GSQT – In order for children not to be alone in the process of learning how to make a study abroad application, parents should choose a school with their children, remind them of deadlines and clear their finances.

Research schools together

To start studying abroad, each family needs to choose the right destination. In addition to following their child’s interests, parents should also act as an advisor, or at least work with their children to learn the advantages and disadvantages of universities. If done early, this step can help families with long-term, methodical preparation plans to study abroad.

Eric Nichols, Loyola University’s vice president of admissions management, says conversations about school choice should start in the second year of high school. Choosing the right college early will help families reduce stress rather than making hasty decisions at the last minute. If possible, parents can experience with their children directly at the school or attend virtual tours to make the most suitable choice.

Let your child be active

Make a study abroad application is not a process of parents reminiscing about their glory years or imposing personal preferences on their children. Experts insist that the process should revolve around the child. All decisions made must be based on their abilities, inclinations and preferences, because only when they see fit will exert their highest efforts.

Nichols believes that parents’ expectations are understandable, but that does not mean that parents will choose and speak for their children. “You can encourage your child to do this, but everything should stop at the level of advice and support, not parents should do it themselves,” Nichols said.

Financial planning

Not every student can apply for a scholarship with a high level of support, so the financial strength of the family is one of the factors that determine whether the application is accepted or not. Parents should talk to their children about their financial ability, find out with their children about loans and supports from schools and organizations and businesses.

Collin Palmer, director of admissions at the University of Toledo, insists this plan should be implemented as soon as the family has selected the right school, as soon as possible. “I think you should talk to your kids about what the family can and is willing to pay, even the debt they have when they graduate from college,” he said.

Deadline reminder

When there is a lot of work to do, the child can forget the timelines. Therefore, in addition to being an advisor, parents need to remind their children of what to do. Missing these timelines can cause your child to miss even bigger opportunities. Whether it’s the application date or the deadline to apply for a grant program, parents should make sure their child doesn’t forget a timeline.

Talk about safety

When they go to college, teenagers will be able to live for the first time with all the responsibilities and freedoms, full rights and duties of citizenship. Parents should talk to their children about the benefits and potential dangers of student life, especially when the child will be living far away from home, in a completely foreign country. Family members should talk to each other about bad things in the school and how to deal with them if they are unfortunate.

Set communication rules

When going to college, teenagers are often attracted to many new activities and experiences, so focus on building personal lives while reducing interaction with parents. Parents should anticipate this and need to set some rules of communication, helping family members keep in regular contact with each other.

In addition to communicating with their children when make a study abroad application, parents can also expand their circle by keeping in touch with families with children studying abroad to exchange experiences, and create a community of parents who are always ready to support from afar.