For Families

for families for families

Step into the Start Abroad experience—a new chapter for your student (and you)

Welcome to the Start Abroad Family!

Congratulations on your student’s acceptance to the University of Miami! As they prepare to join the ’Canes community, the Start Abroad program offers an exciting opportunity to begin their college journey this fall, earning UM credits, exploring a new culture, and gaining valuable independence before arriving in Miami for the spring semester.

Why Start Abroad Matters

The Start Abroad program gives students a meaningful head start — academically, socially, and personally. Courses offered abroad are approved by the University of Miami and transfer toward their degree, allowing students to make progress before they even arrive on campus in the spring.

Beyond the classroom, students live and learn alongside other UM spring starters, creating lasting friendships and building a strong sense of community early on. This shared experience helps them transition smoothly into college life and arrive in Miami with a support system and familiar faces already in place.

Spending a semester abroad allows students to grow as independent young adults, learning to navigate new environments, manage responsibilities, and adapt with confidence—life skills that support their success at UM and prepare them to thrive in an increasingly global world.

Choosing to begin college through Start Abroad is more than an academic decision — it’s an investment in your student’s personal growth, readiness, and future success.

How to support your student (without taking over)

A key part of the Start Abroad experience is helping students take full ownership of their journey — from the moment they apply until the day they depart. We encourage families to allow their student to manage every step of the process independently, including communication with our office and program partners.

All official information, updates, and instructions are sent directly to the student. It is the student’s responsibility to read these communications carefully, meet all deadlines, and share important details with their family.

We encourage families to stay supportive by checking in regularly with their student, offering guidance when asked, and reminding them that they are expected to check their email at least once per day — failure to respond to requests from our office or the partner abroad can result in immediate withdrawal from the program.

By giving students the space to take the lead, families allow them to build the confidence, independence, and adaptability needed to thrive abroad as global ’Canes.

Parent Testimonials

Feedback from Start Abroad families

Start Abroad is a big step — and families play an important role. Hear directly from parents whose students began their UM journey through Start Abroad and learn what the experience was like from their perspective.

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Family FAQs

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  • Does my student need to submit their UM enrollment deposit before applying to Start Abroad?

    Yes. The first required step for the Start Abroad application is submitting the enrollment deposit to the University of Miami for spring semester admission. Only students who have fully committed to UM are eligible to apply for Start Abroad.

  • Can I contact the Start Abroad office or complete forms on my student’s behalf?

    All interactions with the Start Abroad team must be directly with the student. Parents are welcome to join calls or appointments as long as the student is present. However, parents may not sign, fill out forms, or complete any program steps on behalf of their student. For participants under 18 attending the Dublin program, parents will complete an additional consent form authorizing the student’s participation, but all other steps must be completed by the student.

  • Will my student be eligible to participate in Greek Life recruitment in the spring?

    Students who earn a minimum of 12 credits in the Start Abroad program may participate in spring recruitment.

    Please note that additional requirements—such as GPA—may apply. For more information on sorority and fraternity recruitment and eligibility, visit How to Join Greek Life or contact greeklife@miami.edu with any questions.

  • What health services are available to students?

    Students have access to a wide range of services to support a safe, healthy, and successful experience abroad. On-site staff are available to assist in urgent situations, as well as a dedicated Health & Safety team that manages incidents, and oversees a comprehensive risk management plan.

    Mental health support is also available through English-speaking professionals experienced in working with international students.

    Each location will provide international health insurance coverage for each student

  • Does my student need to keep their U.S. health insurance while abroad?

    Yes. The health insurance provided by the Start Abroad program serves as supplemental international coverage while your student is overseas. You are strongly encouraged to maintain your student’s U.S. health insurance throughout the program, as it provides coverage before departure and after return. Keeping their U.S. plan active also ensures protection in the event of an illness or accident abroad that requires long-term care or a return to the U.S. for recovery or ongoing treatment.

  • How do I pay for my student’s program?

    The Start Abroad Office will share payment instructions once Fall billing schedules are posted on the Office of Student Accounts website. Bills should be released in mid-July via CaneLink, with payments due during the first week of August. Please note that dates are subject to change. Students will receive detailed information on how to make payments at the appropriate time.

    If you plan to make payments on your student’s behalf, your student must add you as a proxy in the University’s student information system, CaneLink. Additional information and instructions will be provided closer to the billing period.

  • Are financial aid or scholarships available for Start Abroad?

    No, this program is not eligible for scholarships or financial aid.

  • Can I travel with my student at the start of the program?

    While we understand the desire to support your student during this transition, we encourage families to let students arrive at their program location independently. This helps them connect with peers, build confidence, and begin developing self-reliance from the very start of their experience abroad.

  • How can I send mail or packages to my student while they are abroad?

    Families who wish to send items to students should make arrangements directly with their student and follow the mailing guidelines of the host country.

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