The number of students who have decided to take the leap and head abroad to study is increasing every year, reaching a staggering 4.5 million! This means that if your children haven’t already considered studying in another country, there is a good chance that they will someday. The benefits of this choice are endless and proven. However, preparing for such an event both financially and emotionally is essential for the whole family. Get a head start by reading below!
3 Tips To Prepare For Your Children Studying Abroad
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Staying Safe
As a parent, your biggest concern is the safety of your children whether that be in another country, with people you don’t know, or other unfamiliar settings. Ominous news articles and TV programs might have played a part in convincing you that it is safer to keep your kids as close to home as possible. However, some countries have incredibly low crime rates and might even be safer than yours! In any case, your family should consider researching local laws, insurance options, and health information. Of course, teaching your kids to be self-sufficient and responsible can make a difference!
Keeping In Touch
Seeing your kids leave the nest is undoubtedly heartbreaking! Thankfully, nowadays, it’s an entirely different matter than it was during other times. Social media and other communication platforms such as Skype, Zoom, and Whatsapp can help you keep in touch without much effort. Even if you are not too internet savvy just yet, leveraging the potential of such instruments can give you the ultimate peace of mind!
Moreover, specific devices that might not have been very useful so far might turn out to be a beneficial discovery! For example, teaching your kids how to set up an international cell phone, and how do you use a physical address properly can help the family feel more connected. Ultimately, better communication means that you know your children are safe, happy, and have everything they need, no matter where their current base of operation is.
Encourage Them!
The benefits of spending a year, or a term, abroad are undeniable. Aside from offering your kid the opportunity to share ideas with other international students, it might be a unique chance to experience different traditions and cultures. Having to learn a language, making new friends, and be self-sufficient are essential life skills and lessons your kid will thank you for in the future. Whether they have already started thinking about the move, or they are still attending 5th grade, encourage your children to explore new alternatives for their future studies. Lastly, don’t forget that they will need to know that you’ll be there to help them in case they fall!
Bottom Line
Ultimately, letting your child move on is a huge step to take but leaving might be an even more significant event for your kid. They might be excited about the new adventures that lie ahead, but also a little scared too. Don’t underestimate these feelings and, if you believe they are making the right choice, encourage them, share with them the resources you found, and be a guide in case they need help.