Guide for Parents
Parents of Enrolled Students
USAC Student Gateway Account
Students accepted by USAC will be mailed an acceptance packet and given access to an online Student Gateway account. This account is constantly updated
with important information specific to the student's program, as well as with flight information, health insurance brochure, scholarship opportunities,
etc. The Student Gateway account also allows a student to view and pay their fees online. Students should frequently check their accounts.
Learn more about USAC Student Gateway.
While USAC encourages students to take a pro-active role in preparing for their study abroad program, we advise parents to stay updated about their
students' programs as well. Coordinating with your student to get access to his or her Student Gateway account will help answer many questions parents
might have. Knowing specific information will also help in planning budgets, payments, travel information, etc. However, if your student refuses to
give you access to his or her Student Gateway account, USAC is legally required to withhold that information.
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Program & Peer Advisors
Enrolled students will work with site-specific Program Advisors who will assist them as they prepare to study abroad. The advisors are full-time USAC
staff experienced in helping students study abroad, many of whom are past USAC alumni themselves. The Program Advisors will:
- Answer students and parent's questions and concerns.
- Provide guidance during the visa application process.
- Send students informational updates to prepare them for their programs.
- Keep them informed of any important changes to the program.
Enrolled students can also speak with Peer Advisors as well as other USAC alumni who will:
- Share personal experiences about specific program sites with students.
- Advise students about what to expect and how to make the best of their trip.
- Relate to students about how to prepare.
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Updates
Enrolled students will have three informational Updates posted to their Student Gateway account. These will provide students with all the information
they need to prepare for their program. The Updates are as follows:
- Frequently Asked Questions:This update addresses a wide range of common concerns of both students and parents.
- Visa Applications:This update explains the visa requirements and procedures of the program country and contains a checklist of all documents necessary to apply for a
visa.
- Arrival Information:This update will have important travel information, packing and arrival instructions, and contact information for international staff in the
program country.
Parents will be sent a copy of the Arrival Update as well as the USAC Student Handbook directly to their home address before their student's departure.
A detailed timeline of your student's preparations can be found here.
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Student Visas
For many programs, students will have to apply for a visa from the host country. A visa is an official document issued by the host country granting
permission for you student to live and study in their country. Your student's Program Advisor will provide your student with important information
about how to apply for a student visa and will help your student in the process if they have any questions.
Some programs have the option of submitting visa applications as a group. This option is completely free and often easier than applying on one's own.
Students submit their completed visa application and supporting documents to USAC. USAC Program Advisors then review the documents and forward the
completed visa applications to the consulate in question. If your student qualifies for the group visa submission s/he will be notified by his or her
Program Advisor.
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Living Accommodations
USAC offers different housing options depending on the program site. Options range from sharing an apartment or dormitory with local, international or
other USAC students to living in a homestay with a local family. Information about the options available and the associated costs are available on the
USAC website and in the program catalog. More specific information will be made available for your student on their Student Gateway account. Because it
can take a while to finalize housing arrangements, students are asked to be patient to find out where they will be living.
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Health & Safety Information
All USAC students are required to have health insurance coverage while study abroad. Unless otherwise specified in the program agreement, USAC purchases the health insurance on student’s behalf. The cost is included in the program fees. Specific health insurance information is available on
the Student Gateway account. Before departure, be sure your student obtains the appropriate immunizations and medications as recommended by the Center
for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or your physician. If you or your student has any questions regarding medical matters, you should consult your
doctor.
If your student is taking any prescription medication, he or she will need to bring a sufficient supply to last through the duration of the program.
Medicine that is mailed may be stopped and searched or seized by customs officials. Always carry prescription drugs in the original bottle with a label
showing the student's name, the instructions for use, and the name and dosage of the medication.
Read more about these topics on Know Before You Go.
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Group Flights
USAC offers group flights to many of our program sites through a contracted travel agency. These flights connect out of major US airports, usually on
the East and West coasts, and are a good way for USAC students to fly directly to the program site. These flights are generally organized to
accommodate students attending an optional pre-session tour. Although there is not a USAC representative who accompanies students on the group flight,
upon arrival students are met by a USAC representative who will escort them to their program housing or on any optional tours. Student can choose to
attend an optional tour without arriving on the group flight. Students who don't participate in an optional tour or arrive on the group flight will
need to find their own transportation to the program site. For specific flight itineraries and prices please see the Travel Cuts website.
Read more about these topics on Know Before You Go.
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Banking Abroad
Many students are curious about the best way to access their money while abroad. Students should have some local currency in their possession before
departure. The easiest way to access money while abroad is with an ATM/debit or credit card. Students should make sure that their cards have PIN
numbers for extra security. Make sure to let your bank know the dates the student will be abroad as your bank may cancel the card if they see
unexpected charges from foreign countries. Many banks charge a withdrawal fee for ATMs not in their network and conversion fees for different
currencies. You should also check to see if your bank collaborates with any foreign banks to minimize transaction charges. You and your student should
have copies of all card information and emergency numbers or procedures in case of loss or theft.
For more information, see our Money Matters section.
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