Parent & Family Resources

Set reasonable expectations for communicating with your student. There are many ways to keep in touch with your student, including social media, apps like WhatsApp and Viber, and email. However, keep in mind that your student is going abroad to immerse themselves in a new and exciting environment. Between classes, homework, program activities, and exploring the local area, your student may not be as regularly available to talk with loved ones at home. Plus, please keep your student’s time zone in mind and adjust your communication expectations accordingly.

Encourage your student to ask questions and fully engage in the study abroad pre-departure process. Before they embark on their international adventure, students will have many opportunities to learn more about their program and host country, as well as ask any questions they may have. Encourage your student to fully engage in this process by attending all mandatory meetings, asking questions, and checking in with their study abroad coordinator as necessary. It's excellent practice for being abroad!

Make copies of important documents. You may want to keep physical copies of any important items your student is taking abroad, such as passports, credit and debit cards, and the health insurance card provided through GeoBlue.

Talk with your student about what to do if and when certain challenges arise. What is the plan if your student loses their debit card? Do you have access to their financial accounts, or will your student need to have the bank's phone number to call them directly? What types of medications will your student be taking abroad, and will they need to have the medication refilled in their host country? Discussing these situations in advance can help create smoother responses to unexpected issues and provide reassurance that a plan of action is in place.

Understand what culture shock is—and that your student will most likely experience it. Culture shock is a very common experience for students going abroad—the good news is that it's temporary! The symptoms of culture shock can vary from person to person, but they all spring from the sense of discomfort and stress we feel when we find ourselves in an unfamiliar environment. You can support your student by providing a listening ear if they want to talk through their experiences. Encourage them to continue the routines or hobbies they established at home (such as knitting or photography); find ways to relieve stress (such as journaling or exercising); and connect with the people around them (such as host families or classmates). Knowing that they have your support and encouragement can help students work through culture shock and fully enjoy their host country.

Learn more about the country in which your student is studying. Check out books, videos, and websites about your student's host country. This can help you feel more connected to your student's experience—and you'll know what they're talking about when they share their adventures with you!

Support your student through their reverse culture shock. Your student has just spent time immersed in a different culture, and they might be seeing their home culture through different eyes. This is often referred to as "reverse culture shock." They might also miss their host country, and they may want to talk extensively about their time abroad and wonder if other people can relate to their experience. Listening to your student and affirming their feelings and experiences can help them readjust to life at home.

Encourage your student to continue making the most of their experience. Your student may no longer be abroad, but that doesn't mean their international experience is over. There are many ways for study abroad returnees to remain engaged, such as helping at the Study Abroad Fair or getting a job as a Study Abroad peer advisor. There are also resources, such as University of Arizona Career Development, to help students talk about the importance of their international experiences with potential employers. For more possibilities, check out the Returned Students page.