Frequently Asked Questions by Parents

UTK offers many exchange programs with prices similar to the price of attending UTK, plus about $1,200 - $2,000 in additional costs, not including personal spending money. We offer other affordable alternatives and provide a budget sheet for comparing the cost of study abroad to that at UTK.

Students can use their financial aid, including most scholarships, making programs even more affordable. Information about additional scholarships can be found on our webpage. Here you can also find a list of study abroad programs for $6,000 or less, or $4,300 or less (summer or short programs). You will no doubt notice the useful "Big Mac" Index which gives an idea of the cost of living in various cities based on an international price comparison of this one item. Keep in mind that big cities in any country will be much more expensive than smaller communities, where most of our exchanges are located.

An important part to keeping study abroad affordable is to remain flexible. We have had students intent on going to the UK, they ended up in Iceland and loved it!

Yes, if they plan ahead! We can't stress enough the importance of beginning in the freshman year. Students should talk to their academic advisor and tell them that they want to study abroad then plan a semester or year into their schedule. They should then visit our office. We have information sessions Monday through Friday at 2 p.m. where they can learn how to search for the program that best suits their needs

The Programs Abroad Office takes into consideration health and safety concerns when considering a new or existing study abroad program site. Since it is not possible to avoid all risks, it is very important that your student attend pre-departure and on-site orientation, inform themselves of political, social, and economic factors of the places they will be, follow program leader's or on-site coordinator's directives and use common sense.

Yes, for international study your student will need a passport and depending on where they choose to study and for how long they might need a visa.

The student should make a several copies of the picture page of the passport. They should carry one with them, separate from the passport, should leave one at home and should file one with our office. If the passport is lost or stolen, having a copy will make it easier to replace.

The student should see the on-site program director and contact our office. They will need to visit the U.S. Consulate or Embassy webpage for the office nearest them. There they will find instructions on how to replace a passport. The ISIC, mentioned under insurance, includes $250 passport replacement coverage for passports lost or stolen outside of the U.S.

That depends on where your son or daughter is going. Check out the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) webpage (path: Traveler's Health/Immunizations) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Generally, when a traveler gets sick it is nothing more than a common cold or traveler’s diarrhea, but on rare occasion it might be something more serious. UTK requires all students studying abroad to purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The card provides limited health benefits, along with some medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. Though the insurance will not cover all medical expenses it does provide some coverage.

We encourage you to check your present insurance to determine if it will cover them internationally. Some companies have offices abroad and you are expected to use the services of that operation. Other companies do not cover anyone who is abroad. Just be sure you know about your coverage and know how to make a claim.

If you would like to consider additional insurance please look at this list of companies that provide short-term (you determine the time frame) insurance for those going abroad.

Remember that most health care costs abroad, no matter which company you use, will be out of pocket and you will be reimbursed by the insurance company.

There are some affordable flights and you might find some deals at the following links. STA, Student Universe, Johnny Jet Travel, SideStep .

Yes, through the National Student Exchange (NSE).