Parents - Encourage Your Wildcat to Study Abroad!

Why this moment matters, and why your voice can make the difference

As families come together over the holiday break, conversations often turn to what’s next—classes, majors, internships, and life after graduation. This year, make study abroad part of that conversation. With unprecedented scholarship support and expanded university backing, the University of Arizona is making global experiences more accessible than ever.

Thanks to new funding from the Garcia Family Foundation, eligible students can receive up to $7,000 in need-based scholarships for study abroad. Plus, students can use most forms of financial aid abroad and apply for additional scholarships from the Study Abroad Office and across campus. For summer programs, students benefit from the in-state tuition rate, regardless of residency.

Combined with expanded advising and academic planning support, this is one of the most accessible moments in U of A history for students to pursue a global experience without delaying graduation or taking on unnecessary financial strain.

The benefits of studying abroad are well established, and they extend far beyond travel. National research consistently shows that students who study abroad:

• Develop stronger communication skills
• Have greater adaptability
• Increase their confidence navigating unfamiliar situations

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There is also evidence of a financial return. Studies tracking early-career outcomes show that students who study abroad tend to see modest but measurable salary advantages in the years following graduation. More importantly, they are more likely to report that their experience helped them stand out in job interviews and shaped their career direction in meaningful ways.

At the University of Arizona, alumni echo these findings. Nearly all study abroad participants report significant personal growth, and a strong majority say their experience positively influenced their employability. 

As one student described it, “Study abroad has truly been one of the most incredible and transformative experiences in my life. Being in this completely new environment taught me how to adapt, become more open-minded, and truly appreciate cultural differences.” – Victoria C.

Parents can see the benefits as well. “The personal growth we saw when our daughter returned was remarkable. She gained confidence, independence, and maturity, along with life lessons she could not have learned in a classroom.” – Maria Esther & Luis V.

Even when it may not feel like it, parents and families still play an important role in whether students take advantage of opportunities like this. Encouragement from home can be the difference between a student thinking, “That sounds interesting,” and deciding to take the next step. Cost concerns, academic uncertainty, or simple hesitation often keep students from exploring study abroad, and a supportive conversation can help clear those barriers.

Winter break is an ideal time to talk. Ask your student what they hope to gain from college, what excites them, and what challenges them. Encourage them to consider how a study abroad experience could fit into their academic path. With strong institutional backing, expanded financial support, and clear academic pathways, this is a moment worth seizing.

Summer and Fall 2026 applications are open now! To learn more about programs, advising, and scholarships, visit studyabroad.arizona.edu.