Deciding whether to study abroad is a big choice, and for many international students, it’s not a journey you’ll take alone. You might feel confident that studying abroad is the right path for you, but are your loved ones fully supportive? Gaining their encouragement can make the decision to study abroad less stressful and is especially important if you’ll need their financial help to make this path a reality.
Your parents might be feeling a little cautious about you studying abroad, which is completely normal. The idea of you being far away from home and navigating a new country, culture and experience on your own can be a lot for them to think about, but it’s important to remember that they have your best interests at heart.
If you feel nervous about talking to your parents or guardians about studying abroad, we’re here to support you. This guide offers tips on how to:
Discuss to studying abroad with your parents/guardians
Handle situations where your parents or guardians may not support your decision
Explore alternative options for guidance or financial assistance
How to discuss studying abroad with your parents/guardians
Before you talk about studying abroad with your loved ones, it’s important to do your research and show you know what you’re talking about. Being well-prepared will help you present your argument confidently and convincingly.
If you’re not sure where to start, think about the following questions:
What are the benefits of studying abroad?
Studying abroad is a big emotional and financial decision, so it’s important to understand and explain why it’s worth the investment.
Start by exploring universities and programs abroad and identifying what makes them unique compared to those in your home country. Check university rankings to learn about their reputation and how they might enhance your career opportunities. Look for program details that stand out, such as specialized courses, internships, networking opportunities, or state-of-the-art facilities unavailable locally.
Focus on the long-term benefits of studying abroad. An international education can make you more employable, as companies value candidates with global perspectives, diverse experiences, and unique skills that may set you apart from those who studied locally.
Studying abroad isn’t just about your academic and professional opportunities, but your personal growth too. It allows you to explore a new country, experience a different culture, meet people from various backgrounds, and develop independence and adaptability. These experiences help you build a global outlook, create lifelong memories and develop new skills.
What are the challenges of studying abroad and how will you overcome them?
You also need to be able to show that you’ve thought about the obstacles and difficulties you might face on your study abroad journey, that you understand them, and that you’re prepared to navigate them. Some challenges to consider include:
- Application eligibility criteria
Understand the eligibility criteria for your chosen program. This includes entry requirements like qualifications, minimum grades, and necessary documents such as transcripts, a valid passport, English language test scores, and a student visa.
Identify which requirements you already meet and create a plan to address any gaps in your application.
- Finances
Studying abroad requires a solid financial plan to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel. Be prepared to explain how you’ll manage your finances, including any financial aid or support you may need. Having a clear budget will show that you’re organized and ready to handle this responsibility.
- Cultural adjustment
Living in a new country means adapting to a different culture. Research orientation events, mentoring programs, and international student groups that can help you settle in. These resources can make the transition easier and help you build connections with other students.
- Safety
This will be a top priority for your parents. Learn about the measures universities and host countries have in place, such as secure housing, health insurance, and student support services.
What to do if your parents/guardians are unsure about studying abroad
It can be difficult if your parents or guardians don’t agree with your dream of studying abroad. They may have different goals for your future, but disagreements don’t have to end your plans.
If they’re not convinced, these steps can help you approach the situation:
- Remain calm
Disagreements can stir up strong emotions, but staying calm is essential. Acting out of frustration can make the situation worse. Instead, explain your thoughts clearly and rationally. If emotions run high, take a moment to step back and refocus before continuing the conversation.
- Give examples
Support your perspective with research. Share alumni success stories, graduate employment rates, or university rankings to demonstrate how studying abroad can be a valuable investment. Providing specific, credible examples can help make your case more compelling.
- Acknowledge their perspective
Just as you would want your parents or guardians to respect your perspective, it’s important to show that you understand theirs. Listening to their opinion may help you address their worries and find common ground. More often than not, their concerns come from a place of love and protection.
- Consider ways that you can compromise
Look for ways to meet in the middle. Perhaps your parents or guardians have particular countries they would rather you study in, or programs that they want you to consider. Being open to their suggestions can help ease their concerns while keeping your goals on track.
- Be patient
Don’t expect an immediate decision. Give them time to process your points and come to their own conclusions when they’re ready. Sometimes, a little space can help them come to an informed and supportive conclusion.
Where to find additional support
Sometimes parents respond better to a perspective from someone outside of your family, especially if they have experience in education.
- Academic mentors
Many schools and institutions have dedicated teachers, counselors or advisors who can offer you and your family insights and advice into studying abroad, and help you take your first steps on this journey.
- Study abroad advisors
Many of our student advisors here at Studee were once international students themselves, and use their experience to help you find, apply for and enroll at the right international university for you. Your parents can be confident that you’re applying somewhere that suits your needs and where you have the best chance of success.
- Study abroad alumni
Whether it’s a friend, a relative, or an alumni network, reach out to someone who has previous study abroad experience and can offer a first-hand point of view of what that experience could look like for you.
How to fund your studies abroad without the support of your parents/guardians
If you can’t fund your studies abroad with your parents’ support, there are other financial aid options you can consider:
- Application fee waiver
This helps students facing financial difficulties apply to universities without paying the application fee. Some universities automatically provide waivers to eligible students, while others may ask you to complete a form or submit documents to show you qualify.
- Student loans
Student loans can help cover tuition fees and some of your living expenses. They must be repaid after graduation. In many countries, international students are not eligible for government loans and may need to rely on private lenders. Some universities also offer loan programs specifically for international students.
Loans can be a big financial commitment, so make sure you understand the repayment terms and have considered whether this option is affordable in the long term.
- Grants, bursaries, and scholarships
These provide support based on your financial need or academic achievement. They are typically offered by educational institutions, non-profits, charities, or trusts. Unlike loans, you won’t need to pay this money back.
- Self funding
You can save money by working part-time before your studies or find a part-time job while studying abroad. Many universities offer on-campus jobs or work-study programs, and there may also be job opportunities in the local area.
However, you must have enough money to cover your tuition and living expenses for at least the first year, as part-time work usually provides only a small income. Be sure to check the rules for your student visa, as many countries limit the number of hours you can work.
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Tell us your study plans and we’ll help find your ideal program at the perfect university for you.