For Parents

Parents visit their daughter and her host family in Quito, Ecuador

Parents, grandparents and other family members often play an important role in the off-campus study experiences of their loved ones. HECUA hopes this page serves as a portal to learning more about our work, as well as the resources and expertise we employ to ensure our students have the most dynamic and meaningful experiences possible.

Participating in a Program

Our programs offer students a structured environment through which to learn about and engage issues of vital social importance. Coursework in each program directs students to analyze multiple perspectives of local and global issues. Short-term programs expose students to the depth and breadth of issues through engaging field visits and community speakers, while semester-long programs further challenge students with project-based internships at local organizations addressing a variety of community needs. All HECUA programs are credit-bearing, and students are required to discuss credit transfers with college/university staff prior to applying for their program of choice.

Students participate in our programs not only for their academic rigor, but for job training, skill development, and vocational support. In the Twin Cities, students often find employment at internship organizations after their program is finished; several internship supervisors at Twin Cities organizations were once HECUA interns themselves. After participating in semester or short-term programs in Ecuador, Northern Ireland, Norway, and Bangladesh, HECUA students have returned to work and study in those countries, and some have received summer research fellowships or support for language or graduate study. HECUA programs put students' passion to work, and help students to discern and shape their future work and personal lives.

Our Programs page offers specific information about our individual course offerings. The Student Profiles and Stories page offers a window into HECUA's transformative education and the kinds of students who choose immersive, community-based education.

Making the Investment

Depending on the college or university where a student is enrolled, a HECUA program can cost a bit more than a standard academic term, it can cost less, or it might cost the same. HECUA sets its own program prices, but every institution of higher education has its own policies and procedures regarding how off-campus study is funded. Students are always encouraged to discuss financial aid and scholarship options with their schools before beginning the application process.

HECUA also offers several scholarship options for students participating in our programs each year. Students of color, students from low-income families, and/or first-generation college students are especially encouraged to apply for scholarships.

Staying Safe

Safety is a paramount concern at HECUA. Please visit our Safety page for information about our track record, insurance, emergency contacts, and student responsibilities.

Contacting HECUA

For answers to many questions, visit our FAQ page. We are also happy to answer more specific questions parents might have about our programs or our organization’s work at any time. Please call HECUA at 651-287-3300 for more information, or email us with any questions.

Notes from HECUA Parents

"My husband and I just returned from Northern Ireland where we met with our daughter Sarah who participated with your program this semester. To say that this experience opened her eyes would be an understatement. She was able to see for herself the tensions, biases and successes that have taken place there. We all had a wonderful time in Northern Ireland. Nigel Glenny [HECUA's program director] and Sarah's internship director, Anna, were instrumental in her education and we are indebted to them for that."

--Jill B, parent of a student who participated in HECUA's Democracy and Social Change in Northern Ireland program

"We would like to write and thank you for the great job you did organizing the student trip to Bangladesh this January. Your clear communication, efficiency and ability to get the job done when needed, were appreciated by us. Hana came home tired, happy and humbled. She has a clearer picture of what NGO's can and can't do, an appreciation of the Bangladesh culture and people, and a new viewpoint that has grown and evolved regarding her possible career path. The trip helped her realize how different our world is yet how alike we are in terms of our humanity. She loved the student guides, the Bangladesh professors and the chance to meet and talk with the rural villagers. This program allowed her to grow and experience a new way of looking at the world. She gave a talk last week about HECUA, her research and impressions of Bangladesh to a group of about 20 friends and colleagues. Everyone was impressed with your program and what you offer the students."