What positive steps can parents and families take in advance to help their students prepare for a study away program? GEO offers a brief list of important things you can do now to help.
Be fully informed
Ask your student for as much information as possible about the program, and be sure to familiarize yourself with the policies outlined in the Study Away Student Handbook. Everyone involved should be well informed ahead of time about the financial and academic commitments required, and the possible consequences of not fulfilling them.
FERPA Notice
GEO is committed to preparing and supporting students in studying away. We encourage parents to talk with their students throughout the study away process, to gain relevant information from them, and to maintain contact with their students while abroad, as the FERPA Act prevents Duke GEO from sharing specific details.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. In accordance with FERPA, students 18 years of age or older have the right to their academic records and schools may not release any personal information without consent.
Under FERPA, Duke GEO and the university may NOT release any student information listed below:
- Contact information while abroad
- Student's program status or program name
- Grades and transcripts
- Course and/or schedule information
- Medical information
- Housing
For additional information on FERPA, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's webpage.
Talk about health and safety
The Health, Safety, and Security Section of the Study Away Handbook covers a number of important issues that you should discuss frankly with your child before departure. We encourage you to read it carefully and contact our office if you have questions.
Get important documents in order
All study abroad participants will need a valid passport, and some may need study visas. Be sure to read carefully any program literature regarding student visa requirements. If your student is attending a Duke-Approved (not a Duke-Administered) program, please direct all visa-related questions directly to their program.
Families/guardians should have current passports so that, if the need arose, you could travel to the program site on short notice. If your student is covered by your medical insurance while abroad, make sure they have a copy of their card and understand the coverage they have. You should also keep copies of your student's important documents (passport, ID, tickets, credit cards, prescriptions, etc.) for safekeeping.
Have a plan for communication
Make sure you have a good understanding of how to reach your student at the program site, as well as when they are traveling on their own. Establish clear expectations with your student about how often and by what means they will be in touch with you. Ask your student to provide you with the contact information for the local, on-site program staff for their program.