Welcome to our dedicated resource page for parents and families of students studying abroad! We understand that sending your student abroad is an exciting yet sometimes nerve-wracking experience, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Studying abroad is more than just an academic opportunity—it’s a chance for your student to gain independence, broaden their global perspective, and develop valuable skills that will set them apart in their future careers. Many OU students return with enhanced problem-solving abilities, a deeper sense of purpose, and lifelong friendships!
Through trusted partnerships and comprehensive resources, we are dedicated to supporting your student’s safety, success, and well-being while abroad. From pre-departure preparation to in-country assistance, we are here to support their growth in an international setting, while giving you peace of mind. By supporting their journey, you’re helping them build a future filled with global opportunities and personal growth!
We understand that college itself can feel like a new experience, and studying abroad adds another exciting step. Our office is here to support first-generation students and their families every step of the way—from the first inquiry to their return home. Encourage your student to take the lead in planning, and discuss any questions or concerns together. We're always here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out!
The safety and well-being of your student are our top priorities. We work closely with trusted organizations and local partners to ensure your student has the resources and support they need while abroad.
Our Commitment to Safety:
We monitor global safety conditions through the U.S. Department of State, the Overseas Security Advisory Council, and in-country program staff. Each program has established emergency protocols, and students receive comprehensive health and safety guidance before departure.
Student Responsibility:
Students play an active role in their own safety by:
Registering their travel plans with the U.S. State Department’s STEP program for important updates.
Staying informed about travel advisories and following local laws and guidelines.
Communicating their independent travel plans with program staff.
Knowing emergency contacts, including on-site staff and our office's 24/7 Emergency Line.
Health & Wellness:
All study abroad students are automatically enrolled in Study Abroad Insurance through OnCall International for the duration of their program. We encourage students to research medical facilities in their host country and pack any necessary prescriptions with proper documentation.
Emergency Assistance:
In case of an emergency, students should follow program protocols and contact on-site staff for immediate support. They should also identify and save local emergency numbers (such as police, ambulance, and fire services) in their host country.
For Medical Emergencies, students should contact OnCall International (877) 714-8179 | (603) 952-2660 (Collect). For all other emergencies while abroad, students should contact OU’s study abroad 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line (405) 630-5392.
By staying informed, following guidelines, and utilizing available resources, students can have a safe and successful experience abroad!
Understanding the cost of study abroad and planning ahead can help make the experience more affordable and stress-free.
Tuition & Program Fees:
Students may either pay OU tuition and fees or the Provider's Comprehensive Fee, depending on the program. Additional program fees may apply, covering housing, excursions, and in-country travel.
What’s Included & Additional Expenses:
Program fees often cover essentials such as housing, some meals, local transportation, and health insurance. However, students should budget for additional expenses like airfare, daily meals, visa fees, independent travel, and personal spending.
Financial Aid & Scholarships:
Many financial aid packages, including grants and loans, can be applied to study abroad. Students are also encouraged to explore scholarships offered by OU and national organizations. The earlier they start planning, the more opportunities they will have to secure funding.
Budgeting & Managing Costs:
Encourage your student to create a budget that accounts for all expected expenses. Discuss smart financial habits, such as tracking spending, using a travel-friendly bank account, and having a plan for emergencies.
By preparing financially and exploring all available resources, students can make study abroad an affordable and rewarding experience!
Supporting your student as they prepare for their study abroad experience can help set them up for success. Here are key steps to ensure they are ready for their journey:
Pre-Departure Orientation:
All students are required to attend a pre-departure orientation, where they will receive important information about health and safety, cultural adjustment, academic expectations, and travel logistics. Encourage your student to take notes and ask questions to feel more confident before they go.
Important Documents:
Packing & Essentials:
Studying abroad comes with exciting opportunities and challenges. Encourage open conversations about adjusting to a new culture, managing homesickness, and handling unexpected situations. Remind them that support is available through their program staff and the OU Education Abroad office.
While your student is abroad, staying in touch may look different from what you’re used to, but with a little planning, you can maintain regular communication and support them throughout their journey.
Best Ways to Stay in Touch:
Your student’s schedule will be busy with classes, excursions, and new experiences. Time zone differences and internet availability may also affect when they can check in. Setting expectations for how often and when you’ll communicate can help ease concerns and allow them to fully immerse in their experience.
In case of an emergency, your student should follow their program’s emergency protocols and contact on-site staff.
The cost of studying abroad varies based on the program’s location, type, and term. Most semester and academic year programs may be comparable to—or even less than—the cost of a semester in Norman, making study abroad an affordable option for many students. Provider programs do not charge OU tuition and fees, which can offer significant savings for out-of-state students.
During advising, we help students understand the full cost of their chosen program, including tuition, housing, meals, and additional expenses. Students who qualify for banked hours, a benefit of OU’s flat-rate tuition, can also apply them to summer study abroad programs, potentially reducing costs.
We encourage students to work closely with their study abroad advisor and Student Financial Services to understand program costs, explore financial aid options, and maximize available scholarships.
Yes! Many forms of financial aid and tuition benefits can be applied to study abroad programs, including:
We recommend that students meet with the study abroad and financial aid offices early to explore their funding options and ensure they maximize their resources.
Students can begin planning for study abroad as early as they enroll at OU. We recommend they start researching programs and apply about 6–9 months before their intended departure. Planning early allows students to:
In general, the application deadline falls in the semester before your student plans to go abroad, so early planning is essential to stay on track.
Yes! Students of all majors at OU can study abroad. Some programs offer major-specific credit, while others fulfill General Education requirements. Students will work with their Academic Advisor and Study Abroad Advisor to select a program that aligns with their degree plan and keeps them on track for graduation.
While most majors can easily incorporate study abroad, some require more careful planning. We recommend students start exploring options as early as their first semester to maximize their opportunities.
Yes! All students enrolled in an OU study abroad program are automatically covered by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). This blanket policy provides coverage from the time they depart until they return home from their study abroad experience.
Students also have access to OnCall International Travel Assistance, which offers 24/7 support for medical and travel emergencies. The Team Assist contact numbers are:
+1 (877) 714-8179 (Toll-Free)
+1 (603) 952-2660 (International)
Depending on the service and location, students may need to pay upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement through CISI. For more details on coverage, see the CISI Summary of Benefits or contact the CISI claims department for assistance.
Physical Address:
The University of Oklahoma
729 Elm Avenue
Farzaneh Hall, Room 144
Norman, Oklahoma 73019-5144
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM
Phone: (405) 325-1693
Email: ea@ou.edu
Emergency While Abroad
Phone: (405) 630-5392
Email: helpabroad@ou.edu
"We've always seen the value of experiencing other cultures and traditions. We're so thankful that Madilyn has had the opportunity to experience and learn for herself, and I hope that others who may have been following her adventures will see the possibility and accessibility through study abroad programs, and want to experience it for themselves.
Study Abroad is a wonderful way for your child to travel and expereince new cultures, while making new friends and still within the relatively controlled environment of the university. I feel it's the best way to send your child abroad, while still continuing their education...the best of both worlds."
- Madilyn's mom
