Parents Call
Parents, you are encouraged to call the Alma College Academic and Career Planning office at 1-800-321-ALMA (2562) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday to discuss concerns about participation in a study abroad program.
Program Costs
Most parents normally respond to their student's request to study abroad with "What is this going to cost me?" It is important to discuss this question with the Student Financial Assistance Office staff on campus to determine the amount of financial aid that can be applied to an Alma program abroad. The student's financial aid may be applied to the study abroad experience.
Alma College students will pay published Alma College tuition, fees, room and board whether their studies take place on or off campus. Approved Off-Campus Study (OCS) programs are those listed in publications by OCS or those reviewed and approved by the OCS subcommittee of EPC. For those students enrolled in approved OCS programs, Alma College will pay on their behalf the tuition, room, board and associated academic fees charged by partnering host institutions. In the event that off-campus costs exceed on-campus costs for a particular semester and program, the student will be billed for the additional amount. For Spring and Summer programs, students will pay the tuition, room, board, and associated academic fees associated with the OCS program and a $500 administrative fee..
Additional expenses including airfare, books, passport and visa fees, in-country transportation, and incidentals are not included. When available, Academic and Career Planning provides the Student Financial Assistance office with estimated costs. For all other programs, Alma students contact the program directly for a listing of additional expenses. Contact the Academic and Career Planning office if you have questions about what services are included in a program.
Safety Abroad
We don't joke about safety abroad. We take this subject very seriously. We constantly evaluate the academics, service and quality of life available in our programs.
All of our programs provide limited health insurance because we care about the welfare of our students. We have highly trained staff available 24 hours a day on-site and in our Alma office to deal with situations that may arise.
Risks are inherent in any study abroad program. We discern and broadcast risks so students can take the necessary precautions. Our warranty of safety abroad is the same as the guarantee of safety in the U.S. However, there are events that are outside our control and responsible behavior by your child lessens the risks associated with being abroad. Almost always, students who behave responsibly do not have difficulties abroad.
Credits, Academics
Will my son or daughter ever get out of school? With proper planning a semester and even a year-long study abroad program will not delay graduation. A student should work with an academic advisor and the Academic and Career Planning office to plan a course of study that allows for a semester of electives to be taken abroad.
