A Parent’s Guide to their Child’s Study Abroad Journey
Introduction
As parents we are conditioned to protect our children. When our child takes the mammoth decision to study abroad, it is obvious that you may find yourself under stress, feeling anxious about their decision, and doubtful about their ability to cope and adjust. To top these stresses, there is also the big concern of finances and return on investment. Phew! Your role as a parent of a student planning to study abroad is tough.
However, parenting was never easy right! We are here for you mom and dads! This guide to study abroad is specially designed for concerned parents like you. We take you through every aspect of this overwhelming journey and help you with tips that can let you confidently support your children.
Why Should You Support Your Child to Study Abroad?
Gone are the days of traditional career pathways in India – where every parent expected their kids to be engineers, doctors, or take up government jobs. The new generation is bolder, wiser, and more adventurous when it comes to planning their careers. As parents, firstly, we must appreciate this generation of risk-takers.
We understand that leaving the comfort of home can cause safety concerns. But when you weigh the pros and cons of studying abroad – the benefits do outweigh the drawbacks. As parents you can take measures to ensure your child’s safety without limiting their independence.
Studying abroad is not just getting a degree from a university abroad. It is broadening of your child’s horizons, expanding their opportunities and perspective. An education abroad allows your child to gain skills that are globally valued. It increases their employability and career prospects. A study abroad experience is definitely life changing – one that you should not deny your child!
Studying Abroad: The Parent’s Perspective
There are many aspects to the study abroad journey. As parents, you can play a significant role at every step to ensure that your child is steered to the right direction. Let us help you support your child in making the right decisions with this guide to study abroad:
Step One: Choosing the Right Country and University
This is the most important decision that can pave the way for future opportunities your child can access. As parents you need to be actively involved in this decision to ensure your child picks the right country and university to study abroad.
The Parental Checklist:
- What is the quality of education offered by the country and university?
- What is the global ranking of the university?
- How safe is the country? Is the country politically stable?
- Does the country have international student friendly policies?
- What is the cost of education and living in this country?
- Does the university offer support services for international students?
- How strong is the international community at the university?
- What are the post-study work opportunities?
- What are the visa regulations and requirements?
With this comprehensive checklist you can actively participate and help your child research the right-fit country and university to apply to.
Step Two: Evaluating the Study Abroad Courses and their Career Outcomes
It is important that your child select the right study abroad courses. These can make or break their future career prospects.
The Parental Checklist:
- What is the course curriculum and learning outcome?
- You should check for accreditation and global recognition
- What are the practical learning and internship opportunities?
- What are the career prospects on graduating?
These parameters can help you evaluate your child’s course choices and guide them to their right-fit course.
Step Three: Financial Planning and Budgeting to Study Abroad
Parents play a crucial role in helping students with the finances to study abroad. It is important that you evaluate the cost of education abroad.
Parents must understand that cost of education abroad includes multiple expenses:
- Tuition fees
- University application fees
- Living expenses
- Insurance expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Travel expenses
- Books, gadgets, and stationery
- Miscellaneous costs
When you sit to plan the cost of study abroad make sure you factor in all these expenses and not just tuition fees. It is important that you do not get overwhelmed by the finances. There are multiple avenues available now that can help ease your financial burden.
The Parental Checklist:
- What are the study abroad scholarships available for my child?
- Explore study abroad scholarships that are offered by private institutions also and not just university scholarships.
- What are the study abroad education loans available and repayment options?
- You must consider currency fluctuations and emergencies also.
As a parent you can educate your child on financial planning and budgeting. If you work as a team with your child, it can make managing expenses less overwhelming for them also. This could be the first time they are becoming financially independent and managing budgeting and expenses. With you by their side as a strong support system, this journey can be smooth sailing.
Step Four: Helping Your Child Prepare for Study Abroad Culture and Lifestyle Changes
It is important that your child is ready to adapt to the new study abroad culture when living and studying abroad alone. The culture shock and homesickness can be overwhelming for international students.
As parents you can be there as a support system, even if you are not physically present with your child.
The Parental Checklist:
- Help your child research and read up about the local culture.
- Make sure you do not show a I told you so attitude when your child shares their concerns.
- Be an emotional support and safe space for your child.
- Help your child understand the local laws and customs.
- Encourage your child to connect with the international community at university and also the university counsellors when they need help.
Adapting to the study abroad culture is as important as adapting to the academics. If your child is in an environment that is healthy and supportive, they can perform better.
Step Five: Look into Accommodation, Health, Safety and Well-Being Concerns Abroad
For parents it is very important that your child is safe, as they are leaving the comfort bubble of their homes and moving abroad.
The Parental Checklist:
- Make sure your child has comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- Look into the different accommodation options available and evaluate these based on safety and proximity to university.
- Explore the local emergency services available and help your child make a list.
- Identify a trusted person who can be your child’s local emergency contact.
- Encourage your child to register with the local embassy.
- Have an open discussion with your child about personal safety and responsible behaviour. It is important you know the difference between concern and authority.
- Find convenient and economical ways to stay connected with your child.
These parameters can also help parents reduce their anxiety about their children studying abroad. Knowing that your child is in a safe space and well taken care of can help you be more supportive.
Connect with Experts: How Study Abroad Consultants Serve as a Great Guide to Study Abroad?
Dear parents! You do not have to navigate your child’s study abroad journey alone. Study abroad consultants can play an integral role in supporting the supporter! As experts in the field, study abroad consultants can make this process even smoother and stress-free. Many study abroad consultants help students with every aspects of their study abroad journey – right from university and country selection to education loan and visa application. You may even find help when it comes to looking for accommodation and roommates abroad!
We understand that finding a good study abroad consultant can be the new challenge. So here is a short parental checklist for you to identify your right-fit study abroad consultants:
- Look at their reputation and expertise in the industry.
- Consider previous student’s results and feedback.
- Make sure they have transparency of processes.
- Evaluate the services being offered in relation to the cost.
- Are they offering personalized guidance or is it just one size fits all?
- Do they follow a structured systematic system?
A good study abroad consultant can ease your stress and also make your child’s study abroad journey a success story.
Conclusion: Your Successful Support Can Become Your Child’s Success Story Abroad!
A successful study abroad journey is defined by careful planning, decisions that are calculated and informed, and a strong support system. Parents play an important role in every step. Your support, guidance, and encouragement can define how your child performs abroad. This guide to study abroad has focused on how important it is for parents to support and not control their children’s choices. Students need parental presence in every decision – right from choosing study abroad courses, study abroad consultants, to adapting to the study abroad culture. With you by their side the sky is the limit!
For parents looking for expert advice and assistance, Imperial Overseas Education Consultants in Bangalore understands, assists, and encourages. Our expert counsellors can help you turn your child’s dream of studying abroad into an achievable reality!
