In preparing our students for what will be a life-transforming experience, we value the partnership with parents to ensure a smooth transition from Linfield to their respective destinations. And, we feel parents need preparation as well, to ease the anxiety with this undertaking, and to know that Linfield takes great pride in providing a rigorous program abroad while insuring the health and safety of our students during their time away.
Passport: It is recommended that parents obtain a passport in case an emergency abroad warrants your presence there.
Pre-Departure Orientation
Semester/Year-long programs: students have an orientation with the International Programs Office, faculty, and past participants
Jan Term programs: students have orientation sessions led by the program faculty
While Your Student is Abroad
Aside from a quick phone or email check-in to let you know they have arrived safely, it is best to limit communication for a few weeks. This will help ease homesickness and enhance cultural acclimation.
Visiting: the college highly discourages parents from visiting students while on the program. If you are planning a brief visit, please be sure that it occurs when classes are not in session or after their program finishes. It is not appropriate to expect their homestay families to accommodate you.
Returning home can difficult. Students often feel apprehensive about leaving friends they have made while studying abroad, their homestay families and the memories they cherish. Re-entry can be a lonely experience. Show interest and be patient.
