PARENTS

Summer/Interim Overseas Programs:

Information and materials of primary interest to parents, family, and friends of prospective and participating students are linked below.

1. General and Program Information
2. Policies and Procedures
3. Safety While Abroad
4. Payment and Billing
5. Scholarships and Financial Aid
6. International Insurance
7. Contact Information

GENERAL AND PROGRAM INFORMATION:
Congratulations! Your daughter/son has made the decision to study abroad. This will be an excellent opportunity for your child to grow personally, inter-culturally, academically and professionally. Your support and interest will help immensely in his/her success. The information below will help to answer some of the questions that you might have. Students participating in UA overseas study programs will receive information from both the specific program director and the overseas study advisor. This information will be distributed during program meetings and orientation.

Programs
Learn about the many study abroad opportunities at Capstone International Academic Programs (CIAP) via our website http://overseas-study.ua.edu or by visiting our Resource Center located in 135 B.B. Comer Hall on UA campus.

Culture Shock
Studying abroad can be one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life. Or, it can be a series of bewildering and frustrating incidents that leave you longing for home. Student should be aware of both Culture Shock (while abroad) and Reverse Culture Shock (returning to U.S.). We will discuss coping skills with you. Further Information is available in the CIAP, Resource center, 135 B.B. Comer Hall or on our website at: http://international.ua.edu/programs/index.html

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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Academic Policies

UA semester exchange programs:
A student must hold a 3.0 GPA at the time of exchange. Language requirements vary by program. Priority will be given to UA students. Non-UA students may be eligible if no such program exists at their home university.

UA interim/summer programs:
Priority is given to students with an overall grade point average of 2.20 or above. Students below the 2.20 GPA may petition for admission with the Director of Overseas Study and the Director of the individual summer program.

ALL students are expected to abide by The University of Alabama's academic policies while participating in CIAP's overseas study programs. Non-UA students must apply to The University of Alabama and be accepted to receive academic credit for these programs. Non-UA students are responsible for finding out how credit is evaluated at their respective institutions.

Non UA overseas study programs:
Students will need to check with the student exchange or study abroad office of the individual overseas study provider.

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SAFETY WHILE ABROAD:
In order to have the safest and most productive experience possible, students and their parents should be familiar with the roles they and the staff play in making programs both rewarding and safe. Visit http://travel.state.gov for the latest information on travel warnings, passport and visas, living abroad and tips for study abroad. We also ask that the student attend all meetings and orientations scheduled by the program director and director of overseas study. If the student is not able to attend these meetings, he/she should make other arrangements with the program director or director of overseas study. CIAP also requires students to read and sign a copy of the UA Assumption of Risk and Agreement form which is given to UA summer students in their welcome to the program and to all other overseas study students by their advisors. Students under 19 yrs. of age will need a parent or guardian's signature. This form states the student's responsibilities while abroad.
We do ask students to keep in contact with parents, family member, and friends while abroad. Students may consider purchasing a cell phone while abroad or an international sim card for their existing phone. Email is an inexpensive way to communicate as well.

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PAYMENT AND BILLING:
UA Interim Programs
Payment will be made to UA Student Receivables or via the student's MyBama account.

UA Summer Programs
It is the student's responsibility to make all payments on time. UA summer programs will have a copy of its Fee Liability and Refund Policy. An invoice will be sent out in early May reflecting payments and funding received such as scholarships and financial aid. Individual programs will have payment due dates in the program brochures. Students are responsible for making these payments on their due dates. A brief summary of UA summer/interim group programs can be found on-line at http://international.ua.edu/overseas-study/short-term.html

UA Semester Exchange Programs
Students participating in these programs will be billed through their UA student accounts. Participants in these programs will pay UA tuition. Each program will specify what is included in the program. For example if housing is included, the student will pay for UA housing and in return receive housing at the host institution. If housing is not included, the student will be responsible for payment to the host university for housing. For a detailed explanation of student billing and what is or is not included in these programs call and make an appointment with Katie Lueck Dunagan at 348-5256. A brief summary of UA semester programs can be found on-line at http://international.ua.edu/overseas-study/semester/index.htm

Non-UA programs
Students are responsible for payment to these program providers and must follow the policies and procedure of the program provider.

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SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCIAL AID:
Many scholarships are available to assist students at The University of Alabama in covering the cost of overseas study. Students can also use their existing financial aid. Contact your financial office for more information or call CIAP, (205) 348-5256.

INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE
Capstone International Center (CIC) offers the service of providing the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This card is issued by STA Travel. It offers a variety of discounts (low airfares, hundreds of attractions and activities world-wide and in the U.S.), a toll-free 24-hour help line for medical, legal, and financial emergencies abroad, and basic accident and sickness insurance for travel outside of the U.S. This card or proof of insurance for your study abroad is mandatory. Most UA programs include the cost for this card in the program payment. Please see the individual brochure. The ISIC card can be obtained at CIC, 135 B.B. Comer Hall or directly from STA Travel. Students must meet the qualifications stated on the ISIC application to receive this card.

International Health Insurance Carriers:
International Student ID Card
The Gateway Plans

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CONTACT INFORMATION
Capstone International Academic Programs
135 B. B. Comer Hall
Box 870254
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0254
Phone: (205) 348-5256
Fax: (205) 348-5298

Website: http://international.ua.edu/programs/index.html

After hours emergencies:
UA Police Department, (205) 348-5454.

Ms. Angela Channell
Director of Overseas Study
Assistant Director
Capstone International Academic Programs
135 B.B. Comer Hall
Phone: (205) 348-7024
Email: achannel@aalan.ua.edu