It is hard to say goodbye to your child as they head off to college. But when they’re headed overseas for school, it can be even more challenging. From ensuring their safety to helping them stay in touch, there’s a lot to think about. Here are six things you should do before sending your child off to college abroad.
1. Choose the Right Accommodation
The first step is to secure accommodations for your child. If they’ll live in a dorm, ensure it’s well-equipped with security features like CCTV cameras and 24/7 staff. It’s also vital to pick a location that’s close to public transportation and other amenities.
If your child is renting an apartment, there are secure accommodations for students that offer added security features like gated entry and on-site staff. These are usually located near campus, so your child won’t have to commute far to get to class.
Still, be sure to check out the neighborhood beforehand. Make sure it’s safe and secure and that there are plenty of things for your child to do nearby. You should also help them find roommates who are responsible and trustworthy.
2. Get Them A Good Cell Phone Plan
If you’re sending your child overseas for college, one of the first things you’ll want to do is make sure they have a good cell phone plan. International calls and data can be expensive, so you’ll want to find a plan that provides plenty of coverage.
You may also want to consider getting them an international SIM card so they can easily stay in touch with you while they’re away. These can be found at most major cell phone carriers, and they’ll allow your child to have a local number while they’re abroad.
This is an essential step because it’ll allow you to stay in touch with your child and know what’s going on in their life. Plus, it’ll allow them to easily contact you if they need anything.
3. Set Up A Bank Account
Next, you’ll need to set up a bank account for your child. This will help them budget their money and ensure they have access to funds in an emergency. You may also want to consider getting them a credit card so they can build up their credit history.
There are a few things to keep in mind when setting up a bank account for your child.
- Make sure the bank has branches in the country where your child will be studying. This will make it easier for them to access their money if they ever need to.
- Find a bank that doesn’t charge high fees for international transactions. This will help your child save money on ATM withdrawals and other banking fees.
- Talk to your child about their spending habits. This will prevent them from getting into debt while they’re away at college.
Help them set a budget and make sure they know how to manage their money responsibly. This is an important step in preparing your child for college abroad.
4. Purchase Health and Travel Insurance
Before your child heads off to college abroad, you’ll need to purchase health insurance for them. This will help cover any medical expenses they may incur while overseas. Be sure to compare different plans and find one that fits your needs and budget.
It’s also a good idea to get travel insurance. This will cover your child if they lose their passport or have other problems while traveling. Be sure to read the fine print and understand what’s covered before purchasing a policy.
This is an important step in preparing your child for college abroad. By getting health and travel insurance, you’ll help protect them in case of an emergency.
5. Pack Their Essentials
Of course, you’ll also need to ensure your child has packed all their essentials before leaving for college. This includes clothes, toiletries, school supplies, and anything else they may need while away from home. You may also want to send them some home-cooked meals so they can have a taste of home while they’re abroad.
Be sure to label everything with your child’s name and contact information. This will help them keep track of their belongings and make it easier for you to get in touch with them if they lose anything.
By packing their essentials, you’ll help them feel comfortable and safe while they’re away from home. You’ll also make it easier for them to transition into college life.
6. Stay In Touch
Finally, be sure to stay in touch with your child while they’re away at college. Send them emails, text messages, or Skype calls so you can check in on them and see how they’re doing. You may also want to consider sending them care packages from time to time to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Sending your child off to college is tough enough, but when they’re headed overseas for school, it can be even tougher. From ensuring their safety to helping them stay in touch, there’s a lot to think about. But by following these six tips, you can rest assured that your child will be prepared for anything that comes their way while at college abroad.
