STUDENT PRIVACY
While we know it can occasionally be frustrating to parents, Colorado School of Mines International Office must abide by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This sometimes means we cannot divulge student academic, financial or enrollment information to parents. Whenever possible, we encourage you to shift responsibility for all aspects of study abroad participation to your student. Find out more information about student educational privacy rights.
PARENT GUIDE TO STUDY ABROAD
Download A-Parent-Guide-To-Study-Abroad (published by IIE and AIFS, world leaders in study abroad) to see answers to common parent concerns or jump to a specific chapter:
Chapter 1: The Value of Study Abroad
Chapter 2: Investigating the Options
Chapter 3: Figuring Out the Financials: Cost Models, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
Chapter 4: Staying Safe and Healthy While Abroad
Chapter 5: Preparing Your Child for Success Abroad
Chapter 6: Supporting Your Child While He or She is Abroad
Chapter 7: Helping Your Child Transition Back Home
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Student safety abroad is of utmost concern and we work to ensure that we are assessing the risks in each and every program. We do not allow students to travel to countries with a level 3 or 4 US State Department Travel Advisory without special approval.
Each student is required to enroll in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) insurance. This insurance acts as their primary insurance abroad, and is designed to meet the specific needs of study abroad students. We do not allow students to waive this requirement. You can find a copy of their policy brochure here.
In addition, we require every student to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program with the US Department of State.
FINANCES AND TUITION
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of program students are enrolled in. You can read about the different types of programs here. For more information about how financial aid can be used abroad, contact the financial aid office (finaid@mines.edu).
In addition, each student will be charged an application fee when they apply for a program. This fee is non-refundable, even if the student withdraws their application after submission.
ACADEMICS
To ensure study abroad does not delay graduation, students should plan ahead so they can receive approval for their coursework. Our transfer credit process is explained here.
Introducción a Estudiar En El Extranjero
A letter from Our Director
Dear Parents,
Congratulations on raising a student who is self-assured, brave, and eager to try out the “wings” you helped them form. This is an exciting, and yet somewhat terrifying, time in the life of a parent. The role of a parent is to guide children to become confident and independent, yet, when they actually decide it is time to “fly” – we never feel quite ready to let go. As a parent of two children who studied abroad, each for a full academic year in a different location, I fully appreciate the pride you have for your child who wants to venture out into the world and your natural concerns.
The experience of studying abroad remains one of the most formative experiences in each of my children’s life. I waved goodbye to relatively naïve and inexperienced children and welcomed back resilient, confident, and independent, young adults. The skills they gained abroad – adaptability, global awareness, cultural sensitivity, a new language proficiency, and the ability to problem solve under pressure, served them well throughout college and now in their professional lives. This impactful experience transformed them in ways I never could have done myself.
My personal experience coupled with 20 years in the field of International Education (during which time I have sent a few thousand students abroad) allows me confidently to say – studying abroad may be challenging and a bit bumpy at times but it will be one of the best decisions your child makes in college. The Mines Education Abroad team holds our students’ safety and well-being as our highest priority. We are committed to assist and support our students from the time they make the brave decision to go abroad until long after they return. Our goal is assist them in turning their dream of studying abroad into a successful reality. In addition, we are always available to provide a little morale support for parents along the way.
Let the adventure begin!
Mary Cook
Director of Education Abroad
CONTACT US
Global Education
Green Center, Suite 219
924 16th Street
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO 80401
Email
International Student and Scholar Services: isss@mines.edu
Education Abroad: abroad@mines.edu
International Admissions: admissions@mines.edu