What To Expect
The list of skills students develop during their study abroad are endless. Some that Intrax Study Abroad emphasize are independence, adaptability, maturity, self-confidence, problem solving and effective communication in various cultural settings. Since many of these skills are transferable to the workforce, we see study abroad not only as an academic and personal growth opportunity, but also as an investment into the students' future career path.
Pre-Departure Preparation
- Planning
- Advanced planning is key! Students are always busy with semester coursework, a summer job or an intramural sport and as a result, deadlines may pass them by. Encourage your son or daughter to start planning approximately 4-6 months prior to the desired study abroad program departure. This ensures that she/he has plenty of time to do research, apply for a passport and meet application deadlines.
- Deciding on a program
- These days, there are many study abroad options available to students and deciding on a program can get overwhelming. Intrax Study Abroad Program Advisors are available to speak with students and parents about selecting a program that best fits your son or daughter's academic, financial and personal needs. We are constantly adding new destinations, academic focuses and travel options to address the needs of today's diverse student population.
- Financing
- Encourage your son or daughter to create a budget. Not only is this a good exercise in financial responsibility but it also allows students to identify their resource pool. Our Program Advisors have excellent tips on fundraising for study abroad. We can also advise students about scholarship and financial aid opportunities if necessary.
- Packing and Gearing up
- "If you can't carry it, don't bring it!" We are constantly reminding students to pack lightly in order to make their travel experience more enjoyable. Intrax Study Abroad conducts an important and informative pre-departure orientation for all students which covers packing advice, travel logistics and important cultural adjustment issues in order to prepare students before they leave the United States.
While Away
- On-site support
- All Intrax Study Abroad programs have an On-site Coordinator (OSC). Intrax's OSC have extensive experience working with US college students, are experts on the local culture and are always available to provide student support while abroad. Intrax's OSC serve as the first point of contact for your son or daughter in the case of an emergency and are trained on Intrax's health and safety procedures. Intrax's OSC also offer student-support on any cultural adjustment issues they may face while studying abroad.
- Communication with home
- Today, there are many convenient (and affordable) methods of communication overseas including international cell phones, e-mail, instant messaging, internet telephone systems, etc. Intrax recommends that you and your son or daughter ask us which communication method works best in the context of the student's host-country. Depending on the program, students may have limited access to internet service or may be participating in exciting cross-cultural adventures far from a phone. We recommend you and your son or daughter set realistic expectations about the frequency of communication with home.
- Support from a distance
- While this may sound counterintuitive to a parent, sometimes the best type of support for a student studying abroad is to step back. Some of the most challenging times for students studying abroad are also some of the most important 'teachable' moments or spaces for development and growth. Students are less likely to problem-solve, allow for immersion or reflect on positive outcomes during their experience abroad if they are in constant contact with home.
- Visiting your son or daughter
- Visiting your son or daughter is an incredibly memorable experience and a great excuse to travel yourselves. However, it is Intrax policy that parents plan to visit their child at the end of the student's study abroad program. Visits from parents at the beginning or middle of the program can disrupt the student's transition into the new environment and the intensive structure of the academic program.
Upon Return
- Reentry support
- Culture shock is a term commonly discussed as a sensation faced by individuals upon arrival in a new country and/or cultural environment. Reverse culture shock is seldom recognized or acknowledged upon return to the home country. Oftentimes students returning to the United States after an inspiring experience abroad have difficulties readjusting to their 'old life.' Parents should be aware that this is a common reaction but there are ways to work through this transition. Intrax Study Abroad offers specific programs to address such reentry issues. We conduct a reentry workshop at the end of the program in order to set students' expectations upon return to US culture. This is also the time we ask students to reflect on their experience abroad and provide program feedback to Intrax.
- Life-long learning
- Encourage your son or daughter to continue his/her cultural learning and exercise his/her acquired study abroad skills upon return. Intrax allows students to expand their new global identities and stay involved in an international network through our Student Ambassador Program. Intrax's Student Ambassador Program is an excellent opportunity for your son or daughter to gain internship experience, public speaking practice, leadership and teambuilding skills and to build relationships within the field of international education.
