Is Your Child Ready to Study Abroad? A Parent’s Guide to Study Abroad Counselling

Back in those times, everything was simple: college after high school, A to C career options, and guidance from teachers or family elders to choose a career. Your parents were guided by the limited resources in a time when competition was also restrained.

Now, the scope of your career is truly global. When you decide to study overseas, that’s a moment of pride and anxiety for your parents. They will have looming concerns about your safety, well-being, and the long distance of separation. Parents will be worried about the challenges you are going to face, such as cultural adaptation, language barriers, and settling issues (including racism).

Adjusting to the decision to study abroad can be difficult, but parents can support their children with the right mindset and strategies. Choose the right counsellor and half of your burden is gone. Let’s see how.

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Importance of Emotional Support for Academic Success

• Boosts self-confidence: Parents’ support is inevitable for self-esteem and confidence while settling in a foreign land.
• Reduces stress and anxiety: When parents are available via a phone call, it helps reduce stress and anxiety in students who manage their studies and expenses abroad.
• Encourages motivation and commitment to a goal: Parents’ emotional involvement helps students focus on their career goals and stay disciplined in managing their finances and leisure time.
• Creates an environment of positivity: Wholehearted support from parents fosters a happy and healthy perspective on studying abroad as something positive and enriching.

Why Parents Should Encourage Their Child to Study Abroad?

• Your child gains a global perspective: People with a global perspective have a better chance of success, both personally and professionally, via online study abroad counselling. Top companies prefer individuals with exposure to diverse cultures over those with the same skills and experience.
• Top career opportunities: On comparison with the national universities and colleges, overseas universities and colleges provide superior career prospects. As stated in a research conducted by the Institute of International Education, those who are exposed to the global environment are twice as likely going to find employment in 6 months after their graduation.
• Independence and personal growth: The QS Global Employer Survey reveals that 60% of employers prefer to hire individuals with international experience, as they can navigate new and unexpected situations in both personal and professional contexts.

How Can Parents Financially Support Their Child’s Overseas Education?

Parents can financially support their child’s overseas education by sharing their knowledge and being co-signers for education loan options. Their active involvement helps the student create a practical budget to save more as possible.

Understand various costs associated with studying abroad

Unlike the home country, the cost of studying abroad can be huge. The tuition fee, living expenses, health insurance, travel costs, winter and summer outfits, internet charges, entertainment costs, etc., can add up to a high number. As parents, estimate the total cost of your child’s study abroad dream before finding financial support.

Explore education loan options. Be a co-signer

Parents are required to co-sign education loan options for studying abroad for most lenders. Research the loan options from diverse sources and shortlist the top picks. Start exploring your loan options for free with Nomad Credit study abroad consultants.

Create a budget for your child

Most students start living on their own for the first time, with no idea about the expenses they will encounter and how to manage them. Share your experience and wisdom with your child. Help them create a budget for themselves or guide them about the concept of study abroad education loans, taking into account the costs of accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses.

How to Prepare Your Child for the Study Abroad Experience?

• Stay actively informed and involved in your child’s study abroad journey. Ask them if you need clarity at any stage. Being informed will make you and your child confident to break barriers and build a career abroad.

• Prepare them for homesickness: Your child will need time to adjust to the culture abroad. In this period of homesickness, offer comfort and make them strong with your positive attitude. Recommend stress-relieving and entertaining activities as needed.

• Understand your emotions, embrace them. It is natural to feel emotional and concerned about your child’s safety when they are away from your eyes. Reading more blogs, attending sessions, and connecting with parents of people who are already abroad will help you ease this situation of anxiety and concerns.
• Make a plan to maintain timely communication: Discuss with your child how and when to connect frequently via calls and texts. Regular video calls, messaging, and social media pages can help bridge the gap between you and your child. Encourage trust and openness to let them feel like sharing everything with you, and give them their space to grow in a new ecosystem.

• Ensure safety: Studying abroad is generally a safe experience. Check the crime rate in the city where you plan to study abroad and follow all the recommended legal procedures. Research tips to adjust to the climate and boost immunity. Frequently enquire about your child’s health and encourage them to consult a doctor if required.

• Always encourage: Your emotional support and encouragement can have a tremendous impact on your child. Studying abroad is a great opportunity to learn self-reliance. Trust their ability to navigate studies, part-time jobs, expense management, and emotional requirements.

• Teach them proper communication and self-advocacy skills: Efficient communication skills and the strength to stand for themselves are important when your child studies abroad. Ensure they master these skills before reaching their dream destination.

Talk to Our Study Abroad Counsellor

Tips to Choose the Right Study Abroad Counsellor

Parents can choose the right study abroad counsellor by following a few guidelines. Put your child’s country and course in the centre and consider other aspects revolving around it, such as the counsellor’s experience with the country and service charge.

• Your counsellor must have enough experience and a history of success
• Enquire about their partnerships with top lenders and universities
• Look at the service charges
• Read reviews by students and parents
• Check how the services are offered, online or offline
• Check the services they offer and choose a holistic counsellor

Key Questions Parents Should Ask Study Abroad Counsellors

The study abroad journey is fraught with confusion and uncertainties. Only a counsellor can guide your child correctly, solving your queries. Here are the key questions to ask a study abroad counsellor:

• What universities best match my child’s profile and budget?
• Can you help with scholarships and Education loans for higher studies abroad?
• What is the student visa success rate?
• Do you offer post-admission support like accommodation or forex guidance?
• How do you support students emotionally during their studies abroad?

Conclusion

As a parent, it is your duty to ensure your child is ready to study abroad. The emotional, financial, and cultural readiness must be checked. Talking to a counsellor and taking their help to plan your child’s overseas education journey lights the path, putting you in a comfortable position.

Stop seeking the appropriate study abroad counsellor. Connect with Nomad Credit, your childs customized study abroad partner. We are the guide your child should be having towards successful experience abroad.

• University shortlisting
• Program selection
• Education loan guidance
• SOP assistance
• Student visa support & mock interviews

Achieve your study abroad success – connect with Nomad Credit today!

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