Webster University: Resources for Parents

Welcome Parents

We congratulate you for supporting your son or daughter to study abroad. It is a selfless decision, as it is hard for anyone to send their loved ones away for 8 weeks or more at a time. Although it may be personally difficult to be separated for that amount of time, the experience your son or daughter is will gain while abroad will be something they will be able to benefit from for the rest of their lives. It is also natural to have safety concerns about sending your son or daughter to live in a foreign country. Each of our international campuses has a Student Services staff whose goal is the well being of each student at their campus.

The Office of Study Abroad in St. Louis has a very close working relationship with this staff at each campus, and is in daily contact and a phone’s notice away. If any safety issue were to arise, we would know within a moment’s notice. Overall, studying abroad will be a life changing experience and an adventure of a lifetime. We work full time to ensure each student has the opportunity for such an adventure. If you have any questions or concerns at any point of your son or daughter’s study abroad journey, please don’t hesitate to contact our office for assistance.

For detailed information pertaining to housing, cost, money matters, travel arrangements, staying in touch, what to pack, orientation, health and safety abroad, registration and more, please take a look at our handbooks created specifically to answer the most frequently thought about or asked questions:

Study Abroad Program Handbooks (PDFs)

Kansai University Exchange

Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study abroad?

The world is becoming more globalized every day. Nearly every industry imaginable is impacted by global networks of some sort. Employers see global experience as an advantage when reviewing resumes of potential employees—it is a way to be one step ahead of the crowd.
It is a chance to see the world. In most situations, students who study abroad not only stay in their host country, but they have opportunities to travel to neighboring countries and destinations as well.
Gain a new perspective of your home country. Margaret Mead, American anthropologist, once stated, “As the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, our own.”
Make friends around the world! Students will have the opportunity to live and take classes with other students from around the world, enabling the establishment of lifelong friendships.

How much will this cost?

More information

How can I send money to my son or daughter?

We suggest that your son or daughter maintains the same bank account abroad that he/she maintains in the U.S. Debit cards will still work in ATMs abroad and can be used to obtain the local currency that way. It might be easier to deposit money into your son or daughter’s bank account, so that the funds will be available immediately. Please check with your local bank about becoming authorized to sign on financial behalf of your son or daughter. If using a debit card, check with your bank before departure as some debit cards must be activated for international use. Your bank will also be able to tell you what international transaction fees would be. We do not advise sending paper bills or U.S. checks through mail.

Can my son or daughter meet other students from St. Louis going to the same international campus?

Yes, there are several opportunities for your son or daughter to meet other students going to the same campus during the same term or semester.

The Office of Study Abroad maintains a Facebook account where students can befriend the OSA and join groups such as, “Vienna Fall 2009.”
We also conduct pre-acceptance interviews after students apply to study abroad. They are held in group format and each campus interview is conducted individually.
Lastly, we hold a mandatory, pre-departure orientation before students depart and break into smaller group sessions that are campus specific.

What type of health insurance is provided while abroad?

Health insurance is automatically provided to each student participating in a study abroad program. This is purchased by using funds generated from the study abroad fee, so there is no additional cost to you. HTH Worldwide Insurance Services will provide accidental and sickness coverage. Students will receive brochures and information at the pre-departure orientation. If you would like to get a quick glimpse now, please visit our Quick Fact Sheet at the link below:

Why is there a charge for the World Traveler Award (free airfare) on my son or daughter’s account?

This is normal. The WWTP (Webster World Traveler Program) is considered a financial aid award. At first, there will be a charge on your student’s account for the cost of the airfare. Before that bill is issued, the charge will be deducted by the financial aid office, resulting in a zero balance.

Are there any good online resources available to my son or daughter, or me while they are overseas?

Yes, the following sites have a lot of information on travel, culture, language and how to do things internationally. See below:

What is a power of attorney and when do I need it?

A power of attorney will allow you to legally act on financial matters on behalf of your son or daughter in their absence. Anytime there is paperwork that needs to be signed, such as financial aid or scholarships needed depositing, you may sign the documents. You may obtain a power of attorney application at office supply stores. Once the application is filled out, you must have it notarized. Webster University’s Registrar’s Office has a notary on staff or you can have your local bank notarize the application.

What if my son or daughter has to withdraw from a program?

If before the $165 deposit is due:

No penalty

If the deposit has been paid, WWTP airfare has been purchased, housing contract has been signed, and study abroad fee has been posted to student account:

No refund of deposit
The Office of Study Abroad must be refunded the full amount of the airfare
If a housing contract has been signed and housing has already been allocated at campus abroad, you may be responsible for paying the housing costs for the entire length of time as stated in the contract. For example, if you sign a Vienna housing contract and housing is already allocated, then you will still have to pay 980€ per term even if your son or daughter does not go to Vienna.

For information on tuition refunds, please check with the Business Office at Webster University.