The Study Abroad Office is committed to preparing and supporting students in studying abroad. We encourage parents to talk with their students throughout the study abroad process, to gain relevant information from them, and to maintain contact with their students while abroad, as the FERPA Act prevents SF State Abroad from sharing specific details.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. In accordance with FERPA, students 18 years of age or older have the right to their academic records and schools may not release any personal information without consent. Under FERPA, SF State Abroad and the university may NOT release any student information listed below:
- Contact information while abroad
- Student's program status or program
- Grades and transcripts
- Course and/or schedule information
- Medical information
- Housing
For additional information on FERPA, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's webpage.