Communication with Students
UW-Madison study abroad offices are student-centered and we prioritize communication to and with students. While participating on a program, students are going to face unfamiliar and new issues. We find if they take responsibility for their program matters from the beginning of the process, they are better able to handle these issues abroad.
We expect students to:
- Take a proactive role in their experience during the entire process (pre-departure, on-site, and upon return).
- Discuss any questions they have about the program with our staff and past participants.
- Read all emails and materials that our office and our partners provide, and meet any tasks or deadlines set by us or our partners.
- Create a communication plan with their parents/families/friends.
- Inform their parents and family of their decisions and share information received.
Communication with Parents/Families
We hope you will talk with your student about their decision to participate on a program and share with them questions you would like answered. Ask them to share the materials they receive with you.
Because communication with students is our top priority, we have a practice of copying in the student to any email responses if a parent/family member contacts us.
Emergency Communication
If there is an emergency situation, we will reach out to students first to notify them of any steps they need to take. Depending on the situation, we may also contact the student’s listed emergency contact. If the event is widespread, we will post relevant updates on the News section of our website.
Billing Communication
Students receive cost sheets with confirmed fees and all cancellation policies in their MyStudyAbroad account. If you are listed as a contact through the UW Bursar’s Office, you will receive information about study abroad bills directly from the Bursar’s Office and not from a UW-Madison study abroad office.
Please note that in adherence with FERPA—the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act—our staff cannot discuss various aspects of a student’s participation with anyone other than the student. Additional information on student privacy rights can be found on the UW-Madison Office of the Registrar website.