Father helping child pack up for trip abroad.

Family Resource Page

For friends, family, and community of students wanting to study abroad!

The Benefits of Real-World Travel Experiences

When your student signs up to study abroad, they're not just signing up for a trip – they're opening doors to a whole world of opportunities that can make a big difference in their life. Let's take a closer look at how being part of Global Education can really help your student grow, both now and in the future.

Image of a female presenting University of Calgary student in Amsterdam on a road bridge with their bike. Behind them is a lake filled with boats on the sides.

Personal

  • 97% of alumni report that their experience stimulated increased maturity and awareness.
  • Students become more independent, and challenge themselves. This can give students greater ability to see the world from various perspectives.
  • Students can learn how to budget effectively.
Image of a group of students in India sitting in a circle talking and taking notes with a group of local elementary aged girls.

Academic

  • 90% of study abroad alumni got in to their 1st or 2nd choice grad school.
  •  Students can earn credits towards their major/minor/options.
  • Students can improve GPA - study abroad alumni saw their GPA increase twice as quickly as a result of studying abroad vs their peers.
Group of science students in hard hats smiling at the camera while standing in front of large equipment.

Professional

  • 97% of study abroad alums found work within the first 12 months of graduating, while only 49% of their peers did.
  • Study Abroad students earn more than their peers! Study Abroad alumni earn on average 25% higher starting salaries.
  • Study abroad alumni have 19% lower unemployment rates than their peers.
Young adult student with backpack turning towards the camera. They are in the middle of what seems to be a narrow East Asian shopping centre at night.

Student safety & funding

1. Student Safety
Your student's safety is our top priority. Our office works closely with various authorities to provide health & safety support for students at all stages of their Global Learning program. These authorities include the University of Calgary Risk Management office, the Government of Canada, and International SOS. 

Students have access to support 24/7 from the time of their departure to when they return to Canada. The University monitors global situations while students are abroad and if any safety concerns arise, we will be in contact with students to offer assistance. We're here to answer any questions and ensure your student's well-being at every step of their journey, making travelling with Global Learning safer than travelling alone.

2. Funding for Students
The financial commitment associated with studying abroad can be comparable to attending UCalgary. In some cases, students find that their costs are lower when they go abroad!

When studying abroad, students remain enrolled at UCalgary. This means that they continue to pay their normal tuition fees and remain eligible for scholarships & student loans. Additionally, through participation in Global Learning, students can apply for funding specific to international programs. Both of these factors can help manage the financial strain on students.

Therefore, rest assured that your student can embark on a global academic experience without incurring undue financial strain. For further details regarding funding options, please visit the Global Learning Funding Page. 

How you can help

For students studying abroad, having a strong support system—before, during, and after their journey—is crucial. It helps ease anxiety for both students and parents. From preparing for departure to adjusting to life in a new country and returning home, here is some guidance, reassurance, and practical help you can provide your student for each phase of their trip.

  1. Research and planning

    • Help your student research the destination country and city. Look into cultural norms, local laws, healthcare facilities, and safety concerns.
    • Help in arranging necessary documents like visas, insurance, and any required permits.
    • Assist in finding suitable accommodation, either through the university or private rentals.

  2. Communication

    • Set up reliable communication channels, such as international calling plans or messaging apps.
    • Establish a regular schedule for staying in touch but respect their independence.

  3. Emotional support

    • Listen to your students concerns and fears about studying abroad.
    • Help them manage expectations about homesickness and culture shock.

  1. Stay connected

    • Maintain regular communication to provide support and stay updated on their experiences.
    • Respect their independence but be available for guidance and advice when needed.

  2. Encourage exploration

    • Encourage your student to immerse themselves in the local culture, try new activities, and make friends from diverse backgrounds.
    • Discuss strategies for managing coursework and maintaining a healthy study-life balance.

  3. Give them space

    • Give your student space to grow. While it's natural to miss and worry about them, bombarding them with messages isn't helpful. Instead, trust that they'll reach out when they need to.

  1. Support transitions

    • Give them space and patience to readjust to life at home while offering support as they transition back.
    • Understanding that reverse culture shock is common.
    • Offer support in navigating any challenges or uncertainties.

  2. Reflection and debrief

    • Encourage your student to reflect on their experiences abroad, including challenges overcome and lessons learned.
    • Discuss how their perspectives may have changed and what they hope to do with their newfound knowledge.

  3. Future planning

    • Help your student incorporate their study abroad experience into their academic and career plans.
    • Discuss how they can leverage their international experience in resumes, job interviews, and future endeavors.

Discover what one family says about their student's study abroad experience!

Resources for further research

Canadian Bureau for International Education - Results from international student survey data.

AIF Foundation and IIE - A parents guide to study abroad.

HSBC International services - For international banking and pre-departure planning.

Go Over Seas - For tools on how you can help your student budget, stay in contact while overseas, and deal with reverse culture shock upon student return.

ApplyBoard - For tips on how you can help ensure student wellness while abroad and ease effects of culture shock or homesickness.

Brandeis University - Additional family stories about studying abroad.

Image of a male presenting University of Calgary student with a green backpack walking away from the camera along a busy street in Prague Czechia.

Adam Kucharski