Many students consider studying in another country and culture to be a highlight of their academic experiences. UCSC Global Learning strives to make these opportunities accessible for all students, including those who have families and dependents to take care of while they study abroad or away.
Studying abroad with dependents does present some very real challenges that should be carefully considered, and you should be prepared for the possibility that the facilities and support services available to you as a student abroad may not be the same range or quality that is typically available on an American university campus. Flexibility, planning, and the expectation that the reality will be more complicated than you anticipate will be critical to making the experience successful.
If you are planning to study abroad with an accompanying spouse, partner, or child(ren), it is important to contact the Global Learning team to discuss your plans as far in advance as possible to work through some of these considerations before choosing a program. A few examples of important things to consider are below:
1. Program type – Global Learning offers a range of program types, from shorter summer programs to longer quarter, semester, and year-long programs. Each has its advantages and challenges when studying abroad or away with dependents, including housing types available, activities which may involve long travel days including lots of time spent walking or standing, and whether immigration requirements for a dependent might present a challenge due to the program length.
2. Housing – There may be restrictions against living with a spouse or child in a university dormitory, or domestic partners who do not have legal status in the host country might not be permitted in certain types of housing. It is best to discuss what housing options are available, and potential advantages or pitfalls with a Global Learning advisor early in the process of selecting a program.
3. Schooling and Childcare – If you are traveling with children, you will be responsible for arranging for childcare when you are attending classes, and it’s possible that dependents will not be allowed to accompany you on field trips or other program activities. Global Learning staff cannot assist with arranging childcare or enrolling school-age children in school, so you will need to research the childcare options available in your host community, as well as additional expenses for arranging it. Note that English-speaking childcare providers or schools may be difficult to find in a country where English is not the primary language. Enrolling children in local schools may be complicated to arrange, especially where the local language is not spoken by the child, and fees may also be charged for enrollment, even in public schools.
4. Insurance – UC Traveler Insurance can be purchased to cover dependents accompanying students when studying abroad with UCEAP or on a UCSC program. Note that some countries may have additional insurance requirements for longer-term visitors that are beyond what UC Travel Insurance provides.
5. Dietary and Medical Needs – Traveling with medication can be a challenge for everyone, and making sure that necessary medications are available for dependents ahead of time is essential for a successful trip. The availability of familiar foods for young family members may also prove to be a challenge in some locations, and special dietary requirements may be difficult to meet due to local culinary practices and preferences. We encourage you to research the host community’s approach to these requirements when choosing a program.
6. How Dependents will Spend their Time – Dependents who are not formally enrolled in the program may not enroll in program classes. Students who wish their dependents to participate in other program activities (orientation, social and cultural activities, excursions, etc.) may request permission for participation in advance, but permission is not guaranteed to be granted. Where these activities have costs associated with them that are covered by participant program fees, the dependent costs will be the responsibility of the student.
While Global Learning staff can provide information, guidance, and support, you are responsible for making, confirming, and paying for actual arrangements for dependents.
Informing a Global Learning advisor early in the planning and program selection process of your intent to travel with a dependent will help with finding a program and situation that works best for you.
Resources
Breaking Barriers: Non-Traditional Students Before and After Study Abroad. Excerpt from a documentary interviewing students from a variety of backgrounds about their anticipation of and actual experiences studying abroad.