Resources for Families
We understand that Roanoke College families have questions and concerns about their students going on our amazing study away opportunities. Please know that we are here to help.
A Parent's Guide to Study Away
The Institute of Education Abroad and the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) put together a great resource book for parents. It is available for free.
The guide covers the following topics:
- Clarifying the value of studying abroad
- Identifying the right study abroad program
- Figuring out the financials
- Staying safe and healthy abroad
- Preparing for success abroad
- Offering the appropriate mixture of support
- Helping your child leverage the experience for personal and professional success
Affording a Study Away Experience
If study away is a priority, there is a way to make it affordable. Early planning helps students make cost-effective program decisions, and it also helps them prepare through personal savings, scholarships, and financial aid. There are many options that are less expensive than the typical residential experience at Roanoke College. For all approved programs for guaranteed financial aid transferability, students pay their Roanoke College tuition plus a program fee. This Study Abroad Fee is nonrefundable and Global Engagement works with students to find programs that fit their budget needs.
Great news! Many of our study away programs are comparable in cost to attending Roanoke College, but we want to make sure that you are aware that costs can vary significantly between programs. We encourage you and your student to explore all your options carefully and make an informed decision that works best for you. For all programs on our approved list, financial aid will apply, and you may also be eligible for additional scholarship opportunities through national competitions like Gilman or Boren, as well as the program provider's in-house scholarships. WE are here to support you every step of the way, helping you compare your options and offering guidance on your scholarship applications. We are committed to making your study abroad experience accessible and affordable!
Benefits of a Study Away Experience
Study Away is an opportunity to not only explore another place in the world, but also to gain many skills that will significantly enhance your studies and career. Some of the potential benefits of going off-campus include:
- Gain a competitive edge for resumes or graduate applications
- Obtain hands-on work experience in a multicultural context
- Relate classroom lectures to real-world situations
- Develop and improve language skills
- Gain an international perspective of the major
- Experience another culture – and develop a greater awareness of your own
- Become more self-confident and independent
- Expand cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
- Studies have shown that adding an international component is directly related to graduating on time (within four years) and having an improved focus and GPA upon return.
Safety
We are fully committed to prioritizing our students' physical and mental well-being and academic success. We continually assess the academic rigor, support services, and overall quality of life offered by our study away program providers. Before embarking on their journey, each student is required to attend a pre-departure meeting, where we cover essential topics like cultural adaptation, health, safety, and security. We work closely with our students to empower them with knowledge about potential risks and available resources. While risks are an inherent part of any study away experience, we proactively identify and communicate these risks to ensure students can take necessary precautions. We also keep parents informed as needed. Please note that while we do our best to mitigate risks, responsible behavior by your student is crucial in minimizing potential dangers while away from our campus.