Be excited together. Your student has already researched programs and decided on a destination. Celebrate the beginning of their study abroad journey by exploring his or her chosen location together: watch a foreign film, discuss a pertinent novel, or learn about its national holidays.

Discuss fears and apprehensions Reassure your student that they have your support, and discuss any concerns you or they may have.

Talk about differences. An important aspect of study abroad is about embracing something you are unfamiliar with. In other words, what is initially foreign will become familiar. Speak with your student to get him or her more comfortable about living in an environment where things they are use to at home may not exist or be as readily available. This realization will ensure a healthy adjustment overseas for your student.

Review travel documents. Of course, your student must have a passport valid for at least six months after the program's end date, but it is also important that parents or guardians have valid, up-to-date passports in the unlikely event that you have to go overseas for an emergency.

Plan ahead for visa applications. Let your student take control of the visa process, but acknowledge that it can be time consuming. Some consulates will also require individuals to visit them in person. Others have strict timelines that may prohibit them from going abroad before their semester begins. Keep this in mind if you intend to make travel plans, particularly during the summer.

Discuss financial matters. Communicate with your student regarding payment policies and deadlines. Talk about daily, miscellaneous costs, and possibly creating a budget for their time abroad.

Discuss health and safety. Study abroad will pose its own challenges, so talk ahead of time with your student about being responsible and making mature decisions. Some topics may include traveling with friends rather than alone, avoiding dangerous areas or situations, following the laws of the country, and being respectful of the culture and customs of the host nation.

Create a family communication plan. Exchange all contact information and discuss your plan of communication so you have the same expectations. Plan to communicate on arrival via email, phone, or Skype, but be realistic with regard to how quickly your student may be able to get in touch with you. Internet access may vary from country to country. Even with prime access, your student has to disembark, gather luggage, and go through customs first.

Copy, copy, copy. Please make copies of all important documents, including passports, insurance cards, credit cards, etc. in case they are lost or stolen. One copy should travel with your student and the other should be left at home.

Stay in touch, but not too much. Communicate with your student on a regular basis, but be careful not to do so frequently. Use this time to support and encourage him or her to immerse into a new culture rather than distracting them from it. Also, ask them to share highlights about their experiences inside and out of the classroom.

It's a learning experience, not a vacation. If you plan to visit your student, it is best to schedule your trip after their program ends. This is important because your student will need time to adjust and establish support systems on their own at the beginning of their study abroad experience Students need to stay immersed in the local culture and engaged in all official program activities.

Anticipate culture shock. Nearly everyone who studies abroad experiences culture shock, albeit at different times. This may have a significant impact on "what" and "how" your child communicates with you. Culture shock is oftentimes expressed in the form of something being wrong with the host country, its food, customs, the roommate, etc. It can be especially intense when a foreign language is involved. This part of the experience, depending on your student, will be enduring and may require additional patience and understanding from your end.

• Support their learning process. Listen sympathetically, but let your student solve their own problems.

• Remind your student of why they chose to go abroad in the first place

• Encourage your student to work through culture shock in a healthy way. For example, embrace the immersion and make new friends, speak the local language as much as possible (whether required or not), and refrain from seeking too much refuge among other Americans.

Expect change. While most of the changes will be positive, some may be surprising. American culture and customs which previously were considered “normal” may now be appalling or bizarre to your student. Give him or her time to adjust to this “new normal.” Let your student know you are aware that it may, initially, be difficult to readjust back to the U.S., home, and college life.

Listen and observe Show an interest in your student’s experience by listening to his or her stories, looking at pictures together, and giving them time and space to re-acclimate.

Encourage communication and involvement. Encourage your student to stay in touch with friends he or she made overseas and to get involved in internationally related activities at home, on campus, and in the community. There are numerous organizations such as Davidson International Association (DIA), the Timmy Foundation, Dean Rusk Global Corps, Davidson Micro finance Club, and the Ada Jenkins Center.

Remind them to complete their program evaluation(s). All students are asked to complete OEAA evaluations through their Davidson application at the end of their program. We rely on their input to continue making improvements to our processes and programming. Please remind your student to complete their evaluations shortly after their program ends.

Foster self-exploration. If your student shows an interest in study abroad for a second time, encourage him or her to search for opportunities that will fit into their academic plans. Study abroad shapes students in new ways and will influence their interests and professional aspirations. Davidson College has a vast network of alumni working abroad or on international issues. Making an appointment with the Center for Career Development may be a helpful next step.

Remind them of their resources. Remind your student that the Center for Student Health and Well-Being at Davidson College is also a valuable resource to help them facilitate the re-entry process. Students are provided with free counseling sessions. Appointments are confidential and can be made by calling 704-894-2451.