Through acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to compete for jobs in the global workforce of the twenty-first century, studying abroad improves your child’s education and makes them global citizens.
It can be unsettling for parents to see their children adjust to living in a new location, regardless of whether they are seasoned travellers or are preparing to go out on their first international journey. It’s simple to become overwhelmed by the myriad unknowns to sort through on the ground, but the payoff outweighs the risk. As parents, we must bear sending our children overseas so that they will return more vigorous, curious, and self-assured than before. Not only is your child’s study abroad experience novel for them, but probably also for you. This parents’ guide to helping your study abroad student will help you prepare for the ups and downs.
Keep up with the subject’s developments and pertinent information.
Parents can use the university’s official websites, family members, students, and educators to get information about overseas programs fully or partially supported by foreign governments. Additionally, the majority of international educational institutions offer details on the several kinds of financial help that can be used for study abroad programs.
Before departing, you and your child should study where they’re going, including learning about necessary visas, local laws, health and safety precautions, and emergency procedures. Knowing their unique difficulties in particular locations is crucial for visitors with disabilities, women, and LGBT people.
Keep in touch with university staff members and diplomatic missions.
When your child has chosen a program and is prepared to study abroad, they should register with the country’s specific office to learn crucial information about the local safety circumstances and to assist the closest embassy or consulate in contacting the child in an emergency. Additionally, as a parent, you can register in STEP to get travel and security information from the nation where your child is studying. In an emergency, your student can access assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Assemble a travelling medicine kit
Packing enough food and medication to last your children’s entire academic experience is typically necessary when sending them to study abroad. It’s critical to remember their security and well-being. Putting together a travel health kit is a simple method to guarantee that you have everything you require. The essentials for first aid, such as bandages and gauze, as well as over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol and antihistamines, as well as any prescriptions your child might require, should be included. Bringing hand sanitiser, sunscreen, bug repellant, insect wipes, and sunscreen can be helpful. Don’t forget to attach any required immunization records or medical documentation. The tension you experience during travel can be significantly reduced with some planning.
Prepare an emergency action plan.
Put their contact details into your phone and familiarize yourself with the geopolitical happenings in the area where they will be staying. First, ensure your child is familiar with the contact information for the embassies and the institution they are attending. The study abroad consultants advise that as parents, you should always have a thorough conversation on the steps to take in emergency response, not just with the child but also with the university. Additionally, looking out for the closest hospitals or medical centres in the region where the child might be residing while studying abroad is a good idea. If there are any nearby emergency phone numbers, make sure your ward is aware of them.
Knowing safety resources
Even the most laid-back parents can become anxious when their child is studying abroad, despite its many benefits—thinking about your child’s health and safety while travelling is critical. To find out if your child is covered for medical expenses outside of the home country, they may be entering the:
- Check the health insurance policy of the relevant nation.
- In the absence of such coverage, think about purchasing additional insurance that does.
- Suppose a family emergency arises and you cannot reach your kid or are concerned for their welfare.
In that case, you can contact Overseas Citizens Services or the relevant university or college authorities.
Sending your child to study abroad can make it difficult for you as a parent to be apart from them. But the more information you possess, the more likely you will feel at ease with the thought of them studying abroad and being better able to assist them during this transformative time. Therefore, get in touch with a therapist at Admissify to emotionally prepare yourself and your ward and obtain practical knowledge about keeping your child safe outside
