Sometimes the best opportunities arise far from home, and you may find yourself in the situation where your child is offered the chance to study overseas. This can be a very exciting experience, however it also raises several key questions for parents on how to best support their children while away from home. Here are some top tips on how you can be there for your child while they are studying overseas.
catch up and see how your child is settling in.
Be Positive
Being away from home can be a difficult experience for your kids, and once the excitement of being in a new country wears off, homesickness can seep in. It’s important to always stay positive and focus on being as encouraging as possible to keep your child motivated and in the right frame of mind to succeed. Always ask them to share funny and interesting stories from their travels, and while it is nice to let them know they are missed, be careful not to make them feel guilty for being away.
Keep in Contact
Thanks to the proliferation of fast internet and easy access points, it’s simple and easy to stay in touch with your kids no matter where they travel. Regular email is a great way to stay up to date on the latest news, and scheduling Skype sessions will allow you to catch up and see how they are settling in. Studying in a new country can be challenging, so it’s important that your child knows they can share their experiences with you, both positive and negative. By discussing any issues they are facing and receiving your support, they are far more likely to stay on track and succeed.
Financial Support
No matter how well prepared your child might be to head overseas and start studying, sometimes the unexpected happens and they might need some extra financial assistance to keep going. When an emergency situation arises and you need to transfer funds in a hurry, consider MoneyGram International. It’s a fast, secure and convenient way to perform an international money transfer, and with thousands of offices around the world, your child could have access to the funds they need in less than 10 minutes. It’s always good to be prepared for the worst, and have a contingency plan in place to help your child if they start to struggle overseas.
Gifts from Home
Don’t underestimate the power of a small gift, sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest impact. With this in mind, consider putting together small packages with a few treats for your child to enjoy while they are overseas. It can be something as ordinary as a jar of vegemite and some Tim Tams, along with a letter and some photos of home, yet it can mean the world to someone who is starting to miss home.
Supporting your child while they study overseas might seem challenging, however these simple steps can make a big difference to their success. Remember to always stay positive to keep them motivated and on track, and know your options when it comes to providing safe financial assistance. The chance to study overseas can be the experience of a lifetime, so keep these important things in mind to truly be there for your child no matter where they are in the world.
Maree is a student fresh out of university and has decided to travel the world. She has been travelling for the past 8 months and in her spare time writes all the tips and tricks she can think of to share with other beginner travellers.
Image Credit:
Franky242 – FreeDigitalPhotos.Net