Supporting Your Student’s Global Journey

Information for Parents and Families as Your Student Prepares to Study Abroad

Families play an important role in helping FGCU students prepare for study abroad. When Eagles take flight around the world, parents and families are essential partners in the experience. This page provides the information, tools, and reassurance you need to help your student prepare, stay safe, and make the most of their time abroad.

Studying abroad allows FGCU students to take their education beyond the classroom and explore the world while earning academic credit. Whether it’s a two-week faculty-led trip, a semester exchange, or a summer internship overseas, each experience helps students gain independence, cultural awareness, and global perspectives that last a lifetime.

Why Study Abroad at FGCU?

At FGCU, study abroad programs are designed to fit a wide range of goals and schedules.

Students can:

Take courses that count toward their FGCU degree

Build professional skills through international internships

Immerse themselves in new languages and cultures

Strengthen leadership and adaptability through hands-on experiences

Connect with a global network of peers, faculty, and community partners

FGCU Study Abroad is with your student every step of the way- offering personalized advising, safety resources, academic guidance, and a community of support before, during, and after their journey.

🌍 Global destinations 📚 FGCU-approved courses 💰 Scholarships 🩺 Health, safety, and 24/7 support

Choosing the Right Program
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Help Your Student Find the Best Fit

Every student’s study abroad journey is unique. The right program should align with academic goals, budget, and personal interests. Families can support this process by helping their student choose an experience that encourages both personal and professional growth.

Encourage your student to meet with a Study Abroad Advisor early to discuss:
- Academic goals and how courses fit their FGCU degree plan
- Independence level, from short faculty-led trips to semester exchanges or internships
- Finances, including program fees, housing, and cost of living
- Cultural or language interests that enhance their global perspective
FGCU Program Options
- Faculty-Led Programs: Short-term, FGCU-guided trips linked to specific courses — ideal for first-time travelers.
- International Internships: Hands-on professional experience that builds global skills and resumes.
- Approved Providers & Exchanges: Diverse destinations and courses through trusted global partners.
Starting early is key. Meeting with an advisor at least two semesters ahead allows time to plan academics, finances, and travel confidently.
Understanding the Finances
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Plan Ahead and Know Your Options
• We encourage early budgeting and exploring financial aid options.
• Study abroad scholarships are available through FGCU and external sources.
• Each program lists estimated costs to help with planning.

Understanding the Financial Aid Process
Financial Aid must confirm that courses taken abroad apply toward a student’s degree. If electives are already completed, courses must count toward major or minor requirements to remain eligible for aid. We encourage students to meet with their advisor to confirm this before applying.

Using Bright Futures

Students participating in CIS Abroad programs may be able to use Bright Futures through FGCU’s partnership with Jacksonville University (JU). JU serves as a school of record, providing a U.S. transcript for certain programs. Students must notify their CIS Abroad coordinator during the application process, apply to JU as a non-degree seeking student, and pay a $75 per credit hour fee. After completing the program, JU issues a transcript reflecting transfer credit.

CIS Abroad programs at the Sant’Anna Institute automatically include a JU transcript, so students do not need to request one separately.

Important:
Because each program and institution has different billing and transcript structures, please encourage your student to meet with their Academic Advisor and Financial Aid Office to confirm which programs are eligible to use Bright Futures or Florida Prepaid funding.
Health and Safety
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Your student’s well-being is our top priority. We continuously monitor potential risks across all programs and rely on trusted sources and partners to guide our decisions.

• Ensuring student well-being is a shared responsibility among students, families, and our professional staff.
• Our office equips students with health and safety information tailored to their program and destination.
• When working with an external study abroad provider, students have access to on-site staff who know the area and are ready to help.
• On FGCU faculty led programs, students are supported by the faculty leader and our office from pre-departure through return.

International health insurance
All FGCU study abroad participants are covered by international health insurance. Some providers or host institutions may have additional requirements, and our office will help students understand and complete those steps.

• FGCU partners with trusted institutions abroad.
• We monitor world events and maintain emergency protocols.
• Our office provides 24/7 support in case of emergencies.
Preparing for success
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Helping Your Student Thrive Abroad

FGCU helps every Eagle feel prepared, confident, and supported before, during, and after studying abroad. Students complete pre-departure orientations on academics, culture, health, and safety.

Encourage your student to:
- Learn about their host culture and key travel details.
- Prepare travel documents early (passport, visa, required forms).
- Stay organized with program materials and deadlines.
- Keep an open mind and realistic expectations.
While abroad, students are encouraged to communicate early, stay proactive, and embrace new experiences. After returning, they can reflect, share, and apply what they’ve learned to future goals—with your continued encouragement and support.