Guide for Parents

Parents of Prospective Students

What is USAC?

USAC is a non-profit organization made up of 33 U.S. member universities that has provided quality, affordable study abroad programs for almost 30 years; USAC currently offers programs in 25 countries at 40 program sites. USAC students come from both universities in the consortium, as well as from over 700 universities nationwide. USAC Central Office and MemberUniversity staff work closely with our on-site Resident Directors and Program Coordinators to ensure that students receive personalized care and attention. USAC alumni give our programs a 93% recommendation rate.

Our mission is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, experiences and attitudes to prepare them for the global society of the 21st century. We believe study abroad is the most effective way to accomplish these goals.

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Programs

While your student researches studying abroad, s/he should identify their goals and other considerations before applying such as:

  • Program location
  • Courses/Credits
  • Duration
  • Living arrangements
  • Price and living expenses
  • Languages offered

USAC has offered a wide variety of programs for almost 30 years. Students can find specific information about each program, request a program catalog or a CD, and apply on our website. However, if students and/or parents have more specific questions about USAC programs, they may speak to a USAC Program Advisor. These advisors help students by providing specific information about the program and anything the student will need to do in preparation for the program, including paperwork, travel arrangements, and/or application for a visa. Students may also speak to Peer Advisors who are recent alumni of USAC programs to get a student's perspective on the study abroad experience.

Students should work with their home university's study abroad office to find the best USAC program for their studies, research financial aid opportunities, and meet any unique requirements of the home university.

Students considering studying abroad with USAC should make themselves aware of:

  • Application deadlines
  • Program costs and fees
  • Payment due dates
  • Estimated personal expenses
  • Program calendar and important dates
  • Course offerings

When a student finds a program that fits his or her needs, s/he can apply to USAC online or send in a paper application available in the back of the program catalog. There is a $300 application fee and deposit that needs to be submitted with their application. However, this $300 is not an extra charge and will be applied to the total program cost as a payment.

Students can also begin preparing for their time abroad by researching the country and culture of their program site, checking if there are any required immunizations or health precautions for their country, and applying for scholarships and other forms of financial aid.

This information is available on the USAC website as well as in the catalogs. However, if students and parents have more specific questions about USAC programs, they can speak to a USAC Program Advisor or a Peer Advisor who is a recent USAC alumnus.

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Program Types

USAC offers two types of programs: Specialty programs and Partnership programs. Specialty programs represent a kind of extension campus of the US Member Universities and are staffed with full-time USAC employees. They are overseen by a Resident Director and staff who are full-time USAC employees and will be able to assist your student 24 hours a day once on-site. A Specialty program typically offers intensive language study as well as an assortment of courses from disciplines such as art history, anthropology, economics, political science, history, and so on. Read more about Specialty programs.

Partnership programs are exchange-based agreements in which USAC functions as the intermediary between your student and our partner university abroad. These programs are overseen by a Program Coordinator and staff who are employees of the International Office of the host university. Partnership programs typically offer a wide selection of classes that are taught in English. Your student will be directly enrolled in the foreign university, where the on-site International Office will help him or her with orientation, student activities, course registration, etc. Read more about Partnership programs.

USAC is dedicated to providing a high quality educational experience for your student. A full explanation of USAC academic policies and procedures for Specialty programs can be found here: Academic Policies and Procedures

Students on Partnership programs are bound by the academic policies of the host university.

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Passports

Students should immediately apply for or renew their passports as processing times may vary. If a student already has a passport, s/he should make sure it will be valid for at least six months after his or her expected return date. Any passports that expire within six months of the student's return date must be renewed.

For information about passport application processing times and to download passport applications, please visit travel.state.gov.

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Financial Information

Financial aid and scholarships can be applied to the cost of your USAC program. There are many opportunities for financial aid from institutional, state, federal or private sources. Students are encouraged to apply for all financial aid opportunities available to them. USAC offers scholarships and provides links to other possible scholarships for which students may apply. Students are also encouraged to search online for additional opportunities. Applying for financial aid can be a time sensitive process and students should be aware of any and all deadlines. If you have any questions about how financial aid can be applied to your account, please speak to our Finance department. Students are also encouraged to talk to our USAC Scholarship Advisor.

Additional information about financial aid and scholarships.

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