INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
81% of GSU study abroad students receive GSU scholarship funding in 2018-2019.
82.9% of students studied abroad on faculty-led programs in 2018-2019.
Benefits of Study Abroad
Upon their return to the U.S., students often say their study abroad experiences changed their lives. And the reasons why are as many and as varied as the people that go. Some of the benefits of studying abroad include:
- Earning credit toward their Georgia State University degree while studying abroad.
- Engaging with their major and academic interests from a global perspective, whether it be the workings or a multinational corporation in China or the effects of apartheid on South Africa’s economy and social structure.
- Building their resume to prepare for the diverse, competitive job market. Employers in our global economy seek the skills polished by overseas engagement – such as cultural awareness, teamwork, innovation, and flexibility.
- Acquiring or improving foreign language skills. Complete language and cultural immersion is considered the best way to learn a language.
- Gaining a better understanding of themselves and their own country. This is an adventure that will broaden their horizons and help them become more independent, more confident, and more mature.
- Most students who go abroad return exhilarated by the experience. They bring fresh perspectives to the classroom and are more confident about living in today’s world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Studying abroad is a wise investment and a lifetime gift that every student at Georgia State deserves to take advantage of. Below we’ve addressed common parental concerns about studying abroad. Should you have any concerns not addressed below, please reach out to our office at 404-413-2529 or [email protected].
Students can earn just as many credits during their term abroad as they can on campus, so studying abroad does not mean your son or daughter will fall behind academically or have to delay their graduation. In fact, a study by the University System of Georgia showed that students who studied abroad had a 17.8% higher 4-year graduation rate than their peers who did not study abroad. Students can earn credits to fulfill electives, major-related courses, and/or minor-related courses. GSU offers programs ranging in length from 1 week Spring Break programs all the way up to 10 month academic year exchanges, making it easier to find a program that works for students' schedules. Your son or daughter should meet with their Academic Advisor prior to choosing a study abroad program to help determine which classes are needed to graduate on time and when is the best time for them to go abroad.
GSU Study Abroad Programs include faculty-led study abroad programs and exchange programs. GSU faculty-led programs are led by a Program Director, who is a full-time faculty member at Georgia State and on-site, abroad with the students. These programs have been created by academic departments at Georgia State, and we have programs from all six colleges at Georgia State. Approximately 80 percent of Georgia State students who study abroad participate in a Georgia State faculty-led program. However, our students may choose to participate in a longer, exchange program or a Georgia State affiliate study abroad program. Meeting with a Study Abroad Peer Advisor and meeting with a Study Abroad Advisor will help your student choose a program that best meets their needs.
The health and safety of our students and faculty abroad is our # 1 priority. University policies and procedures are in place for emergencies for all of our our GSU Study Abroad Programs. Study Abroad Programs supports our students and faculty abroad with the following:
- Emergency Procedures annual meeting for Program Directors
- Pre-departure Orientations for students
- Completion of Health Clearance Forms by all students studying abroad
- International health insurance for all students studying abroad from GSU through https://www.usg.edu/international_education/study_abroad/study_abroad_insurance
- and A 24/7 Study Abroad Programs emergency phone number for students studying abroad and Program Directors to call in case of emergency: 470-825-3986.
Parent & Guardian Resources
Here we've compiled essential Study Abroad resources for parents and guardians.
Study Abroad Office
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Physical Address
Study Abroad Programs Office
International Center Dahlberg Hall, 3rd Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30303