While studying abroad can be a huge life-changing experience for your student, we are aware that it can be a nervous time for you. While students should take responsibility for their own planning when preparing to study abroad, we would encourage you to talk through the process with them. You should be informed about and involved in their decision to enroll in a particular program. The FAQs (below) will help you better understand LSU New Orleans-Innsbruck International Summer School.
LSU New Orleans respects the privacy of students. Due to the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) LSU New Orleans employees may not discuss a student’s information with anyone other than the student. This includes admission data, schedules, academic information, health conditions, or billing. Please encourage your student to be in contact with us directly, and speak with them about how they will share information with you. In an emergency LSU New Orleans will reach out to emergency contacts as designated by the student.
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What are the eligibility requirements for my student to study abroad?
All students wishing to participate in LSU New Orleans-Innsbruck Summer School must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and be in good standing at their home institution. Students on disciplinary and/or academic probation will not be accepted to the program. Students must have completed at least one semester at the college level at the time of application, meaning first-time freshman will not be eligible.
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How involved should I be in the planning of my student’s study abroad experience?
We highly encourage students to plan their study abroad experience themselves, from completing the online application, to ensuring their passport is valid, submitting required documents, and everything in between. They are adults, and this type of preparation helps to establish the independence required to live and study abroad.
You should be supportive of your student’s decision to study abroad and can show this in different ways:
• Do some research into their intended destination
• Offer to help gather medical history information to ensure they can submit it in a timely manner when requested
• Discuss any travel plans and activities the student has that are independent of the study abroad program
• Help them to create a budget for their time abroad
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What information will students receive from LSU New Orleans before going abroad?
Once a student is admitted to LSU New Orleans-Innsbruck program, we keep in regular contact with them via email. It is important that they check their email regularly and respond if required. Once the admissions process is complete all admitted students will receive an email which contains important information about the program including arrivals/departures, required documentation, deadlines, etc. A student checklist will also be provided to help keep them on track as we count down to our departure for Innsbruck. Students should save the email and checklist in an easy to reference location as they will certainly need it again throughout their preparation to participate.
A pre-departure orientation for all students will be held in during the spring semester. A virtual information session specifically for parents and families will also be held in the spring. The information for this will be shared with all admitted students, so check with your student regularly to make sure you get the meeting details.
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How can I stay in touch with my student while they are abroad?
It is important to have a communication plan set with your student before they depart for their study abroad program. Students may find it difficult to communicate on a regular basis due to their academic workload and co-curricular activities, as well as the time difference between the U.S. and Austria, so having a set day or time to talk will help both parties.
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What about safety?
Innsbruck is a safe city with a low crime rate. The same safety measures your student takes at home will serve them well in Austria. We do encourage you to engage your student in a thorough discussion of safety and behavior issues, insurance needs, and emergency procedures related to living abroad.
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Can I visit my student while they are abroad?
The best time to visit your student is at the end of the program as they will be familiar with their surroundings and can be your tour guide! Attendance in class and on class-related field trips is very important and will impact your student’s grade. They will not receive excused absences for traveling or spending time with family instead of going to class. They will also be expected to make curfew on school nights and sleep in the dorm on class nights even when family is in town.
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What if my student falls ill while abroad?
Student health is very important to us. Students may experience mild colds or allergies, or upset stomachs due to changes in cuisine, environment or activity levels. These normal occurrences usually pass quickly with rest and over-the-counter medication from local pharmacies.
If a medical appointment is required, our insurance provides an excellent telehealth option. Our staff on the ground can assist with telehealth appointments, as well as with finding local providers, translation requirements, and will accompany students to hospital (should the need arise). -
What about homesickness?
Homesickness is very common and can happen at any time. We have a Student Support Team on site in Innsbruck who are available 24 hours a day to help your student with whatever is needed. We encourage all students to continue healthy habits from home while they are abroad, such as meditation, working out, or journaling. You can help by remaining positive and supportive, and reminding them of their goals while abroad.
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Will my student be a different person when they come home?
Students will be excited to return home to the United States but may need a period of time for readjustment; this is perfectly normal. You should encourage your student to share their experiences with you. Studying abroad can be a very meaningful experience, and students may experience a variety of emotions once the abroad experience has ended. You can help them adjust by being attentive, listening to their stories, looking at their photos, and asking about new interests they may have.