Especially for Parents

Your student has been offered the opportunity to participate in Skidmore's First-Year Experience in London during the fall semester before joining other members of the first-year class in Saratoga Springs for the spring semester. This exciting introduction to college life in an international setting will be guided by two Skidmore Faculty Coordinators in London and by the faculty and staff of CEA CAPA. Here are some ways we believe parents can best help prospective students decide whether to engage in this educational adventure:

Read… and talk about London as a family.
Encourage... your student to read all the materials we have sent and continue to check the website and email for updated information, and orientation materials.
Consider... your own comfort level. Students will be making the same kinds of independent decisions all students make when they go to college.
Discuss... how your student has dealt with new and challenging experiences in the past. Do they approach new experiences eagerly and confidently? What kind of support will your student need to be successful for their first semester? Consider some of the questions listed as part of OCSE's pathways to off-campus study and what makes a good candidate for the London First-Year Experience.
Support... your student's personal decision, whether to study in London or to pursue a different educational direction.

If your student does decide to join our London FYE Program—as we hope they will—ask them to share with you all the information we provide. Please help emphasize that tolerance and flexibility are keys to a successful venture abroad. Students will encounter a multitude of fascinating differences while overseas and will want to explore these differences with an open mind. The British way of life, attitudes, aspirations, and values are worth close consideration; the place, the people, and their rich heritage are sure to inspire interest.

Academically, the students that are offered London will find themselves well prepared for the rigors of the program. First-year students will receive the advice and counsel of Skidmore Faculty Coordinators who each teach a Scribner Seminar and arrange a variety of social and cultural events and excursions for students. Students can also seek advice and support from CEA CAPA Student Services and academic staff.

You can help your student prepare for this incredible experience in a number of ways: encourage responsible independence during the next several months, read all program materials, and, on a practical note, encourage them to save money for all the special experiences (including travel) London and Europe have to offer. We suggest that parents and students discuss budget and financial matters early on. Typically, students spend approximately $2,000 - $3,000 on personal expenses during their semester in London; this total includes a moderate level of travel. In addition, everyday purchases in London may come at a higher price than we expect at home. Students should expect to pay at least twice the U.S. price for such discretionary purchases as restaurant food, coffee, and toiletries.

We look forward to meeting you and your family!

Questions regarding the London FYE program details, orientation or arrival day should be directed to Kendra Nelson, London FYE Program Manager in Skidmore's office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges, at knelson1@skidmore.edu or +1-518-580-5355.

Questions regarding the admissions process should be directed to Gabby Vuillaume, Assistant Director of Admissions at gvuillau@skidmore.edu or +1-518-580-8334.

Off-Campus Study & Exchanges Contact