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How Parents Can Support Their Children Studying Abroad?

Sending Your Baby Bird (Okay, Maybe Not So Baby) Off to Fly: How to Support Your Study Abroad Student

 

Well, the day of reckoning has finally arrived – you're shipping your kid off to study overseas! It's an emotional rollercoaster, isn't it? You're beaming with pride, a little apprehensive, and maybe even crying a secret tear (or a ten of them). You've raised them, led them, and now you're giving them the keys to open a whole new world… literally. But just because they're on the other side of the ocean doesn't mean you're in the clear! Your support is still vital. The key is to help them so that they can learn and become self-sufficient, instead of drowning them in "helicopter parenting."

 

Picture shifting gears from being their GPS to being their go-to roadside service. Below is how you can be the best darn study-abroad parent, without bludgeoning their style:

 

Before Takeoff: Setting Them Up for Success (Think "Adulting 101")

 

This is not merely about reserving flights and purchasing a new bag. It's about preparing them with the tools they require to succeed:

 

•   Discuss, Discuss, Discuss (But Mostly Listen): Have real, honest conversations with them about what they expect, their fears (because everyone's got them!), and what they can look forward to getting from this experience. Get them to learn about their host country - the food, the culture, the potential "oops, I didn't know!" moments. Talk about culture shock and what to do about it (tip: it's normal!).

•   Life Skills 101: They Need These: Seriously, can they prepare a simple meal? Do laundry without turning everything pink? Budget without eating ramen for the entire semester? This is the time to refresh those life skills!

•   Money Matters: The Budget Bootcamp: Have them establish a realistic budget. Talk with them about the means by which they'll have access to their money - international bank account? Travel credit card? (Let's find ones with low fees!) And how they can keep track of what they're spending!

•   Health is Wealth: Get 'Em Checked Out: The entire check-up situation is a necessity. Vaccinations? Check. A good enough stock of prescription drugs to get them started? Check. Going over the benefits of remaining healthy - eating nutritious foods (as pizza every night is a no-go), exercise in moderation, and stress relief (since there is such a thing as homesickness).

•   Paperwork Palooza: Get Organized!: Passport, visa, program documents - copies of EVERYTHING! Have a set in your possession, and have them know where to find theirs. Also, make sure they have important contact information: the university's international office, the embassy or consulate, and emergency contacts.

 

Staying Connected (Without Being Too Connected):

 

The key to achieving the balance between being supportive and giving them some independence is:

 

•   Communication Rhythm: Set Some Ground Rules: Talk about the frequency you'll be communicating and how (video calls, texting, email, carrier pigeon - okay, maybe not that). Consider the time zone and their availability.

•   Talk Less, Listen More: When you do make contact, actually listen. Let them vent about the struggles, let them share the victories, and just talk about their day. Don't be enticed to interrupt with advice two seconds after they've started talking. Sometimes they just need an ear to hear them.

•   Tech is Your BFF: Use It!: Video calls are perfect for feeling connected. Group messaging can be fun for the whole family. Social media can enable you to catch glimpses of their journey (but remember, it's probably a highlight reel!).

•   Give Them Space: They're Growing!: They're going to be busy meeting new friends, exploring, and (hopefully) learning. Don't anticipate that they're going to be free for a conversation every day. Have faith that they'll call when they need you.

•   Don't Take Over the Rescue Mission: Let Them Learn!: It's so easy to rescue them from every little problem. But problem-solving is a BIG part of the study abroad experience. Let them try to solve things on their own.

 

Cheerleader, Not Drill Sergeant: Fostering Their Growth

 

Study abroad is not all about academics. It's about personal transformation:

 

•   Encourage Exploration: Get Out There!: Tell them to get out and about in the local culture, join clubs, become friends with locals. Push them (tactfully!) outside of their comfort zone.

•   Recognize Their Emotions: It's Okay to Struggle: Culture shock is real, homesickness is real, feeling overwhelmed is real. Recognize their emotions and let them know it's okay to struggle sometimes.

•   Celebrate the Wins: Big and Small!: Aced a test? Navigated the city without getting lost? Met a new friend? Celebrate those wins! A little encouragement goes a long way.

•   Patience is a Virtue: They're on a Journey: There will be ups and downs. Be patient and understanding when they're stressed or uncertain.

•   Think and Learn: Make Them Ponder: Encourage them to journal, blog, or just talk about their experiences. What are they learning about themselves? About the world?

 

Uh Oh, Trouble? Resolving Possible Issues

 

Face it, things don't always go as planned. Be prepared to help them work through issues:

 

•   Mental Health First: Look for Red Flags: Recognize symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental disorders. Urge them to seek assistance if required. Find out what facilities are available at hand in their university or host country.

•   Money Issues: Plan for the Worst: What if they run out of money? Have a fall-back plan - access to emergency funds, university support, borrowing from you (with agreed repayment terms!). 

•   Safety First: Be Careful: Talk about being safe - avoiding danger, keeping a lookout, and knowing how to call emergency numbers.

•   Struggling in School: Get Help Early: If they're struggling to keep pace in class, encourage them to talk to their professors or academic advisors.

 

Returning Home: The Shock of Re-Entry

 

The re-entry shock is surprisingly sudden.

 

•   Reverse Culture Shock Exists!: Everything will feel odd and unusual, even though they're now in their own familiar surroundings again. Be patient as they get used to things.

•   Listen to Their Stories (Again, and Again!): They're going to have plenty of stories to tell. Ask them questions, be interested, and let them relive the experience.

•   Acknowledge Their Change: They're Not the Same!: They've grown up and changed in ways that they may not even realize yet. Acknowledge those changes and celebrate their growth.

•   Let Them Share the Love: Encourage Them to Talk About It: Encourage them to share it with friends, family, or even school events. It's a great way for them to reinforce what they've learned and inspire others.

 

Sending your child overseas to study is an incredible experience, for both of you! By providing them with the right kind of support – a combination of encouragement, autonomy, and plenty of love – you can help them make the most of this wonderful experience. They'll come back home with fresh ideas, new skills, and plenty of amazing tales to tell. So take a deep breath, be confident that you've prepared them well, and get ready to see them soar!

 

SIMPLE ADMISSION PROCESS

No hefty donations, no entrance exams, no hassle for documentation just your dream MBBS study and you. RUS OVERSEAS does everything for you from scratch. We make sure you don’t have to do rounds of rotation and get fed up with the process of admission. From beginning to end, we are with you.

 

THE PROCESS

Eligibility: 

• 50% in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC) in Class 12.
• Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year.
•   NEET Qualification: Mandatory for Indian students.

 

Invitation letter: 

After RUS OVERSEAS submits your documents in the university. The university issues you an invitation letter. 

 

Visa process: 

Once the invitation letter arrives. The company will start your visa processing and in a few days you will be on the plane to Russia. 

HOW RUS OVERSEAS HELPS YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY

RUS OVERSEAS has the experience of more than a decade. Our team is supportive and cares for the students wholeheartedly. We are available 24/7. Your one stop solution for MBBS abroad is us. We at RUS OVERSEAS will never disappoint any student or parent in their fulfilling journey with us.

 

CONTACT US

Phone: +91 9560533703

Email:  info@rusoverseas.com