee. Note that book costs are usually significantly less than at Clark because most overseas institutions/programs provide the texts at low cost or use a more extensive library reserve system.
Student service fees (such as gym membership, student activity fees, student club fees, etc.) are not part of the International Programs Fee and will not be charged by Clark as normal. Instead, these fees are due to the host university or host program as needed. Typically, these fees can be paid on-site by the student depending on what the student is interested in.
Most wireless and internet charges are covered by the International Programs Fee, but wireless/internet access may be slower than your student is accustomed to. Bedding, linens, and apartment supplies are also usually provided by the host institution/program,; where they are not, the host institution will generally offer a bedding pack for a small fee.
Some of our partner organizations provide additional "optional" excursions that are not a part of the regular academic program. These optional excursions can be bought by the student on-site, and usually involve group travel to some local and international destinations at the end of the semester (example: a group travel trip to Thailand as an optional excursion on the Murdoch, Australia program). These optional excursions are not included in the International Programs Fee and are not endorsed or administered in any way by Clark University. All fees are paid directly to the host provider(s). Any cancellations or refunds are therefore at your and your student's discretion.
Are there scholarships/funding available to help with international travel expenses?
Clark offers a limited number of scholarships for study abroad, as well as information on outside funding opportunities. We cannot stress enough that your student must start looking into funding opportunities very early - as early as the first or beginning of the sophomore year. Many scholarship applications are due before Clark's application due dates.
Clark is committed to equal access in study abroad and the belief that no student should be barred from a study abroad program because of financial limitations. We will try to work with your student and the Office of Financial Assistance as much as possible before departure to help identify funding opportunities.
Where will my son/daughter live?
Each program features different housing arrangements. Some programs offer suite/apartment-style housing on campus, while others are home-stays. In each case, there is an attempt made to integrate the student with host country nationals or with other international students not from Clark or the U.S. We believe this scenario allows for more cross-cultural contact and better adaptation in the long-run.
What will he/she eat?
The International Programs Fee covers the cost of three meals per day for your student. Depending on the arrangements of your student's program, he/she might be eating meals with their host family, cooking in apartment kitchens, or taking meals in the university restaurants/cafeterias/pubs. There are typically no meal plans (or limited meal plans) at host universities abroad.
How can I contact my student?
Most students will receive their address and phone number (if applicable) shortly before departure. Many students also try to use their cell phone overseas or purchase a cell phone upon arrival. You can arrange "phone dates" through email, use email itself, or use internet phone providers like Skype to make free international phone calls computer-to-computer. Prior to departure, you may want to list contact numbers and arrange a family "protocol" for getting in touch in case of emergency. (To find contacts for overseas programs, click here).
The first few days after arrival can be quite hectic; students will be very busy moving into their apartment/flat/host family, getting acquainted, meeting new people, and taking part in orientation activities. Although we advise students that establishing communication is one of the first steps upon arrival, don't be surprised if you don't hear from your student right away. It can often be difficult to access email and phones directly upon arrival.
Can I visit my student abroad?
Visiting your student while they are abroad can be a wonderful experience for the student, family or friends. We encourage you to visit your student either during a designated break or after the program's end because during the program, students are engaged in course work, program activities and various other commitments. Family visits might cause time conflicts for students, and interrupt the intensity and uniqueness of their cultural immersion. Typically, flights can be altered (although you will want to check the fees) to accommodate visits at the end of the program.