An Introduction
An Introduction to Study Abroad
Welcome parents of Study Abroad!
Here at the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad, we are excited that our students have the opportunity to travel abroad and experience the wonders of a new country while getting course credit. This past year over 180 students at Eastern Illinois University made the decision to study abroad in places such as South Korea, Thailand, Australia, Wales, Germany, Italy, and many more! We understand how overwhelming this can be to their parents, but the Office is here to lend whatever aid we can to students who study abroad and the parents who worry about them.
We know you want the best for your student, and the experience of study abroad offers them the opportunity to grow and gain important resume building skills. Studying abroad can increase self-confidence, impact maturity, influence one's world view, heighten foreign language skills, develop an open mind, encourage diversity, and influence one's entire life for the better. One of the most valuable reasons to study abroad is the opportunity for students to gain a competitive edge in the job market. Increasingly, surveys show that graduates who have studied abroad secure more and better job offers and higher starting salaries in their fields. In addition to completing academic coursework abroad, students can also access credit-bearing internships.
One of the most common concerns we hear in the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad is that of the health and safety of our students. We are here to reassure you that EIU, the host institutions, and any other personnel associated with our programs are dedicated to the safety of your student. We have many resources available for students and their parents about what to do in case of an emergency, but studying in a foreign country is no more dangerous than in the United States.
EIU’s high quality, affordable study abroad opportunities allow students to experience the culture, customs, and people of another country while using their financial aid and earning college credit. Our students have the option to enroll in spring break, summer, spring or fall semester, and year-long study abroad programs around the world. These programs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from faculty-led programming where students travel with EIU faculty and classmates, to exchange programs where participants enroll as international students abroad.
If you are interested to learn more about the opportunities available to your student or have any questions about study abroad, we encourage you or your student to contact our office for an appointment. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. We can be contacted at 217-581-3390 or by email at goabroad@eiu.edu.
Recent Articles
Eight fantastic reasons to study abroad: November 13, 2017
Study Abroad Tips for Parents: May 4, 2017
Recommended Websites
Parent Video Series
Take a look at our series of YouTube videos created by the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad office to help answer your questions about everything from health and safety to your student's return home. If you don't see something you think should be featured here, please let us know!
Parents FAQ
This is an EIU page with answers to frequently asked questions of parents. If you don't find the answer to your question here, then call or e-mail our office for help.
Safety Handbook: Advice for Parents
Provides advice for parents and family members to help their students choose a program, understand the fundamentals of studying abroad, and adjustments to returning home. Includes safety risks, legal issues, communication barriers, as well as answers “Parent's Frequently Asked Questions.”
10 Reasons to Encourage Your Children to Study and Live Abroad
An explanation of the psychological benefits your student can obtain by taking part in an overseas experience.
Welcome parents of Study Abroad!
Here at the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad, we are excited that our students have the opportunity to travel abroad and experience the wonders of a new country while getting course credit. This past year over 180 students at Eastern Illinois University made the decision to study abroad in places such as South Korea, Thailand, Australia, Wales, Germany, Italy, and many more! We understand how overwhelming this can be to their parents, but the Office is here to lend whatever aid we can to students who study abroad and the parents who worry about them.
We know you want the best for your student, and the experience of study abroad offers them the opportunity to grow and gain important resume building skills. Studying abroad can increase self-confidence, impact maturity, influence one's world view, heighten foreign language skills, develop an open mind, encourage diversity, and influence one's entire life for the better. One of the most valuable reasons to study abroad is the opportunity for students to gain a competitive edge in the job market. Increasingly, surveys show that graduates who have studied abroad secure more and better job offers and higher starting salaries in their fields. In addition to completing academic coursework abroad, students can also access credit-bearing internships.
One of the most common concerns we hear in the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad is that of the health and safety of our students. We are here to reassure you that EIU, the host institutions, and any other personnel associated with our programs are dedicated to the safety of your student. We have many resources available for students and their parents about what to do in case of an emergency, but studying in a foreign country is no more dangerous than in the United States.
EIU’s high quality, affordable study abroad opportunities allow students to experience the culture, customs, and people of another country while using their financial aid and earning college credit. Our students have the option to enroll in spring break, summer, spring or fall semester, and year-long study abroad programs around the world. These programs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from faculty-led programming where students travel with EIU faculty and classmates, to exchange programs where participants enroll as international students abroad.
If you are interested to learn more about the opportunities available to your student or have any questions about study abroad, we encourage you or your student to contact our office for an appointment. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you. We can be contacted at 217-581-3390 or by email at goabroad@eiu.edu.
Recent Articles
Eight fantastic reasons to study abroad: November 13, 2017
Study Abroad Tips for Parents: May 4, 2017
Recommended Websites
Parent Video Series
Take a look at our series of YouTube videos created by the William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad office to help answer your questions about everything from health and safety to your student's return home. If you don't see something you think should be featured here, please let us know!
Parents FAQ
This is an EIU page with answers to frequently asked questions of parents. If you don't find the answer to your question here, then call or e-mail our office for help.
Safety Handbook: Advice for Parents
Provides advice for parents and family members to help their students choose a program, understand the fundamentals of studying abroad, and adjustments to returning home. Includes safety risks, legal issues, communication barriers, as well as answers “Parent's Frequently Asked Questions.”
10 Reasons to Encourage Your Children to Study and Live Abroad
An explanation of the psychological benefits your student can obtain by taking part in an overseas experience.