As a parent, seeing your students move to a new country for studying is daunting. The stress and worry of your child possibly being under challenging situations is always at the back of the head. But, in all honesty, it is an essential part of parenting to let your child find their path. So, if your child aims to study abroad, then you should support them wholeheartedly. Simultaneously, it would be best if you did your research to guide your children better. If you want to help your child get familiar with the studying abroad process and make the complicated process smooth, let UC Global be your assistance and guide in making informed career choices.
GUIDE FOR PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN WANT TO STUDY ABROAD
● Gather Essential Information- To begin with, conducting some background research on the study abroad institution your child is interested in or has been admitted into will make you feel very secure. You should gather needful information on the destination country, including its history, culture, laws, social and moral codes, and influence on foreigners. Furthermore, you must gauge data on the courses offered and the course structure of the programs and also read a bit of the concerned faculty. You can also be bolder and attempt to learn the native language of the study abroad country.
● Consider the Expenses- Studying abroad can be pretty hefty on the budget. It would help if you examined all the primary and ancillary expenses that will come once your child moves abroad. Make sure to encourage them to apply for scholarships and enrol in work-study programs. Moreover, it would help if you were very communicative about the financial aspect of studying abroad with your child. If it is sure that they are shifting to another country, then it is best to do the fiscal planning at the earliest.
● The Communication Flow –As parents of students studying abroad, it is crucial to maintain a regular flow of communication with your child. It would be best if you charted out a plan of communication before your child departed. International roaming can be expensive and can add to the already inflated budget. Hence, it is advisable to opt for other inexpensive and alternative modes of communication like Skype, Whatsapp, Instagram, and even Emails. Lastly, both you and your child should have a set of emergency contacts at all times.
● Teach your Child about Safety – Needless to say, safety is a big concern for all parents whose children are moving abroad. Therefore, before your child’s departure, you should ensure that they are ‘street smart.’ For example, tell them to stay away from political demonstrations, only take official taxis, and protect their passports at all costs.
It would be safe to conclude that studying abroad can be an intimidating affair for both the parents and the students. But, following a few tips and choosing the right counsellor can make the entire process very easy and informative.
