Checklist for all the parents who wish to send their children for abroad studies but don’t know how to deal with the problems.
While Indian education is excellent, studying abroad has distinct advantages. Please send your child if an education abroad is the best option for them. But there are a few things to keep in mind first.
Is your child mature enough to handle the situations abroad?
The first is your child’s maturity level. Going overseas implies your child will have to live entirely on his or her own. Trust me when I say that having to do their own laundry can sometimes lead to a bad situation. So might unexpected and complete freedom, which they are not accustomed to and cannot handle. Recognise and accept your child’s maturity and responsibility. It’s not always a bad idea to keep the child close to home, allow him to complete a particular level of school, and have him work a biweekly schedule.
Cost is a BIG factor.
The cost of an international education is considerable, and not every family is financially equipped for it. There are only a few partial and full scholarships available, and they are difficult to obtain (not impossible). Aside from that, the only possibilities are student loans or parental financing. This, in my opinion, should not be a hasty decision. Prepare your child for it beginning in ninth grade. If he/she receives a scholarship, great; if not, you are prepared.
Get a counsellor
Find an excellent counsellor who understands what the child requires and is willing to work with both the parent and the child. The school network is the ideal place to look for one. To be honest, if you’re a member of one of the schools’ Whatsapp groups, you can receive any information you want! Meet a few and then make a decision. It has to be a good fit.
It is equally crucial to know what field/course your child wishes to pursue. The Counsellor will assist with the ‘Aptitude Test,’ etc. at this point. However, regardless of the advise, give priority to what the youngster wishes to study. Again, make an informed decision. Personally, I believe there must be a good balance of practicality and passion. I tell my children to pursue their aspirations and passions.
The nations to which your child should apply will be determined by the stream he picks. Another factor that will help you choose a country is that not all countries grant work licences following studies, and even if they do, they are only for a limited duration. If the youngster want to work abroad after finishing his studies, the nations to which he applies must be chosen properly. Apply to a limited number of universities. It is an expensive (about $75 per person) and time-consuming process. Sit down with the councillor and make a short list of 15 to 20 options based on the course, the rating of the course at that university, the child’s academic potential, and so on.
Concentrate on the quality of the university’s courses rather than the university’s name. Examine the faculty and job placement records. Each country has a unique set of tests that must be completed. Begin the application procedure by the start of 11th grade. Furthermore, the application procedure is lengthy, so starting early provides you an advantage.
Finally, ask yourself if you are ready to let go of your child. If not, prepare yourselves! Remember, the child will only be home for the holidays, and just for the first year. Following that, it will be internships, summer employment, and training, with shorter breaks. You can facetime/video-chat with them or visit them frequently, but the nest will be vacant. Your emotional state should not be allowed to interfere with a child’s future. Make new friends, go on a trip, rekindle an old activity, or learn something new. You now have the opportunity.
These children are a part of our family. They were nurtured by us. The tie between us will never be broken or weakened, but will only get stronger. Finally, trust your child and, more importantly, trust your parenting!
NIL TEAM
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