FAQ’s for Parents
General Study Abroad Questions
Why choose BCA?
BCA Study Abroad is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence through college study abroad programs. Rooted in the values of peace and justice, BCA's programs include opportunities to study peace and justice issues where conflict has had profound effects. Our programs also incorporate an understanding of history and daily life through cultural immersion and group excursions. BCA has a full-time on-site resident director for 11 of our 15 programs, who is available to students whenever needed. In addition, BCA provides orientation and program information to help students prepare fully for their study abroad experience.
What are the benefits of studying abroad?
Studying abroad presents students with the opportunity to develop personally, in which they are challenged by leaving the world they are familiar with to discover new cultures. As they are pushed beyond their imaginations, students will understand their strengths and weaknesses and have a better sense of self. In addition, students experience new cultural and social perspectives as well as academic differences that aid them in developing goals for the future. BCA is committed to providing students with the resources to become responsible global citizens with a sense of their place in the world.
Health & Safety Questions
How do I know if my child is doing OK?
We realize that you may be concerned about your student's safety while so far away from home. As a study abroad provider for almost 50 years, we continue to draw from our extensive experience in structuring safe and rewarding study abroad programs. To that end, our staff, both in the United States and abroad, is trained and knowledgeable about safety procedures and emergency management. We make a point to stay informed about current events in our study abroad locations and communicate with parents when needed.
What if my child becomes ill overseas?
During on site orientation, all students are provided with information regarding local emergency and non-emergency medical providers that can be used if needed. In addition, BCA has contracted with a company called International SOS (SOS) to provide worldwide assistance and evacuation services for all study abroad participants. The services range from telephone advice and referrals to full-scale evacuation by private air ambulance. The SOS network of multilingual specialists operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from SOS Alarm Centers around the world. The SOS membership, provided by BCA, protects and treats your student for difficulties that could arise while abroad.
Does my child need insurance to go abroad?
Yes. BCA requires that all students have major medical insurance before going abroad. We will ask your student to supply policy information on the BCA Certificate of Health that is signed by his or her doctor. You must also contact your insurance provider before going abroad to ensure that your student is covered while abroad and to learn the procedures if medical services are needed.
If your student currently does not have health insurance, please check with his or her college or university to see if it offers student plans. You may also purchase study abroad health insurance, which is available at a reasonable cost from a number of providers.
Financial Questions
Do you offer financial aid? Can my child use financial aid from college?
BCA does not offer financial aid. However, federal grants and loans, as well as some state aid, from your student's home institution can be applied to BCA study abroad programs.
Many U.S. colleges and universities will also allow your student to use school-awarded scholarships when abroad. Any financial aid from a student's school is transferred at the school's discretion. When institutional aid is permitted for study abroad use, it may mean that the cost to study abroad is about the same amount your student would pay in tuition, room and board at the home college or university. Your student should consult with the financial aid office for further information and advice.
Does BCA offer a payment plan?
Fees directly billed to students are due prior to U.S. departure. If it is necessary to defer payment until financial aid is disbursed, these arrangements can be made by contacting BCA's chief financial officer.
How can my child access money while abroad?
Most students prefer to maintain their U.S. bank accounts and withdraw money using an ATM card. Be sure to let your bank and/or credit card company know that your son or daughter will be abroad for a few months. Prior to departure, call your financial institutions with the dates and location of the trip abroad. Many banks have implemented strict anti-fraud measures, and overseas charges can trigger a security alert that can temporarily freeze accounts pending verification of charges. You should also ask your bank for a phone number to call in case you encounter any problems.
Pre-departure Questions
How do students travel to the study abroad sites?
Most BCA students choose to take the group flight arranged by BCA through its travel agent. Once enrolled, students receive group flight information as soon as it is available. One advantage of the group flight is that all BCA resident directors and staff meet group flights at airports and transport students to the orientation sites. If a student declines to take the group flight and makes his or her own travel arrangements, the resident director will not be available to meet the student at the airport, and the student will be responsible for travel to the orientation site. Students who decline the group flight and travel on their own are asked to send their itinerary to the BCA central office no later than two weeks prior to their departure date.
My student wants to take advantage of this opportunity to do some independent travel. When would you recommend doing so?
Most students naturally wish to take advantage of this opportunity and travel independently once abroad, which is encouraged. However, independent travel will depend on each student's own location and university schedule. If time permits, a student can arrange to travel before or after the university work. During the semester, a student may make travel arrangements, but he or she will need to wait until a course schedule from the university is provided in order to plan accordingly around coursework or other activities on site.
Does my student need a Visa to study abroad?
Visa status is determined by program destination. Some countries do not require a Visa if a student is studying for less than 6 months, whereas other countries require a Visa for even a short-term stay. In order to find specific information, please visit the program page of the destination your child is interested in.
How can I keep in touch with my child?
After acceptance and enrollment in the program, each student will receive information that contains a mailing address for their use. For some programs, this mailing address is their dormitory and for others it is the BCA office. Internet is readily available at most sites through university computers, BCA office computers, and sometimes through dormitory access. In addition, you should discuss phone calls with your student and what method works best for your family. Some students choose to purchase cell phones once in the country in which you pay as you use the minutes. Others choose to use calling cards. Skype©, an online phone connection which can be easily downloaded to a computer, is a more recent option for many students.
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