Studying Abroad

Sending your kids abroad for a semester or year can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. As a parent, you want to make sure they have a positive and safe experience while they’re away. Here are some tips to help make the transition smoother and ensure your child has a successful study abroad experience.

 

  1. Research the destination: Make sure you and your child research the country they’ll be studying in. Learn about the culture, customs, and laws to help them better understand what to expect while abroad. You can also check travel advisories to see if there are any safety concerns or health risks.
  2. Stay in touch: Set up regular communication with your child while they’re abroad. Whether it’s through phone calls, video chats, or messaging, staying in touch can help ease any homesickness or culture shock they may be experiencing.
  3. Encourage independence: Studying abroad is a great opportunity for your child to gain independence and confidence. Encourage them to try new things, explore the city, and immerse themselves in the local culture.
  4. Plan a visit: If possible, plan a visit to see your child while they’re abroad. This can give them something to look forward to and help ease any homesickness they may be experiencing.
  5. Support them emotionally: Studying abroad can be challenging emotionally, especially if your child is far from home. Make sure you’re available to listen and offer support if they need it.
  6. Discuss safety: Talk to your child about safety while they’re abroad. Discuss things like drinking responsibly, being aware of their surroundings, and avoiding dangerous situations.
  7. Have fun!: Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity for your child to explore new cultures, make new friends, and have fun. Encourage them to embrace the experience and make the most of their time abroad.

 

Sending your child abroad can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right preparation and support, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both you and your child. Keep these tips in mind and enjoy watching your child grow and thrive while studying abroad.

 

Also speaking from personal experience, you’ll love the freedom you have once your children move to study abroad. My brother moved to Barcelona to study languages and Latin, and my family often visited and we saw places that we would never have seen before, and as a family it created such a strong bond because of the trust we had for one another.