parent packet fall 11

8/6/2019 Parent Packet Fall 11

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Fall 2011

Dear Parent or Guardian:

I am writing to you because your son or daughter plans to intern abroad with EPA (EducationalProgrammes Abroad) Internships in Europe next semester. We have assisted hundreds ofstudents in internationalizing their undergraduate experience. Most of them say that it was a

time of tremendous intellectual and personal growth. You may know this if you yourselfstudied abroad in college, or have another child who has already done so. EPA Internships inEurope is committed to international education and to preparing students to take their place inthe global political and economic community.

Your son or daughter will go through a number of steps in order to spend a semester earningcredits towards their degree in another country. Not only will they need to confirm their studyabroad status with their home university and get their transfer credits approved, they may needto apply for a Student Visa or have an FBI background check completed in order to intern andstudy abroad.

We hope that you find the information in this packet useful and interesting. If you have any

questions please do not hesitate to call us at (585) 275-8850. You may also email us [email protected] consult our website, http://www.epa-internships.org/.

Sincerely,

Lisa FrauensUS Program Director


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Won't study abroad cost a lot more than spending a semester atmy childs home university?

The fact is, that for most students, a semester or a year abroad costs about the same as asemester at their home university. If your son or daughter receives financial aid, it may transferto the EPA Program if they go to an affiliate university. Advisers in their Financial Aid Officeare there to help, and there are many special scholarships for which students may be eligible.

Will my daughter have to spend an extra semester at her

undergraduate institution? Will the courses transfer?

During the fall and spring semesters students will take two courses in addition to their

internship, so students graduate on time. In most cases, students can even transfer courses formajors and minors by consulting with a department adviser. In addition, students that chooseto go through the University of Rochester for academic credit will write an internship journalthat can be used as a grading tool to receive credit for their internship. The Study Abroad Officeat their home university can guide students through the process of having their transfer creditsapproved.

Theres so much going on at their university campus - how can

they leave for a whole semester?

There is a lot out there in London, Edinburgh, Brussels, Bonn, Berlin, and Madrid too. Going

away for a semester does not mean giving up all of the interests and activities they have on theircampus. For example, musicians seek out venues to play, and athletes find teams to join. EPAstudents are enrolled at universities abroad at all Program Sites except those in Germany. At allocations students are able to participate in campus activities such as intramural sports or clubs.Their university will still be here when they gets back - and they will have new perspectives ontheir university, the United States, and themselves when they return.

Can my son/daughter study abroad with his/her major?

One of the unique things about EPA Internships in Europe is the wide range of majors that itcan accommodate. Since students are enrolled at such prestigious universities as WestminsterUniversity in London and Edinburgh Napier in Edinburgh they can choose from a large

number of classes in all different fields. In addition, EPA has placed students in internships ineverything from theatre and fashion design to politics, medical research, and banking. Facultyadvisors will look favorably at a program where students not only take classes towards theirmajor but can also get professional experience in their field.

PARENTS FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS


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My child doesn't speak another language.

EPA has program sites in English speaking countries as well as countries where they will berequired to study and intern in a foreign language. Students who wish to intern and study inEnglish can go to London, Edinburgh or Brussels. Students applying to the Bonn or BerlinProgram will be required to have a minimum of four semesters of college-level German or a

demonstrated proficiency in spoken and written German. The Madrid Program also requires aminimum of four semesters of college-level Spanish or the ability to demonstrate written andspoken proficiency. Although there is no language requirement for Brussels, knowledge ofFrench is helpful and certain internship placements do require four semesters of college-levelFrench or a demonstrated proficiency.

My child is planning med school/ grad school /law school. Won't a

semester abroad get in her way?Students who have clearly defined interests such as graduate or professional schools can planwith counselors in their Study Abroad Office, their Center for Academic Support, and theirCareer Center. The professional and personal experiences a student gains while interningabroad far out way any negatives.

Im concerned about what employers or graduate schools will

think of study abroad.

That is the beauty of an Internship in Europe Program. Students who intern abroad highlight iton resumes. Employers and graduate schools yes, even medical schools - look forindependent people who can adjust to new situations. Alumni emphasize how interestedinterviewers are in their international background and the work they performed in a Europeancompany, hospital, newspaper, etc. The Career Center also encourages these experiences. Youwill find EPA students who went abroad for a semester in all fields: professors, physicians,

scientists, lawyers, entrepreneurs, journalists, writers, teachers, gallery and museumadministrators, human rights activists, filmmakers, and academic administration, to name afew!

Where will my student live while abroad?

The housing situation for EPA students will vary by program site. In Edinburgh and Londonstudents are typically housed in a flat or apartment with other students on the program. Theseflats come fully furnished and usually have broadband internet access. In Brussels the studentslive in shared studio apartments. In Berlin students are housed in apartments, however in Bonnand Cologne they can also live with host families. At the Madrid program site students live inflats or rented sections of family homes where they are provided with breakfast and one other

meal each day. More details on student housing can be found on the Program Site fliers.

While my son/daughter is overseas, who is responsible in case of

emergency?

Every Program Site has a responsible Program Director, available on 24-hour call in case ofemergencies. That person is fluent in the local language(s), and in some cases, is a citizen of thecountry. They will guide students in the event of medical or other problems. Program directors


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manage everything from cultural questions, mediating roommate problems, helping studentsadjust to local foods, registering for classes on the program, or guiding students in the event of acrisis. The United States EPA Internships in Europe staff is always available for questions aswell.

My daughter does not have a US passport. How will she remain instatus while abroad?

International students can study abroad as part of their academic program at their homeinstitution. In order to maintain their SEVIS record and eligibility for re-entry in valid F-1 or J-1status, they must notify their universitys International Services Office (ISO) in advance. A newimmigration document will be issued to show that the study abroad is authorized. ISO willguide students and provide them with necessary information about maintaining validimmigration status.

Studying Abroad Through EPA or the University of Rochester

All students going abroad with EPA Internships in Europe have the choice to go abroad directlythrough EPA or through the University of Rochester. If your students university is an affiliateschool of EPA they can go abroad with EPA and receive academic credit without issueHowever, if your students university is not an affiliate of EPA and their school will notrecognize EPA academic credit then they can choose to go through the University of Rochester.Going abroad through our affiliate US institution will ensure that your student receives fullacademic credit. In addition, they will usually have the choice of getting their internship credias a pass/fail or as an academic letter grade. If they wish to receive a letter grade they will thenkeep an internship journal, which will be graded by a University of Rochester Faculty memberupon their completion of the program.


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Financing Study Abroad

The financial aid situation is going to depend on the policies at your students home university.EPA recommends that students meet with a financial aid counselor at their home university atthe beginning of the application process. Their financial aid counselor can explain how theiraid, merit scholarships, etc. would transfer to a semester abroad.

Epa program costsThe program fee covers the costs of orientation, tuition, accommodation, and internshipplacement. The program fee does not cover your plane fare, student visa, meals, the costs ofcommuting or any additional personal expenses. Whether or not a student visa is required wildepend upon the country you study in.

Scholarships

There are numerous scholarships and other resources available for study abroad. There are alsoa good number of scholarships for students studying in foreign languages, which could beuseful for students planning to go to our Berlin, Bonn, Cologne, Madrid or Brussels ProgramSites. Application deadlines vary and some may be up to a year in advance of a study abroadprogram. Also, be sure your child checks with a financial aid counselor to discuss how theseoutside awards might affect their aid. In any case, it will be to your childs benefit to win aprestigious national award. A few scholarship programs are listed on the Thinking abouInterning Abroad newsletter included in this mailing.

Billing

All students going abroad with EPA Internships in Europe must pay a $300 housing deposit,after they are accepted into the program, in order for EPA to secure their housing. Howeverthe tuition and housing billing situation will be different for each student. If your child is goingdirectly through EPA and does not attend an affiliate university they will usually pay the fee toEPA before the start of their program. If your son/daughter attends an affiliate university orthe University of Rochester they may only need to pay the housing deposit directly to EPA andwill be billed by their university for the remainder of the program fees. Your student shouldspeak to the EPA US Representative, their study abroad office, and their financial aid counselorto verify how the billing process will work in their specific case.

Budgeting

How can I plan for the cost of day-to-day expenses while I am abroad? This may be one ofthe hardest questions for program providers and study abroad advisers to answer verysatisfactorily, and most frustrating thing for students and parents not to be able to predictaccurately. But the truth is that the question of how much money your child will need whileabroad depends so much on where he/she is going, what their personal financial situation is,how well or how poorly they manage their money, and what effect inflation and changing

EPA tips for making the most of your

students time abroad


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currency exchange rates may be having on the cost of living in the country which they will bestudying in. It is therefore very difficult for program advisers to answer this question with anydegree of precision and accuracy.

You should discuss with your child the budget they will have to live within, and/or to what

degree you may be able to help them with expenses while they are away. Knowing in advancethat the first month is almost always the most expensive may help in planning, and in avoidingdismay and panic if and when it happens.

Credit cards are a convenient and usually favorable way of making purchases abroad. But, theyoffer the same pitfalls as credit card use anywhere, perhaps exacerbated by the feeling of beingin a place you may never be again. Talking with your child about how to manage theirspending, whether it is their money or yours, is probably a very important discussion to havebefore they leave.

Currency Exchange

In most of Europe, ATM debit cards offer the most convenient way of getting foreign currencyand usually a favorable rate of exchange as well. If your child does not already have an accounwith an ATM card, you might want to have them get one for the time they are abroad. Be surethat the bank you are opening an account with has reciprocal agreements with banks in thecountry they will be traveling in, and ask whether there are any special rules governing PINs,withdrawal amounts, what the amount of charges for withdrawals are, etc. Unfortunately, U.Stravelers on the ground in a foreign country often find that the information they were given bytheir banks back home turns out to be less than totally accurate, or insufficiently comprehensive

Money Matters Tips

1.It is very important that you notify your bank and/or credit card company before youleave the United States and let them know when, how long and where you will

be traveling abroad.

2.Do not carry large amounts of cash with you; however, it is always a good idea tohave at least some cash in the local currency on you at all times.

3.Keep in mind that in many places outside of the United States, including WesternEurope, cash is the preferred method of payment.

4.Traveler's checks have become outdated. Plan on using your credit card and debit card whileabroad

Resources on Study Abroad Costs and Expenses:

http://www.internationalstudent.com/study_usa/financing/http://studyabroad.isp.msu.edu/advisers/demystifyingcosts.pdf


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Health and Wellness While Studying Abroad

Insurance

Medical Insurance: Check your health insurance coverage to find out if the student willbe covered during their stay abroad, and whether any special conditions apply. Be sure

you and your child know how this system works: how bills are paid, in the case of amedical emergency, and how to access routine treatments.

Should students require medical attention abroad, it may be necessary for them to havesufficient cash on hand to make payment at the time of treatment since the foreignphysician and/or hospital may not be able to process medical bills through an Americaninsurance company.

Travel and Property Insurance: Student travelers should have insurance to cover any lossof money because of trip interruption or cancellation, as well as loss of baggage and otherproperty while traveling or living in overseas. In addition, we recommend that studentsconsider purchasing personal liability insurance against injury or damage caused by orresulting from students acts or omissions during enrollment in any program.

EPA Internships in Europe is not liable for damage or loss of personal property. Contactyour insurance agent regarding property insurance.

Prescriptions

If your child needs prescription medication, make sure that he or she has a sufficientsupply to last while abroad, or a plan for how to get refills while they are away. It isoften easiest to request a vacation size refill from the insurance company and have the

larger prescription filled before leaving the United States. Remember that in foreigncountries their exact prescription may not be available or the mailing regulations maymake it difficult to get a package containing medical prescriptions through customs. (Besure they also have a copy of their prescription in a safe place.)

EPA Health and Special Needs Form

Be sure that your student is honest when filling out the health questionnaire in his EPAacceptance packet. Studying abroad is a wonderful experience, but it is often challengingboth intellectually and emotionally. If there are any emotional or mental health issuesthat may be a concern while they are abroad, letting the program operators know inadvance that they may need special support is in his or her best interest.


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How to Contact Educational Programmes Abroad

Lattimore Hall 206

Rochester, NY 14627-0375 Website: http://www.epa-internships.org/

TEL: (585) 275-8850 Email: [email protected]: (585) 276-2167

Useful items and gift ideas for students going abroad

Here are some suggestions that can be purchased on-line, or in stores that cater totravelers needs.

TRAVEL GUIDE / MAP HEALTHY TRAVEL GUIDE POWER ADAPTERS PAPERBACK COOKBOOK INEXPENSIVE WATCH ALARM CLOCK SMALL FLASHLIGHT Camp towel

SAFETY WALLET SMALL PHOTO ALBUM OF

FAMILY and friends DECK OF CARDS ADDRESS LABELS for

sending postcards PHONE CARD SLEEP SACK FOR HOSTELS

parent packet fall 11

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