Choosing to study away is one of the best decisions a student can make, and we are thrilled your child is preparing for a semester of new experiences, cross-cultural immersion, academic rigor, and significant personal growth.

Please talk with your student about studying away. Though we do everything we can to make the study away experience educationally and personally rewarding, the single best thing you can do to get your child ready is discuss what it means to be in a new city. Things will be--and should be--very different from what we're used to at home. The pasta may be fresher, but the bedrooms might be smaller, the music louder, the internet access less reliable… we could go on. But the net result is that studying away opens up a world of opportunity and cultural difference to students. Encourage them to dive headlong into it, of course, but also make sure that they're prepared for the realities of a different culture, with different expectations, attitudes, and customs.

The Parents' Role in Study Away

Parents form an integral part of the study away experience by supporting their student’s choice to embark on this academic and life-enriching endeavor.  Here are some specific ways to show support and be involved in the process:

  • Make sure your student is on top of their visa paperwork. Detailed visa instructions can be found on the site and term specific pre-departure blogs. All blogs can be accessed through the section below.
  • Assist with flight arrangements. Students are encouraged to book through NYU's partner, Egencia. Talk with your son or daughter about their plans and visit NYU Traveler for more information.
  • Develop a plan for handling family emergencies that may arise while your student is away.
  • Read through the “Admitted Students” page for your child’s site in its entirety. The page contains a step-by-step list of required actions necessary prior to departure. Access the appropriate admitted students page by visiting Global Academic Centers and clicking on your student's site from the program list. In the navigation bar at the top of the page, click Admitted Students.
  • Review the other resources found on this page and contact us with any questions ahead of your student's planned semester away.

Pre-Departure Guides for Fall Semester 2018 Study Away


Global Health and Wellness

Visit the Global Health and Wellness page for a breakdown of health requirements, medical services, and mental health services for each location within NYU's global network.


Resources for Parents

The links below offer helpful information on many topics regarding study away.  These  materials discuss ways to help students transition to life away and plan for appropriate physical and mental health care overseas. You'll notice a common theme--that your child's safety and well-being are our top priority at all times.

Other Useful Resources

Sending Packages Abroad

One final note: if you're planning to ship packages abroad, please pay special attention not only to shipping costs, but also to possible taxes that you son or daughter will have to pay when picking up your care package.  These costs vary dramatically and the laws governing them change frequently, so it's best to ask your shipping carrier of choice for more information.

Contact Us

If your student is an upperclass (soph-senior) student, parents are welcome to e-mail the New York-based student services staff at global.parents@nyu.edu and we'll be sure to answer your question promptly. If your student is a Liberal Studies freshman we welcome you to e-mail ls.parents@nyu.edu with your questions. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, EST.