For Parents

At Goucher, study abroad isn’t just an elective; it’s a core part of a student's education. While we understand that a global requirement can feel overwhelming, we are here to guide your family through each step. With over 100 programs in 40+ countries, our goal is to ensure every student finds a path that is accessible, academically rigorous, and personally transformative.

Top Things to Know

Student Responsibility & Communication

Study abroad is a key opportunity for personal development. While OGE and program staff provide expert guidance, students take primary responsibility for their journey. To foster this independence, we communicate directly with students; information is shared with families only in cases of authorized disclosure or urgent health and safety concerns. For more information, read the Policy for Student/Parent/Guardian Engagement in Academic Affairs (PDF).

Academics Abroad

With departmental pre-approval, courses can fulfill major, minor, language, or internship requirements. Credits and grades appear on the Goucher transcript as equivalents but do not affect the Goucher GPA (unless your student is participating in an Intensive Course Abroad). For more information, see the Study Abroad section of the Academic Catalog.

Personal Considerations

We provide individualized advising to ensure that student identity, accessibility, and personal wellness are central to the program selection process.

Affordability

We are committed to making global education financially accessible. There are two types of programs for you to chose from:

  • Semester programs: For the majority of students and families, these are the most cost-effective options. You pay Goucher tuition, room, and board, and financial aid applies as it would on campus.
  • Short-term programs: These vary in price and typically charge an all-inclusive fee. While standard financial aid does not apply, need-based funding is available through OGE and external sources. See the Study Abroad Costs, Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more details.

Health & Safety

Students travel only to destinations that meet strict safety thresholds. Your student has 24/7 emergency support via on-site staff and Goucher’s international insurance partner. If you have an urgent concern and cannot reach your student, contact OGE via Campus Safety at 410-337-6111. See the International Travel Insurance page for more information.

Preparation & Support

All students attend a pre-departure orientation covering travel logistics, academics, finances, health and safety, and cultural adjustment. Individualized advising continues through the experience abroad through return to campus, ensuring all personal and academic needs are attended to. For more information, see the Preparing to Go page.

Your Role as a Parent/Guardian

While study abroad is a defining part of a Goucher education, it can also be challenging. Your encouragement, patience, and understanding are essential as your student navigates this growth. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Encourage, don’t push: Support their decisions while allowing them to take full ownership of the experience.
  • Listen and Normalize: When your student "vents,” they are usually looking for empathy rather than a solution. Remind them that frustration is a normal part of growth and a sign of learning.
  • Foster independence: Let your student navigate challenges first. Staying connected matters but giving them the space to problem-solve builds confidence.
  • Support logistics from afar: While OGE provides technical guidance on travel, finances, and logistics, parents/guardians are oftentimes best positioned to offer practical encouragement without taking over responsibility.
  • Expect "re-entry shock": Support remains critical after students return, as they process their experiences and newfound perspectives. 

Final Note

We are partners in your student’s growth. While we encourage students to lead the way, the Office of Global Education is here to support them throughout their journey. 

Contact the Office of Global Education:

  • Office: 410-337-6455
  • Emergency: 410-337-6111
  • Fax: 410-337-6443
  • Email: studyabroad@goucher.edu
  • Location: Van Meter, room 107

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more information about my student’s specific program?

Your student has a personal application portal through Goucher (and possibly their program provider) containing essential details like program dates, travel guidance, housing details, and insurance information. To respect privacy laws and encourage student independence, these details are sent directly to them. We suggest sitting down with your student prior to their departure and asking them to walk you through their portal(s) so you can review their upcoming journey together.

My student (or our family) has never traveled internationally. What support is provided?

Goucher is proud to support many first-time world travelers. We provide "Study Abroad 101" workshops, individualized advising, and a mandatory pre-departure orientation. For those seeking more structure, our Goucher-led Intensive Courses Abroad (ICAs) offer a supportive, faculty-led environment perfect to support a first international experience.

Does my student need special insurance for their trip?

All students are automatically enrolled in comprehensive travel medical insurance and emergency assistance at no additional cost. This coverage includes 24/7 support via Goucher’s Office of Global Education and our international insurance partner. Students will receive their insurance enrollment and coverage details during their pre-departure orientation. See the International Travel Insurance page for more information.

My student has a disability or specific accommodation needs. Can they still study abroad?

Absolutely. We work closely with students and the Office of Accessibility Services to ensure their needs are met. However, advance planning is critical, as accommodation laws and accessibility standards vary by country. We encourage students to disclose their needs early in the advising process so we can identify the programs best equipped to support them. For more information, see the Health and Disability Support Abroad page.

How are issues of identity (race, gender, religion, LGBTQ+) handled abroad?

Navigating one's identity in a new cultural context is a significant part of the learning experience. We provide individualized advising and resources to help students understand the local norms and legal protections of their host country. Our goal is to help students choose a destination where they can be both safe and authentically themselves. For more information, see the Student Identity page. 

Do I need a passport too?

Yes. It's a good idea for at least one parent or guardian to hold a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months. In the rare event of a serious medical emergency where you need to travel to your student, having your documentation ready is critical. For more information, see the Passport Information page.

How should my student handle their phone plan and money while abroad?

During our mandatory pre-departure orientation, we guide students through options like international SIM cards and Wi-Fi-based apps (like WhatsApp). For money, we recommend a combination of a travel-friendly debit card and a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. Your student will receive country-specific guidance before they depart.

Can my student vote while they are away?

Yes! We encourage students to remain civically engaged. We provide information on how to register for an absentee ballot through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) to ensure they can vote in local, state, and federal elections while abroad. For more information, visit the State Department's Voting Abroad page.

What should I do if my student calls me in a crisis?

Listen first but encourage them to use their on-site resources—program staff, local emergency providers, and/or Healix—who are best equipped to help in real-time. For urgent safety or medical emergencies where you cannot reach your student, contact Goucher Campus Safety at 410-337-6111 to be connected to the OGE staff member on call. See the International Travel Insurance page for more information.

How does Goucher monitor and respond to global instability?

We monitor global conditions daily via our local partners, the U.S. Department of State, and our travel assistance partner, Healix. Goucher does not permit travel to countries or regions under an elevated (Level 3 or 4) travel advisory. Should an advisory change or an incident occur while a student is abroad, OGE coordinates directly with program staff and insurance to ensure student safety, relocation, or evacuation if necessary. See the International Travel Insurance page for more information.

What if my student is unable to study abroad?

While global education is a core requirement at Goucher, we have a formal substitution process for documented reasons related to disability, Title IX, GPEP, immigration/documentation status, religion, or extenuating circumstances. See the Policy for Study Abroad Substitution Request (PDF) for more information.

If approved, students must take an approved Culture Course on campus or complete another approved experience. Please have your student contact OGE to discuss the approval process and required documentation.