Resources for Students & Parents

Dear Student, 

Saint Louis University strives to give students a foundation of knowledge and tools before, during and after their experience abroad. On going advising, information sessions, orientation, and study abroad resources are available to both the student and parent. Study Abroad Advisors are available Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM. We encourage walk-ins and are always available by email or phone. Please contact us for any questions, comments or concerns. We are here to help you!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Quesenberry
Study Abroad Coordinator
jquesenb@slu.edu
 

FINANCES

When you compare apples to apples, all SLU-Approved study abroad programs cost about the same or less than a semester at SLU! You may view more details about the specific costs and benefits of each program; however, there are three important points to note: (1) all of the scholarships and financial aid will go with the student for the SLU-approved programs, except for scholarships that are specifically geared towards housing; (2) please note that tuition remission, FACHEX and tuition exchange will only apply towards the Madrid campus, and (3) all of the bills will come from SLU directly, not from the program provider.

Useful Links:
Loan Information (consult with your SLU financial aid advisor before applying)
Scholarship Information
 

SPENDING MONEY

The amount of spending money that will be needed for the trip depends on many factors. It is a good idea to create a budget prior to departure that separates any planned expenses such as transportation and text books from general spending money that can be used for travel, going out at night, gifts…etc. The student may use traveler's checks, credit cards, ATM cards and local currency almost anywhere. SLU recommends using your ATM card for most purposes. Taking out larger sums of money at once (example: $200) will prevent excessive bank fees. Make sure to notify your bank and credit cards of the trip abroad so that they do not put a hold on the account.

Useful Links:
Wiring/Sending Money Abroad in an Emergency    
Online Currency Converter          

HEALTH INSURANCE

Saint Louis University requires that all students have a comprehensive travel insurance plan while studying outside of their home country. While our hope is that the student will have an accident free and healthy trip abroad, but in the rare case that the student could require medical attention, we have to be prepared.

The International Health Insurance plan provided by HTH will serve to protect the student while abroad. This Travel insurance plan is Mandatory (no exceptions) for all students and will automatically be charged to the students account. The cost is $250 per semester, well less than the cost of health insurance in the United States. This plan is unique because it will cover Medical Insurance, Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains to name a few.

Once accepted into the study abroad program, the student will be instructed to fill out the online insurance application form. During the pre-departure orientation, the student will receive on site training on how to use the insurance, plan benefits, how to find a doctor, and translate medical phrases, among others. An insurance card and coverage plan description will be mailed to the students’ permanent address before departure.

Useful Links:
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
SAFETI

COMMUNICATION

Email, cell phone and calling cards are all widely accepted means of communication abroad. “Go Phones” (pre-paid cell phones) can typically be purchased at an inexpensive rate abroad. Additionally, phone cards are inexpensive and easily accessible.

Please keep in mind that overseas students may not have access to email and land phones as often as one would in the U.S. Therefore, it is important to that the student email or call home as soon as they arrive abroad. Additionally, we encourage students to email the study abroad office upon their destination arrival.

Useful Links:
Phone Card Link
Zaptel

SAFETY

Saint Louis University recognizes the importance of having a safe and secure learning and living environment. SLU will place the student at a reputable university, in safe living quarters and will stay in close contact with our host officials.

Safety is our number one priority, and if unexpectedly the host country should become unstable, SLU will withdraw the student from the program to return safely to the U.S. We will have a mandatory pre-departure orientation for all students and will cover many important topics concerning their upcoming trip.

Useful Links:
Studyabroad.com Safety Information
Center for Global Education
US Department of State
 

EMERGENCIES

All study abroad programs will have English-speaking coordinators on-site who are trained to deal with an emergency. Ask your son/daughter to speak with them first regarding any problem that may arise. If there is an emergency, the student or parent may call the Office of International Services at 314-977-2318 during the day or Public Safety at 314-977-3000 in the evening.

We encourage all students to fill out an Emergency Card and Personal Action Plan and keep these items handy.

Useful Links:
Communication Info Sheets
General Emergency Information
If you have been a Victim of a crime
Lost Passport
US Embassies
Insurance

PRE-DEPARTURE & RE-ENTRY SUPPORT

Saint Louis University recognizes the importance of preparing the students to go abroad, as well as preparing them for re-entry to the United States. Each Semester, Saint Louis University offers two optional one-credit courses: Cross-Cultural Preparation for Studying Abroad (to be taken before going abroad), and Cross-Cultural Re-entry from Study Abroad (to be taken upon return from semester abroad). Both courses are taught by Norma Vogelweid. You may contact Professor Vogelweid at: vogelwn@slu.edu. Check Banner for course listings.

Additionally, Saint Louis University has on-going advising, information sessions and a pre-departure orientation each semester. We are available with an “open door” policy.

Useful Links:
The Global Scholar

CULTURE SHOCK

It is important to note that culture shock may initially affect the student. Their environment has changed completely and it may take a few weeks to adapt. It is normal for a student to call home when feeling home sick as they may have done their first few weeks here at SLU. We have on site staff abroad that can assist them with this transition. Eventually they may embrace this new culture and grow academically, culturally, socially and linguistically (for language classes).

Useful Links:
Culture Shock
Reverse Culture Shock
“Surviving Re-entry: A Readjustment Manual for Parents” by Leonore Cavallero and
SIT Study Abroad

PACKING

While it is hard to say this to a student...pack light! Don't bring stuff you haven't worn in years! You will buy so much stuff abroad that you'll run out of place where to put it.

Useful Links:
What to Pack

BEFORE LEAVING

Before leaving, make sure you have take care of the following:

·         Turn in ALL required paperwork to the Study Abroad Office. Students will receive multiple reminders throughout the semester to turn in required forms. All required forms and instructions can be obtained here. All items MUST be turned in before going abroad or the transferability of courses may be jeopardized & a hold will be placed on the account.

·         Clear all registration holds. If you have a hold on your account and you go abroad, we will NOT be able to register you as taking classes abroad until you remove the hold. It will be more of a nuisance to address this abroad…address it now!

·         Make two copies of all credit cards, bank cards, passport…etc. Leave one copy at home with your guardian and one copy in your suitcase.

·         Make mail arrangements for while you are abroad (Who will pay your bills?)

·         Study the country that you will be visiting. Language, weather, politics, culture….this will come in handy!

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions at any time, please don't hesitate to contact the study abroad office.