A Parent Guide to Study Abroad

Written by three leading study abroad experts—Stacie Nevadomski Berdan, Allan E. Goodman, and William L. Gertz—this companion guide to A Student Guide to Study Abroad contains critical information parents need to inform themselves and to support their high school or college student as they navigate the study abroad experience.

Today’s graduates need a global mindset and international experience to compete for jobs. Studying abroad equips students with real-life, hands-on skills that no classroom can match, while opening up a world of personal and professional opportunities. As a parent, you can champion study abroad as an essential component of your child’s education.

In this guide, packed with practical information written specifically for parents, the authors make a strong case for the importance of parental involvement that can influence and shape a successful cross-cultural experience, including:

  • Clarifying the value of study 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

Available in Spanish!

A Parent Guide to Study Abroad (Spanish) / Guia para padres sobre estudios en el extranjero

Hispanic students are among the least represented in U.S. study abroad programs. While cost is a significant barrier, access to information and resources is at least as important. Equipped with the right tools and advice, parents can play a significant role in enabling their children to have a valuable and affordable international experience. That’s why we are making this guide for parents available in a language spoken in the homes of more than 38.3 million U.S. residents.


Stacie Nevadomski Berdan is an international careers expert and award-winning author. Based on her work in more than 50 countries, she counsels organizations on global issues and speaks frequently on college campuses.

Dr. Allan E. Goodman is the President and CEO of the Institute of International Education (IIE), the leading not-for-profit organization in the field of international educational exchange and development training.

William L. Gertz is the President and CEO of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), which organizes study abroad and cultural exchange programs for more than 30,000 participants each year.