Simple Tips For Families To Consider For Studying Abroad

Graduation is an exciting time in a young adult’s life.  Many head into the next stage of their life, college. While some decide whether to go to college, attend a junior college, or wait and save money, there are other options. For example, you can decide to devote one or more semesters studying abroad.  Here’s a few parenting tips that families should consider and discuss when considering kids studying abroad:

 

studying abroad

 

 

 You Can Make Connections

 While some parents may look at a semester away as an opportunity for a child to goof off, there are opportunities for the child to make potential business and career connections while overseas. There is no reason why the student can’t start networking abroad, and start building partnerships and relationships.

 The Time Is Now

Getting an opportunity to travel can be a once in a lifetime opportunity.  You may think that your child will have a life time to travel. Yet things happen and some never again get the opportunities they had when they were young.  Graduation, a job, marriage, and children become priorities.  Seize the moment and opportunity. It could be decades before your child gets to travel again if ever.  When it comes to studying abroad, remember that now is as good a time as ever.

 Some Things Books Can’t Teach

As parents, there are insights only gained through experience.  They cannot be found in a book or teacher lecture. Studying abroad will place your child in another land and culture.  It will take your child out of their comfort zone.  They will learn to be more independent, how to respect other people and cultures.  Additionally, they will realize that the world is a lot larger than the city and environment they are used to.  Read about what awaits them at Cambridge summer school.

 Who Will Pay Tuition

Cost is likely to be a top reason that parents won’t be receptive to their child studying abroad.  Make an agreement that the child help pay for the tuition or part of the trip.  Furthermore, some universities have work and study programs to help students balance their life while making an income. Discuss expectations of the student helping to pay for the experience.

 Show Interest in a Place

Consider how many wants and interests your child has had since they were very young.  They have grow interested and then quickly disinterested in a few things.  Have them research universities with foreign study programs, the foreign exchange rate, the language and culture of the place they where they want to study.

 Prove the Destination is Safe

There is a lot of unsettling news stemming from areas all of the globe. As parents, you may not like the idea of your child going overseas or to a certain place.  Research the intended destination, and consider if it’s safe for students to live, study, and prosper there.  Also, contact the school and ask if their is a way to contact current or previous teachers and students who have studied abroad.  They will be able to offer insight into studying abroad.

 

 

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  1. Wow, this post came at the perfect time. My daughter has been asking to study abroad, and my husband is a firm believer that it’s not a good idea. I’ll show him this so we can make a conscious decision together. Thank you!!

    • Rhonda Gales says

      Hi Elva, I hope that you will find my tips helpful, and your husband will reconsider. My daughter went to Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Germany during her high school years. She still talks about it. She finished college, and is now married with children.  She’s so glad she ventured out. It’s doubtful that she will ever get that opportunity again.  Good luck.