Author: milchelc

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Bridge the Miles: Maintaining Connection During Your Child’s Overseas Studies

As parents, nurturing a consistent bond with our children during their overseas studies is of crucial importance. Sometimes, it is us yearning to hold on as they embrace their newfound independence, while other times, they are the ones eager to explore the world beyond our embrace. Regardless, maintaining connection remains a shared goal, and with the aid of technology, communication is more accessible than ever. Yet, there are additional strategies to enrich this connection:

Establishing regular communication

First and foremost, establishing a regular communication routine is crucial. Initiate regular calls – perhaps once in the morning and once at bedtime. Adapt the frequency to your child’s age and level of attachment, all the while reassuring them of your proximity. Remember, your intent is their well-being, not appeasing your own longing.

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Show genuine interest in their life abroad

Moreover, exhibit genuine curiosity about their life abroad during these conversations. Inquire about their academic endeavours, staying informed without micromanaging. Show interest in their burgeoning social life, and if they’re comfortable, engage with their friends via video calls. Sharing updates about home, relatives, and friends bridges the physical gap and ensures they remain rooted to their origins.

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Send care packages

Sending care packages is a time-tested way to evoke joy in our children. Witness their faces light up with happiness upon receiving these tokens of affection from afar. Whether eagerly anticipated or a delightful surprise, these packages, filled with their favourite snacks and goodies, are proudly shared with newfound friends, solidifying their connection to home.

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Schedule a regular get-together

Additionally, scheduling regular in-person get-togethers trumps any phone or video call. Plan visits to their overseas location, allowing them to proudly showcase their new surroundings. Alternatively, arrange for them to return home periodically, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt their studies. Exciting trips to either a favourite overseas city or a fresh destination provide a beacon of hope during bouts of homesickness.

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Encourage independence and growth

Lastly, while maintaining a strong connection is paramount, it’s equally vital to foster independence and personal growth. Encourage them to seize every opportunity in their second home, to form lasting friendships, and to develop a sense of autonomy. Strive to strike a balance between staying involved and granting them the freedom to flourish, avoiding the pitfalls of micromanagement.

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In conclusion, by establishing regular communication, showing genuine interest in their overseas life, sending thoughtful care packages, scheduling personal meetings, and encouraging independence, we can nurture a meaningful and lasting connection with our children as they embark on their overseas adventures.

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Growing Good Character Through Fun Activities

At Milchel Student Hostel, we prioritise the holistic development of our children.  We do this by addressing their physical, character, and academic needs.  The cornerstone of our approach lies in our especially designed Character Department. Here, we differentiate ourselves from other accommodations that solely focus on physical comfort or academic support alone.  We weave a character-building program for students across all levels through carefully planned activities that fit together like puzzle pieces. 

Like our commitment to physical growth and academic progress, we ardently believe in the importance of character development.  To achieve this, we’ve fashioned a range of activities, each serving as a building block in our holistic approach. Read on to find out what activities Milchelians participate in, and furthermore, why doing so is crucial in their character development.

Character Building

First of all, the age range of our students vary from as young as 9 to as old as 24.  Thus, we designed programs for Milchelians based on their age.  We have a program for our Primary level Milchelians where they learn good manners and right conduct.  In this program, we focus on habits and values that should be learned by kids their age.  Through guidance talks, games, and outings, they build good character that they will carry with them as they mature. 

Soft Skills

Secondly, teens need to develop a number of soft skills for them to thrive.  In INDULGE, Secondary level Milchelians plan and play activities under our experienced team’s guidance.  Here, Milchelians acquire skills that are best learned through application, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and planning, just to name a few.  From activities that are not only entertaining but also educational, teens also develop strong friendships and connections. 

Leadership

Furthermore, Milchelians in the Tertiary level get the opportunity to lead others through their CONVERGE activities.  They etch the importance of time management and decision-making into their routine as they balance academic commitments with these activities.  This nurtures a skill that transcends into adulthood, aiding them in managing responsibilities effectively.  

Charity and Compassion

More importantly, we extend Milchelians’ exposure beyond our hostel setting through charity involvement. Milchelians are exposed to real-world issues.  Consequently, they get a glimpse of their capacity to effect positive change.  We give them the opportunity to offer their time and effort to support the needy, be it the elderly, teens, and even our furry friends. 

As Milchelians of all ages immerse themselves in these activities, they unknowingly embrace and develop the 5 Key Traits that we endeavour them all to learn – Awareness, Discipline, Responsibility, Perseverance, and Confidence. With these traits, they also slowly develop our Core Values – Magnanimous, Intellectual, Loving-kindness, Compassion, Holisitc Living, Effort, and Leadership. These traits form the bedrock of a strong character, essential for navigating life’s challenges.

Over-all, the sum of these thoughtfully designed activities and a steadfast commitment to character development creates an environment conducive to fostering well-rounded Milchelians. We believe that by nurturing their character, we are guiding our children to contribute to the betterment of society.

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MILCHEL’s English Reading Programme and other Academic Support Services

Milchel Student Hostel is known for providing holistic care to our students.  In line with this, we attend do their physical, character, and academic needs. While each area is important, our academic support services play a crucial role in shaping our students’ educational journey. We believe in encouraging independence and equipping students with the necessary skills to excel in their studies.   These study skills will also help them in their later university studies.  Because of this, we offer well-designed academic support services to help every Milchelian achieve their academic goals. 

Target Setting and Planning

We begin by setting targets and creating study plans so that our students have a clear path to success.  Then, our Coordinators guide each child in developing a game plan for every subject. After the goal setting, students plan timetables with the guidance of our Coordinators.  They receive planners and reflection sheets to learn and develop study habits and to empower them to take charge of their learning.

Study Sessions

Part of our study support services are supervised study sessions held at fixed timings within a suitable learning environment. Through a monitored setting, we create an environment that maximizes productivity and encourages focused learning.

Tuition Services

Furthermore, we offer personalised tuition sessions on an individual or group basis.  Tuition lessons cater to each child’s individual needs and learning pace. Regular communication with tutors ensures that students stay on track and receive the guidance they need to succeed.

English Reading Programme (ERP)

Moreover, one of the unique features within our Academic care is the English Reading Programme.  ERP is held every Mondays to Thursday during Study Session time. 

A.  Guided Learning.  Conducted online, students do reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises.  Through these, ERP allows students to improve their vocabulary, grammar, comprehension skills, and sentence structure. Milchelians learn from the tips of our ERP teacher and from other students in their ERP groups.

B.  Library. Our library of storybooks and magazines is suited to different levels.  It provides a variety of interesting and useful resources for our students. We have a physical library at home and an online library for learners who wish to read from their devices. 

C.  Word of the Day.  We expose students to English words every day.  Bite-sized vocabulary learning through the Word of the Day further improves their language acquisition. Furthermore, this makes learning a new word feel less demanding.

We recognize that tuition alone or ERP by itself is not enough. English is a second language to our students.  Because of this, they need maximum exposure to the language. On one hand, ERP increases language exposure and develops a love for the language.  On the other hand, tuition equips them with valuable skills to score in Singapore-Syllabus English papers. Both are equally important in gaining language proficiency.

Communication with Teachers

Finally, we understand the importance of cooperation and communication with parents and schools. Because of this, we engage in Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) and maintain open lines of communication through email and messaging groups. By keeping parents and schools informed, we ensure that all parties work together to support the students’ academic growth. Over-all, we go above and beyond to exceed the academic support parents would wish for their children.  We teach necessary values to raise successful learners of all ages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the academic support that we give to Milchelians is never-ending.  Beginning from the moment they stay with us, we guide them through Target Setting and Planning.  As they work on their academic goals, we guide them through Study Sessions, Tuition and ERP sessions.  We keep in close communication with their teachers to monitor their progress and make sure they are on the right track.  It is our pleasure and honour to help every Milchelian reach their academic goals.

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Supporting Your Child’s Overseas Study:  A Guide for Parents with Children Studying in Singapore

Studying overseas is an exciting experience for many students.  Not everyone gets the opportunity to study in a foreign country so parents must ensure that they support their children along the way despite being physically away so they can enjoy and flourish in this precious opportunity. In this blog post, we will take a look at the different ways you can support your child while they are studying in Singapore. 

Planning

Sending your child to study overseas is a big decision that you and your child must carefully plan and discuss.  At the outset, you and your child must agree on your goals for studying overseas.  You and your child must be ready with the changes that they will experience studying overseas.  Meeting with agents or a visit to Singapore with your child will give them a glimpse of the life they’ll be living once they study here.  You must be clear with your targets.  Do you aim your child to enter a Government, a Private, or an International school?  Have a plan how long they will study in Singapore – until the end of Secondary school, or until Tertiary level? 

If they are already in Singapore and you are not yet clear on your objectives, it’s not too late to discuss these with your child. 

Emotional Support

Being away from home is emotionally challenging for your child.  It is important that they still feel your presence despite the distance.  Keep in touch through regular calls or video chats.  Just make sure not to overdo the calls and video chats to they don’t stay dependent on you. 

To ease feelings of loneliness, give your child something to look forward to. Make sure to schedule visits when you can catch up in person and spend time together.  During school holidays, you can go on a trip or get your child to return to your home country.  Better yet, you can visit them in Singapore.  Looking forward to your family reunion gives your child the energy and the drive to persist in their studies overseas. 

Encourage them to find good friends who can be their support system while they are overseas.  When you visit them, get to know their friends to make sure they are mixing with the right crowd.

Academic Support

Moving to a different country to study comes with a big change when it comes to academics.  Some are able to adapt quickly, while others need a longer adjustment period.  The change in syllabus is going to be challenging for your child.  For this, the best academic support you can do is to get them tuition support.  This may be a short-term arrangement until your child has adjusted to the change.  If necessary, you can make this a long-term arrangement so your child can have constant academic support. 

It is important that you stay informed about your child’s academic progress.  Make sure to keep in touch with your child’s teachers during Parent-Teacher Meetings which can now be done online.  You can also keep in touch with your child’s Form Teacher through regular emails. 

Accommodation

Probably the most crucial decision that you have to make regarding your child’s overseas studies is choosing the most suitable accommodation.  There are various options you can choose from like renting an apartment, staying in a homestay, and staying in a student hostel.  Staying in a student hostel over other forms of accommodation is the best choice you can make because they can help you give all the previously mentioned support to your child.  Placing your child in a good student hostel has plenty of advantages which you can read here. 

Summary

Studying overseas is a challenging but rewarding experience for your child.  To make it a success, your support as parents is crucial.  By carefully planning your child’s move before uprooting them and sending them overseas, you give them the feeling of security as they leave your home and move to their new one.  Giving your child emotional support despite the distance is made easier by technology.  Still, nothing beats regular “family reunions” which you can do during school holidays.  By staying in the loop of your child’s academics and engaging tutors to guide your child, you are giving them much needed academic support.  Finally, choosing the most suitable accommodation like a student hostel is the best support you can give your child.  With the guidance that a student hostel can provide, it’s like having another family member taking care of your child as they study overseas. 

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Advantages of Living in a Singapore Student Hostel

Discover the numerous advantages of choosing a student hostel as your accommodation option in Singapore. Compared to alternatives like homestays, student hostels offer unique benefits that foster independence, social connections, academic support, and overall growth. This article delves into the advantages of living in a student hostel, highlighting its suitability for students seeking a convenient, secure, and culturally enriching living environment.

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Advantages of Living in a Singapore Student Hostel

1. Independence: Cultivating Essential Life Skills

Living in a student hostel promotes independence and personal growth. Students are empowered to take responsibility for their well-being, fostering the development of essential life skills that will serve them in the future.

2. Peer Interaction and Networking: A Diverse Community

The student hostel environment brings together students from diverse nationalities and backgrounds. This diversity creates opportunities for friendships, connections, and valuable peer interactions. Such interactions not only enrich social experiences but also provide networking opportunities that can be beneficial in later years.

3. Academic Support: A Path to Excellence

Student hostels offer valuable academic support through tutorials and study groups. These resources create an environment that nurtures and encourages students to excel in their studies, enhancing their overall academic performance.

4. Facilities: Catering to Student Needs

Student hostels are designed with students’ needs in mind. They provide convenient facilities such as libraries, study areas, lounges, and recreational spaces. These amenities contribute to a comfortable living space that facilitates both academic and leisure activities.

5. Services: Enhancing Convenience

In addition to well-equipped facilities, student hostels offer services like laundry, housekeeping, and maintenance. These services further enhance the convenience and comfort of living in a student hostel, allowing students to focus on their studies and personal development.

6. Security: Prioritizing Safety and Privacy

Student hostels prioritize safety and security by implementing stringent measures. These measures create a private, safe, and secure living environment, giving students peace of mind and ensuring their well-being.

7. Cultural Exposure: Embracing Diversity

Living in a student hostel exposes students to various cultures, traditions, languages, and perspectives. This multicultural exposure contributes to their personal growth and broadens their understanding of the world around them.

8. Structure: Fostering Discipline and Responsibility

Student hostels provide a structured living environment with clear rules and regulations. This fosters discipline and responsibility among students, preparing them for the outside world they will encounter after completing their studies. The presence of ample support, guidance, and efficient operations ensures a smooth transition to independent living.

Conclusion:

In summary, living in a student hostel in Singapore offers a multitude of advantages. From cultivating independence and fostering social connections to providing academic support, convenient facilities, and a safe environment, student hostels contribute significantly to the holistic development and success of students during their educational journey.