Study abroad administrators should attempt to ensure that students are being educated about all issues relevant to their respective programs during advisement in one-to-one visits, general and small group meetings. Students may understand how to support their needs in the United States, but a foreign country typically offers new challenges (health and safety, language, medical support, housing, etc.) According to Foundations of International Education: Education Abroad Advising, NAFSA's Professional Development Program, the study abroad administrator or advisor acting as a guide to students should:

1. Be knowledgeable about all programs
2. Understand the process of program evaluation
3. Assist in both the selection and application process
4. Prepare students for the challenge of living abroad and re-entering U.S. society
5. Know where to get answers to 3 and 4

As advising can be a team effort, in an administrator’s role as a competent advisor, a student's parents can be a terrific asset. Whenever possible, administrators should collaborate with parents in order to help disseminate health and safety information t students looking to study abroad. William Hoffa, of Academic Consultants International, wrote an article entitled "Advice for Parents" addressing this topic.

• University of Southern California: How Students Should Prepare for Overseas Studies
• University of California, San Diego
• Michigan State University
• University of Minnesota
• University of Connecticut

• NAFSA: Association of International Educators Publications on Study Abroad
• SAFETI On-line Newsletter: Advice for Parents