Studying abroad is a transformative experience for any student. On the other hand, letting a child do an exchange can meet the various insecurities of parents or guardians. If you find yourself in this situation, this text was made especially for you! Here are some of those main fears and “problems”, and ways you can prepare to overcome them.
Problems and solutions for letting a child exchange
Money
Money can be a real concern and a practical obstacle to letting a child exchange. This happens because there are university fees and fees abroad, the value of travel tickets, accommodation, meals, etc. The difference in currency prices in relation to the real may make the situation even worse.
How to solve this:
Look, together with your son or daughter, for scholarships provided by universities, private institutions and foreign governments. Plan your child’s budget and monthly expenses. In addition, also suggest and encourage them to participate in “ work while studying ” or “ work and travel ” programs. That way, they will not only be able to cover part of the travel expenses, but will also be able to gain some professional experience.
Health and safety
Letting a son do an exchange means sending him to a different country, with culture, climate, food and other different aspects of Brazil. So it is common and totally understandable to be a little concerned about your child’s health and well-being.
How to solve this:
Keep in touch with your child every day. Check the country’s climate and food in advance and make the appropriate preparations. Don’t forget to take out insurance for your child. And if he has any special needs, report them to someone who will be part of your routine outside – be it a roommate, a teacher or someone who goes abroad with him.
Communication
Countries have different time zones, which means that you may not have the same facility to communicate with your child as you currently have.
How to solve this:
Note (or memorize!) The time difference between you and your child. Plan when you will get in touch and commit to meeting the agreement! You may have to wake up very early or stay up later than usual, but it will be worth it.
Use other methods of communication besides calls: abuse Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype. These other platforms do not always require instant contact and still allow you to chat “face to face” with your child!
Need to study abroad
Some parents think that letting a child exchange is not so important. They prefer that their children seek an internship right here in Brazil or else that they find academic opportunities in other states, at most.
How to solve this:
You have to change your mindset and look at this opportunity from another angle. Studying abroad is a very important and enriching experience. Companies are looking for employees who know how to get out of their comfort zone and who have some international experience.
Letting your child do an exchange can pay as great a return as an internship here in Brazil – including, almost always, studying abroad (in a good institution), exceeds an internship in a Brazilian company in the selection processes.
Cultural and linguistic differences
Adapting to a new country is always difficult. The food is different, the traditions are different, and the language also ends up being one of the biggest barriers. Your child’s fear of not fitting in is entirely understandable.
How to solve this:
In this case, it is important to have an open mind and encourage your child to have it too. Being exposed to cultural differences will bring many benefits to your child, as he will better understand the complexity of the world.
Advise you to always maintain respect and also to research and understand the limits of the other country’s traditions, to avoid problems. As for the language barrier, it is always recommended to know the basics of the local language before traveling. This will decrease the chances of your child not being able to communicate while abroad.
