Keeping Parents in the Loop

We know they'll be asking for pictures and status updates the whole time you're abroad. It may seem like they're nagging, but it's a good idea to keep your parents in the loop with your education abroad experience. Not only will it relieve their stress, but it will also relieve the stress put on you and our office.

Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we can't tell your parents anything about you, your financial account, or your program unless you give us written permission to do so (given via your @uky or @g.uky.edu email). We can't even tell them that you're a student and you've applied to a program abroad. This isn't our choice, it's actually a federal law. And that's the reason you should keep them up to date on everything...such as:

Why you want to go abroad
What are you doing for the application process
Show them your program's information page (where you applied)
Show them your program's budget page (also where you applied)
Where you're going
When you're going
How much it's going to cost (we put costs on here twice because it's important)
What will our office do in case of emergency
What you'll be doing abroad

We know it seems like a lot, and this is your time of independence, but sharing this information will keep those who care about you a lot calmer. It'll also keep your parents or guardians from getting extra aggravated or anxious when they call us for information that we aren't allowed to give.

Parent's, guardians, family, friends, sponsors, and others are highly invested in your time abroad, whether financially or emotionally. Give them peace of mind by keeping them in the loop.