Guest Post:
Most parents will probably have some reservations about letting their child study abroad – but a little bit of homework on the topic will soon lay these to rest.
Studying in a different country will help your child mature on a personal level as well as academically, so it is something that is extremely worthwhile.
Here are five top tips to help you come to terms with their decision to hit the books overseas.
Letting go
The first thing you need to do is let go. It can be an emotional time when your offspring decides to fly the nest, particularly to study abroad, but coming to terms with the situation as early as possible will help you through this exciting, and sometimes overwhelming, time.
Research the country they’ll be heading to by looking at things like its history, culture, customs and laws. Getting an idea of the bigger picture can answer a lot of your questions and give greater peace of mind.
It is also a good idea to read all program literature and any available student accounts of studying abroad.
The Florida State University Gateway Programme has a number of administrators on-hand to answer any questions you may have, so never be afraid to get in touch.
Help them pack
Your child may be going half-way around the world but that doesn’t mean you can’t help keep them safe and organised.
Lend a hand with their packing. Put in a few extra photos in case they need to get a new passport at any point, and give them an extra supply of any medications they’re on and a copy of the prescription.
Try to obtain a note from the doctor regarding your child’s need for the medication, in case of any issues during the customs process.
If they wear glasses, make sure they also have an extra pair to take with them, especially if they are prescription lenses.
Keep in touch
Keeping in touch with your child while they’re studying abroad is important for both of you – and thanks to the wonders of the internet it has never been easier! Just don’t expect to hear from them every day.
Social media channels like Facebook and Twitter are a great way of staying in contact. You can even share photos and videos through these websites.
Skype is another great alternative, allowing you to make free internet calls via video link and cheap online calls to phone or mobiles.
Blogs are also a cheap and fun way of keeping in touch, showing each other what is going on where you are, while the humble letter shouldn’t be underestimated!
International phone calls, however, can be expensive, so consider purchasing prepaid international calling cards.
Students and parents should both have a set of emergency contacts with them at all times, including contacts from the university and program – you can find these on the FSU website.
Arrange visits
Of course you’re going to want to visit your child while they’re overseas, but remember to do it in the right way.
Choose to do so at a time that is convenient for them. Exam periods, for example, are a particularly bad time to head over.
Above all, however, you should put their best interests ahead of your own. Although you may miss them terribly, they need to spend quality time immersed in the culture and with fellow students to get the maximum out of their education abroad.
Coming home
Just as you’ll be preparing for your child’s departure, you should also prepare for their eventual homecoming.
Be sensitive to the possibility that they could experience a reverse culture-shock. It is therefore important to allow them a period of adjustment when first getting home.
Listening to their experiences (they’ll have plenty of tales to tell!) will help them settle back in, while you should also bear in mind that they’ll probably be more independent.
Encouraging them to keep in touch with the people they’ve met while studying abroad is recommended as well. These connections are important and can end up lasting the rest of their lives.
