For a parent who has a son or daughter considering international study, or who may already be studying overseas, it is only natural that you will have endless worries and thoughts running through your head. Our aim here is to put your mind at ease.
International study abroad is a great experience which will help your son grow both academically and personally, and make them a very attractive option to prospective employers. As long as they plan ahead and research where they are going, they are unlikely to run in to any troubles that they would not at home.
Below, we cover some of the basic rules to stay safe, and also what student support services are available to your child should they require someone to talk to or any advice. For further information, see our FAQs.
Travel Safety
All up-to-date travel safety, country and region specific, is updated daily on government websites. The US and UK sites provide all the information you will need wherever your son or daughter may be travelling.
Foreign & Commenwealth Office Foreign Travel Advice
US Department of State Travel information
Health insurance
Most universities require that students have health insurance while studying abroad.
You can feel more comfortable knowing that your child will be covered for all eventualities, so why not give them a hand finding the best and most suitable cover?
Most plans will cover medical emergencies, and should you want them to be covered for prescriptions and other check-ups and treatments, then search through the various policies available.
Food
A common worry as a parent will be ensuring your child is eating regularly and healthily. The first point to note here, is don't worry!
The food may be different to which they are accustomed and take some time to get used to, but most countries will have a wide enough choice to satisfy any tastes. Supermarkets stocking international cuisines are becoming norm, whilst chain restaurants to which many will be used to can be found in most countries.
International student support services
It is only normal to run into difficulties of one sort or another whilst studying abroad, and the only difference from being at home, is finding out who to turn to. Problems could range from personal and emotional, to logistical and legal, but whatever the cause, there will be student support services that can help.
International student support services at the universities should generally be the first port of call. Should the problem lay outside the institution, for example, a problem with private accommodation, or a personal or family problem, the university will always offer support or advice.
International student support services will help your son or daughter settle into a new environment and assist with the practicalities of living abroad and completing of their studies. They will help or advise on aspects of university housing, counselling, health and employment. Should the university be unable to support, there are often alternative bodies designated to international student support.
For further information, see our section on international student support services.
International study abroad is a great experience which will help your son grow both academically and personally, and make them a very attractive option to prospective employers. As long as they plan ahead and research where they are going, they are unlikely to run in to any troubles that they would not at home.
Below, we cover some of the basic rules to stay safe, and also what student support services are available to your child should they require someone to talk to or any advice. For further information, see our FAQs.
Travel Safety
All up-to-date travel safety, country and region specific, is updated daily on government websites. The US and UK sites provide all the information you will need wherever your son or daughter may be travelling.
Foreign & Commenwealth Office Foreign Travel Advice
US Department of State Travel information
Health insurance
Most universities require that students have health insurance while studying abroad.
You can feel more comfortable knowing that your child will be covered for all eventualities, so why not give them a hand finding the best and most suitable cover?
Most plans will cover medical emergencies, and should you want them to be covered for prescriptions and other check-ups and treatments, then search through the various policies available.
Food
A common worry as a parent will be ensuring your child is eating regularly and healthily. The first point to note here, is don't worry!
The food may be different to which they are accustomed and take some time to get used to, but most countries will have a wide enough choice to satisfy any tastes. Supermarkets stocking international cuisines are becoming norm, whilst chain restaurants to which many will be used to can be found in most countries.
International student support services
It is only normal to run into difficulties of one sort or another whilst studying abroad, and the only difference from being at home, is finding out who to turn to. Problems could range from personal and emotional, to logistical and legal, but whatever the cause, there will be student support services that can help.
International student support services at the universities should generally be the first port of call. Should the problem lay outside the institution, for example, a problem with private accommodation, or a personal or family problem, the university will always offer support or advice.
International student support services will help your son or daughter settle into a new environment and assist with the practicalities of living abroad and completing of their studies. They will help or advise on aspects of university housing, counselling, health and employment. Should the university be unable to support, there are often alternative bodies designated to international student support.
For further information, see our section on international student support services.
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