Parents & Loved Ones

Education Abroad programs are international educational experiences available for Texas State students.These opportunities are completed outside of the United States. 

Texas State offers a wide range of Education Abroad programs, including study abroad programs, international internships, international service learning and research. Opportunities vary in duration, length, field of study, and destination. Students may enroll in  Texas State courses or courses by another at another institutions and earn transfer credits.

Having an international learning experience enhances a student’s personal and educational growth. Today’s students need to be knowledgeable about the global community. By having an international experience, students develop problem-solving skills, time management skills, camaraderie, collaboration and other marketable skills. Depending on the location, students may also have the opportunity to learn a foreign language.

Furthermore, international experiences increase confidence and give students an advantage when looking for employment, as well as when applying for graduate school.

When participating in Education Abroad programs students earn academic credits that may count towards their degrees. By doing this, students can graduate on time, or even early especially if they complete summer programs. Students should meet with their academic advisor to discuss how studying abroad will fit into their degree and timeline. By consulting with academic advisors, student can even study abroad for an entire academic year without affecting their graduation date. 

The cost of studying abroad may be less than you think! Think of the real cost as the difference between studying on campus and studying abroad. In most cases, this reflects the cost of a passport, visa, flight, etc. There are programs where the total cost is the same or less than studying in Texas.

Texas State students can take advantage of using their awarded financial aid to help pay for their Education Abroad program. 

Education Abroad has exclusive scholarships available for students participating in Education Abroad programs. Students have access to a wide range of external scholarships, to learn more visit our Financial Assistance page. 

Yes, students can use their awarded Financial Aid to help pay for their Education Abroad program so long as enrollment is at the minimum 6 hours per semester and the courses count towards their degree. Financial aid amounts are based on enrollment status (full-time, ¾ or ½ time)

The safety of our students is the top priority for Texas State.  Approved locations for Education Abroad programs must have a travel advisory level 1 or level 2  issued by the U.S. Department of Sate. 

If a U.S. citizen, encourage your student to register their travel plans with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrolls a traveler’s itinerary with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, sends travelers health and security updates for the countries they are traveling to, as well as helps friends and family to contact travelers in case of an emergency.

Education Abroad works closely with On Call International – an international travel assistance provider and an outstanding source of international health and safety information. In addition, Education Abroad monitors health and safety information around the world that are issued by the U.S. Department of State, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention among others. 

Generally, it is common for students to maintain their U.S. checking account and withdraw money from ATMs as needed. Most international destinations will have ATMs that accept international Visa and Mastercard debit cards. Be aware that international withdrawals often carry a fee assessed by both the U.S. bank and the bank that operates the local ATM. Check with your bank to learn more about international withdrawal fees.

The health and safety of Texas State students as they participate in Education Abroad programs are the top priority of Texas State Education Abroad. In the interest of students’ health and safety during their Education Abroad programs, Texas State has contracted with On Call International travel assistance program. This policy covers students on Texas State Faculty-Led Programs and  International Exchange Programs during their program dates. If students choose to travel on their own before or after their program periods, we strongly recommend that they purchase health insurance coverage for the additional time abroad please visit our International Health Insurance page for more information.

Students participating in Affiliated Programs  will be covered by the insurance policy provided by their program. Please contact your Affiliated provider to request more information regarding your coverage and services. 

Texas State students participating in Education Abroad programs have access to the On Call International, which provides travel assistance services. This 24/7 service is a great benefit in the event students need help while traveling.

Before students' departure, parents and loved ones are encouraged to take advantage of On Call International' pre-trip planning services. Check on the latest travel and safety alerts, including health risks and other important news. Sign in to receive health alerts, security alerts, and more. Download the Assistance App, which provides health and security updates. With your student's Texas State login credentials, you may log into the On Call International app.

If students experience an issue while traveling abroad, they may call On Call International for assistance. This service can help find an English speaking doctor or hospital, get safety updates, and more. In extreme instances, On Call International can even arrange emergency evacuation. Students may also receive assistance with other issues, such as access to money after losing their money, legal service referrals, and language and communications assistance.

For more information, visit and enter the Texas State membership number. While in the United States, you can reach On Call International at (855) 226-8499. If outside the United States, see your students' On Call International membership card for the appropriate phone number.

Should you have any questions regarding foreign travel insurance, please feel free to contact  Education Abroad at (512) 245-1967.

We recommend that family and loved ones become familiar with the insurance coverage (and related services) prior to the student’s departure. In many countries, it is required that the patient pay for services prior to treatment. Often credit cards are accepted,so it is strongly recommended that your student has access to a credit card for unforeseen circumstances. 

Be sure to be in contact with your student as they may already have the information you are seeking! If you have any further questions, please call Education Abroad at 512-245-1967 or email us at educationabroad@txstate.edu 

Although we do not anticipate that Texas State students will have legal difficulties during their time abroad, please know that there is little that the University or U.S. State Department can do on students’ behalf if legal difficulties arise. While students are abroad, host country law and judicial systems will apply to their actions. These systems can be quite different from our own and may not provide the same rights that we often take for granted in the United States.

Students should attend all orientations, follow program rules and  be proactive in learning about their programs and respect the laws of their country of destination. 

Before the student departs for the education abroad program, be sure you know how to reach your student by phone at their destination. Know the phone number(s) at which your loved one can be reached. Learn how to make a phone call from the United States to the destination country; learning how to do so before the program begins will save you essential time in the case of a crisis situation. 

Be aware that the University’s Code of Student Conduct is expressly enforced during Texas State Education Abroad Programs. Though discipline problems have been at a minimum in the past, students occasionally have been dismissed from programs because of misconduct. If a student is dismissed, the student will lose credits, there will be no refund, and the student’s continued stay—should he or she choose to stay—as well as the return home will be at the student’s expense. A dismissed student will not be allowed to remain at the program’s location or to participate in the program in any way.

For each education abroad student, Texas State Education Abroad encourages a parent, family member, or loved one to have a current passport; in a crisis, you may need or want to be able to support your loved one at the location abroad. 

Check current processing times at the U.S. State Department website.

Record these phone numbers if available and keep them in an easily accessible location:

• Student’s international phone number
• Academic Program Director or Program Representative
• Host institution contact number, if applicable
• On Call International - 24/7: 855.226.8499
• Other insurance providers (Affiliated programs), if applicable
• Texas State Education Abroad  - 8am to 5pm (M-F): 512.245.1967
• Texas State University Police Department - 24/7: 512.245.2805
• U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest the education abroad location