Information for Families

Considerations

• FERPA

  We welcome general inquiries from parents, however, it is ultimately your student's responsibility to see that the required processes are followed.  Due to privacy legislation (FERPA), the CIE cannot release information to any third party (including parents) regarding a student's program of study without their explicit consent.

  If your student would like to provide their consent, they may complete the FERPA waiver and return it to our office in-person or from their College of Charleston email account. This waiver is specific to each office in which it is filed; therefore, a waiver on file in another office on campus cannot be accepted. Students retain the right to revoke this consent at any time, but must do so by signing the bottom portion of the form.

• Selecting a Program

  The Center for International Education (CIE) aims to make study abroad accessible for every student at the College of Charleston by offering programs in multiple disciplines across the globe during semesters, summers, and even spring break!

  It is important to be intentional when selecting a program so that your student can maximize the benefits of studying abroad! The staff and peer advisors in the CIE are here to help your student find a program that will fulfill their needs. 

• Advising

  Students have several opportunities to seek guidance throughout their study abroad process.

  OAKS courses:

  Students should self-enroll in our OAKS Resource Centers to learn more about the study abroad process for their desired program type. Please ask your student to log into OAKS (through MyPortal) and select "Self-Enroll for SPEC Courses Only" to see the following course options:

  • Abroad 101 
  • Affiliate
  • Exchange

  Advising Sessions:

  Current students can see our advising session schedule on The Hub.

  Peer Advisors:

  CIE employs several peer advisors who host our advising sessions and offer drop-in advising hours.

  Current students can see the drop-in hours on The Hub.

  CIE Staff Advisors:

  Once students have reviewed the relevant Oaks course(s), they can set up an advising appointment with the appropriate CIE Advisor in Appointment Manager (Achieve) for the following appointment types: 

  • General Study Abroad 
  • Faculty-Led (CofC- Sponsored) Programs
  • Exchange Programs
  • Affiliate Program
• Academics

  Study abroad programs are designed to enhance a students academic experience at the College of Charleston.

• Financing Study Abroad

  Students participating in CofC-sponsored or Exchange semester long programs can utilize all of their existing financial aid. 

  Please speak with an advisor if your child utilizes GI Bill funding.

  College Savings and 529 plans can typically only be utilized on a CofC-sponsored or Exchange program. Please speak to an advisor for further information.

  Click here for more information on Financial Aid & Scholarships

• Application Process

  Students apply for all programs through our application portal: cofc.via-trm.com.

  If participating in an Affiliate program, students will also need to complete an application on their chosen Affiliate Partner's website. 

• Health and Safety

  Our top priority is the safety and well-being of your student. Students are required to attend our pre-departure orientation and submit a Health Questionnaire post-acceptance in order to ensure that we provide the best possible support. 

  Health Insurance

  College of Charleston Sponsored and International Exchange Programs
  

  All students participating in a College of Charleston Faculty-led or International Exchange program are automatically enrolled in international medical insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International. For Faculty-led programs, the cost of medical insurance is included in the program fee. For exchange programs, the cost of insurance will be billed to the student's eBill for the term in which the student will be abroad. This medical insurance works in conjunction with any existing health insurance under which the student is currently covered. (Please check with your American insurance provider regarding coverage abroad.)

  Approved Affiliate Programs

  Most of the affiliate programs include comprehensive medical insurance in their program fees. However, students should confirm the specific coverage with their program provider. In the event that comprehensive insurance is not provided, the student must inform the Center for International Education (CIE) so they can be enrolled in CIE’s insurance provider, Cultural Insurance Services International. Students taking part in non-affiliated programs, must be covered for international medical insurance in order to be approved to study abroad.

• Passports and Visas

  CofC's Mail Services is now a Passport Acceptance Facility, so you can apply for or renew a passport on campus. Visit the Mail Services website here. If you already have a valid passport, check to see when it expires! Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your program. 

  Students going to certain countries may need to apply for a student visa. Additional information will be found on the ViaTRM program pages.