Many universities and private organizations offer students opportunities to study abroad. As a parent, you may be hesitant to encourage such an endeavor. The idea of your child living in another country may be quite disturbing. If your student has decided to take the leap and you’ve agreed, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the country, travel options, and contacts. Following are a few tips to prepare.
Be Prepared To Support Them Financially
Studying abroad will likely be costlier than the standard tuition and fees you’re currently paying. In addition, living abroad can be more expensive if you want your child to travel and sightsee during the semester. Research how to send money abroad securely and with minimum fees so that you can supply funds as needed and in an emergency. Talk to your child about exchange rates and credit card fees.
In some cases, the program team may help your child set up a bank account in their study location. From this account, they can set up automatic payments to cover regular expenses. You can learn how to transfer money to this account to help support him or her financially.
Be Prepared To Support Them In Person
Expect the best during the term, but be prepared for the worst. If something happens and you want to travel to your child’s location abroad, you should know ahead of time the best routes and methods of transportation. Familiarize yourself with the most efficient airport and airline to use and know how to travel to their university once you land in the country.
In case of emergency, maintain enough funds to book travel quickly. Consider keeping some of the local currency on hand to take with you so that you don’t have to worry about exchanging money when you arrive. In the best-case scenarios, you will never have to implement an emergency plan. But you’ll feel better if you have one in place.
Meet The Program Team And Know Your Contacts
If possible, arrange a time to meet with the folks who are in charge of the study abroad program. If the organizing team schedules parent meetings ahead of departure, plan to attend if possible. The best way to arm yourself with the information you need is to talk to the experts. They will appreciate engaged parents and welcome questions.
Collect and save the contact information of everyone you meet. If you have any questions before or during your student’s trip, it will help to have this information so you can reach out easily to the appropriate party. This may be unfamiliar territory for you and your child, but as a parent, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your family is armed with all the resources it needs.
Supporting your child studying abroad is really about doing your research and being prepared for anything. If you’re nervous about sending them so far away, gaining this knowledge will help calm your fears. By learning the basics of the program, travel, and financial matters, you and your child will be prepared for the experience of a lifetime.
