Six Essential Tips for Aspiring Study Abroad Students & their Families
Practical Planning Advice a Semester Abroad as a Family
Studying abroad can be an incredible opportunity for personal growth, cultural immersion, and academic achievement. Whether your young adult is embarking on a regular semester of study or an internship, it can also be overwhelming and challenging, especially for first-time travelers.
As a student planning for this life-changing experience or as a parent/family, you are supportive but might be a bit concerned about the unknown, far away from home.
As a student affairs professional who has worked with one of the most recognized industry leaders in study abroad, I have seen countless students struggle to adapt to new environments and make the most of their experiences. It is why I have created a list of six essential tips for students and their parents to ensure a positive and successful study abroad program.
Prepare mentally and emotionally
As a future study abroad student, I recommend that your parent/guardian be included in your research of the country, culture, and education system to ensure it aligns with your family values and expectations. It helps both of you to understand your experience once you are in the country.
Studying abroad is much more than just a change of scenery. It involves immersing yourself in a completely different culture, language, and way of life. Before embarking on your journey, take some time to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally.
Research the country and culture you will be living in, learn some basic phrases in the local language, and familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions. Talk to other students who have already studied abroad and get their insights and advice. And most importantly, keep an open mind and be willing to step out of your comfort zone.
However, keep safety in mind as its mental, emotional, and physical. Ensure your young adult is familiar with the safety protocols and emergency procedures of their programs and their host country. Confirm before they board their plane that they have all the necessary contact information, such as the program emergency contact, local police, the appropriate embassy, and the insurance provider.
Plan and be organized
One of the secrets to a successful study abroad program is being organized and planning. Make sure to take care of all the necessary paperwork and documentation well in advance, such as visas, passports, and health insurance.
Research the housing options available provided by your program or independently to you and choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. Plan for any support you may need in the program, such as academic, housing, or mental accommodations, by sharing them with your program provider and the host institution. Also, remember that most accommodations may not look the same in other countries as they do at home.
Manage the Cost
Given the cost of studying abroad, it is imperative to plan your finances. Create a budget and stick to it, considering all the expenses you will incur, such as transportation, meals, and recreational activities. Remember to include some emergency funds in your budget; plus, in many countries, you are required to pay upfront for medical, mental health or pharmacy services, so do not forget to add some funds just in case.
An added tip: I recommend using a cost of living tool from the country to assist in the budget planning process. Emergencies can happen, so planning for them is financially wise. Make sure your young adult has access to emergency resources and knows what to do in case of an emergency, such as a lost passport or health issue.
It is recommended to have a contingency plan in place in case they need to return home unexpectedly in terms of air travel, program cost and academic impact.
Stay connected with your home country
To avoid needless worry — stay connected. While it is savvy to immerse yourself in the local culture and make new friends, it is also crucial to periodically connect with your loved ones. Set up a communication plan with your family and friends back home, via Zoom, WhatsApp, or other means, so that they can be informed about your well-being.
Keep them updated on your experiences and adventures, particularly if you travel independently outside your program. It is equally essential for you as a young adult to be open to hearing about what is happening at home and in the lives of loved ones. And do stay informed about current events and news in your home country, so you can stay connected and maintain a sense of familiarity.
Be proactive and get involved
Studying abroad offers countless opportunities for personal and professional growth, but it is up to you to take advantage of them. Be proactive and seek out opportunities to get involved in the local community, whether it is volunteering, internships, or cultural events. Join clubs and organizations on campus, and attend lectures and workshops that interest you.
Do not be afraid to take risks and try new things, as these experiences will not only enrich your study abroad program but also enhance your future career prospects. And parents/guardians, I encourage you to nudge them to get involved if they say that they are alone, bored, feeling a bit shy, cannot find things of interest or not adjusting. I might recommend that, as a parent/guardian, you chat with a program staff member or professor about pointing them in the right direction.
Take care of your physical and mental health
Given the stress and strains of the past three years, it is understandable that both a student and their family would have genuine concerns about health and well-being. Studying abroad can be physically and mentally demanding, especially if you struggle with culture shock, cultural adaptability, homesickness, academic rigor, or other stressors.
As a family, acknowledge that homesickness is a normal part of the experience and offer support and encouragement to your child. Staying connected with friends and family back home and finding ways to stay involved in activities they enjoy are two practical solutions.
Adaptability in the first few weeks can be the most challenging, so being flexible and open-minded when encountering unexpected cultural differences is vital to settling in. As a family, encourage your young adult to approach these experiences with a positive attitude and to look for opportunities for personal learning and growth.
It is why it is important to prioritize your health and well-being. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet. Take time to relax and recharge, whether it is meditation, yoga, or other activities.
And do not hesitate to seek out support if you are overwhelmed or struggling with mental health issues. Many study abroad programs offer counseling with no language barriers and other resources to help students cope with the challenges of living in another country.
Embrace the experience and have fun
Finally, one essential part of being abroad is to have a positive study abroad program experience, embrace the journey and have fun. Studying abroad offers a unique opportunity to explore new cultures, learn or expand your language abilities, make new local and other international friends, and create enduring memories.
Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and make the most of every moment. Take advantage of all the opportunities available to you, whether it is trying new foods, cultural activities, holiday celebrations, or learning a new skill. And most importantly, enjoy the journey and savor every moment of this life-changing experience.
And do not forget to pack wisely, bringing only the essentials and leaving room for souvenirs and other items you might acquire during your travels.
In conclusion, studying abroad can be a transformative experience, but it requires detailed and careful planning, ample preparation, and a positive attitude. Using these six essential tips as a guide, students and their parents can ensure a successful and memorable study abroad experience. The program and journey will enrich the life of your young adult and broaden their horizons.
Last, as a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting this excellent opportunity for personal growth, academic exploration, and cultural immersion in an experience for the whole family.
What are your most pressing concerns about sending your young adult to another country for 3–4 months to study?
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