Traveling with Dependents

In some cases, it is possible to go on a program abroad with dependents. Students should alert their Global Education Advisor if they plan on taking their dependents abroad with them. Services, support, and guidelines may vary by program.

Preparation is key, and you will need to consider:

• Accounting for additional costs, availability of accommodation and/or special visa requirements
• Developing a separate itinerary for your child and/or spouse*
• Arranging childcare for accompanying children**
• Purchasing comprehensive international medical insurance for your child or spouse***

*Your child or spouse will not be permitted to participate in any of the program activities (classes, group activities/meals, excursions, etc.). This will greatly impact faculty-led programs and will be less relevant for exchange programs.

**Enrolling your child in a local school may be a great opportunity for involvement with other children in the host country during the day, but it may take time to locate and enroll from here in the U.S.

***The comprehensive international medical insurance you are required to hold as an SDSU global education participant will not be provided for your child or spouse. It will be your sole responsibility to determine if you have adequate medical insurance for your family members.

You might also consider studying abroad without your child. A number of SDSU students who are parents leave their children with a spouse, close family member or friend while studying abroad.

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Consider a shorter program offered during the summer or winter break. These programs range from one to eight weeks, yet provide you with an opportunity to receive credit and satisfy degree completion requirements. Regardless of how long you are living in a different country, immersing yourself in another culture will help improve your ability to think more complexly and creatively – and you may also be a more competitive job or graduate school applicant as a result.

Consider looking into the few programs or countries that would allow you to work part-time while you are studying abroad. This option is generally only available to those studying abroad for a full semester or year.

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It may be possible to find alternate accommodation while abroad, but it depends on the program type. Many short programs such as faculty-led options include the cost of housing in the program fee, but longer programs such as exchanges, allow students to locate their own housing. It is your responsibility to research available housing options and secure alternative arrangements as needed. However, the SDSU Study Abroad office may be able to provide additional suggestions.

It may be possible for you to live with other students of your approximate age, especially if you are applying for an SDSU exchange or CSUIP program where students select their own housing locally. If your program includes housing, make sure you indicate this preference when completing your housing application. Availability will vary by program, so if this is a concern for you, be sure to speak with your Global Education Advisor prior to finalizing your program selection. Please note that SDSU students able to opt-out of housing that is included in global seminar programs, ISEP exchange programs, and partner programs.

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