How To Talk To Your Parents/Guardians About Studying Abroad
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR PARENTS/GUARDIANS ABOUT STUDYING ABROAD
Bringing up the idea of studying abroad to your parent(s)/guardian(s) can be an intimidating and stress inducing matter. Mainly because of the possibility of them telling you that you cannot study abroad, regardless of whether the reason stems from financial issues or their own separation anxiety.
However, the fear of them saying no should not stop you from discussing this life-changing opportunity with them. If you don’t try at all then the answer is definitely no, so what do you have to lose...right?
Let’s make something clear. Talking about studying abroad is not a one time, five minute conversation. It involves multiple, long conversations as there are many factors that go into studying abroad: financials, academics, housing, health, safety, etc.
ASA has come up with a list to prepare you for some of those initial conversations with your parent(s)/guardian(s):
1. Research programs and location possibilities ahead of time.
There are way too many providers and programs available, which means that the perfect fit for you is out there, but it can be overwhelming to filter through the ones that don’t meet your terms and requirements.
2. Anticipate their questions so you’re prepared to answer them!
Listen, they are sending their child to another country where they can no longer call and text you a million times a day or drive up to see you on weekends. Cut them some slack and let them interrogate you about this opportunity if it means you will get to go!
3. Pitch study abroad & its benefits to them
Be specific about your goals and what you hope to gain from this opportunity. Show that you’re serious and have done your homework. Watch our “Benefits of Study Abroad” video for talking points!
4. Save up money
Show them physical proof that you are taking this opportunity seriously by saving up for an experience you haven’t officially applied for or been accepted into yet! This practice exemplifies drive and focus. And it will help take some of the financial burden off of their back if they were planning to fund your travels.
5. Squash their safety concerns
Parents first concern is the safety of their children who will be living in another country far away from them. To ease their concerns, tell them about all of the amazing things ASA includes in the cost of your program that increase your safety, like housing, medical insurance, the Safeture app, on-site staff (Site Directors), airport pick-up, and a 24/7 emergency line. Also, remind them that the U.S. is not among the safest countries in the world… in fact it ranked #49 in November of 2019.
You can also watch our videos about “Safety Dos and Don’ts” and share it with them!
6. Remind them that you’ll earn academic credit towards your degree while studying abroad
Regardless if you fulfill major, minor or gen ed requirements, as long as your university approves ASA as a study abroad provider, any class you take abroad will count towards your credits for graduation. However, your parent(s)/guardian(s) (and you) would be put at ease more if you took classes that fulfill certain requirements, so check with your study abroad office to see what courses past students going abroad with ASA to a certain university abroad have taken that counted for credit towards a specific requirement.
7. Sell study abroad as an opportunity for them to come visit you in another country!
What’s a better reason or excuse to go to Italy than your child having lived there for over 3 months? Your parent(s)/guardian(s) will even have their own personal tour guide (you) who knows every crack and crevice of the city. It’s as good of a deal as one can get.
Just know that it may take them a while to come around to the idea of you traveling to another continent, so get informed, have a plan, and pitch your idea early! Once they see how confident and informed you are, they’re sure to listen!
And when in doubt, call ASA and speak with one of our amazing advisors at (617)-327-9388 or hello@academicstudies.com if you have any questions or concerns.
Note: Give your parent(s)/guardian(s) the contact info of the person you spoke with at ASA, but offer to be the messenger for their questions. This shows that you’re responsible and willing to do the work it takes to go abroad!