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.
