Preparing your child for a trip abroad without you

For many students, sticking to the essentials can be tough. However, you should take the time to think about what is truly necessary to make travelling easier. If there’s anything you’re missing after you have arrived, you can always visit the local shops.

So, although it might not be easy to adjust right away, you should try and turn your anxiety into something productive. You’re sure to experience some personal growth and develop your independence. By the end, you probably won’t want to leave!

Travelling and learning about different cultures is an invaluable experience. There are so many traditions and historical facts to learn about. Through traveling to new places you will find that many cultures live completely different lifestyles to your own.

You may read about a new country before you visit, however once you arrive and experience it in person, it can still feel like a culture shock. So, how do you go about embracing a new culture?

Here are 3 tips that can help…

Before you take your trip try to do as much research as possible about your destination, the history and the
culture. You can do this by reading books, watching documentaries or using online resources. The more you know before leaving, the easier it will be to adjust to your new surroundings.

When you arrive it is important to try and connect with local people. This will not only benefit you when it
comes to finding your way around, or knowing the best places to eat, but it will also help to give you a real insight into their way of life. Try to communicate in their native language where possible. You don’t have to
be fluent, but it is beneficial to learn a few key words and useful sentences, such as hello and thank you.

Stay in Touch with Family

There is nothing wrong with missing your friends and family from back home; it’s completely normal when you’re in an unusual environment to feel homesick. Since it’s comforting to hear a familiar voice from time to time, we suggest you stay in touch with your family and friends on a regular basis.

That said; try not to let frequent phone calls interfere with your schedule. After all, it would be a shame to miss out on other opportunities.

When the initial excitement fades

Your child will probably be beside themselves with excitement when you first tell them that they’re heading off to improve their English skills in England! They will be happy at the prospect of the trip and excited to share their news with their friends.

The chance to travel and see other countries is wonderful and most children can grasp that…even the very young.

But as the departure date approaches, they may get some very natural misgivings. They might worry that their English skills are poor, or that they won’t make any friends for example.

These are very normal concerns and the best way to deal with them is briskly. Don’t engage in lots of ‘what if” conversations. These will only feed their anxiety.

Instead speak positively of the amazing opportunity that lies ahead and about how when they return, they will have new skills to use at home and school and new friends to stay in touch with.

Tell them how proud you are of them, that they are ready to undertake such a journey and that you have faith in their abilities.