Guide for Parents

As a parent, you might have mixed feelings about your child’s decision to study abroad. On one hand, you are proud of their ambition and curiosity. On the other hand, you are worried about their safety and well-being. You might also have many questions and concerns about the process and the outcome of studying abroad.

We understand how you feel. That’s why we at DishariPrep have prepared this guide for parents to help you navigate this journey with your child. We want to provide you with some tips and advice on how to support your child before, during, and after their study abroad experience.

Preparation

Before Studying Abroad

Before your child leaves for their study abroad destination, there are some things you can do to help them prepare and plan.
  • Help them with the paperwork: Studying abroad involves a lot of paperwork, such as applications, visas, insurance, etc. You can help your child by gathering information, filling forms, making copies, etc. You can also check our Study Abroad Checklist for a detailed list of documents and steps required.

  • Be open to them about money: Studying abroad can be expensive, depending on the destination, program, duration, etc. You can help your child by setting a realistic budget, applying for scholarships or financial aid, finding a part-time job, etc. You can also check our offices for an updated estimate of the expenses involved.

  • Learn about safety: Studying abroad can be safe if your child follows some precautions and guidelines. You can help your child by researching the destination country, learning about the local laws and customs, registering with the embassy or consulate, etc. Check out our Safety Tips below.

  • Encourage open communication: Studying abroad can be an emotional roller coaster for both you and your child. You can help your child by keeping in touch regularly, listening to their feelings and concerns, sharing your own emotions and expectations, etc.

Planning

During Studying Abroad

During your child’s study abroad experience, there are some things you can do to help them cope and thrive.
  • Respect their independence: Studying abroad is a great opportunity for your child to develop their independence and self-reliance. You can help your child by giving them space to make their own decisions, explore their interests, face their challenges, etc.

  • Support their learning: Studying abroad is a great opportunity for your child to enhance their academic performance and career prospects. You can help your child by showing interest in their field of study and what they are learning.

  • Celebrate their achievements: Studying abroad is a great opportunity for your child to achieve their goals and dreams. You can help your child by congratulating them on their accomplishments, praising their efforts, acknowledging their challenges, etc. You can also check our Student Gallery for some photos and videos of our students' achievements.

  • Plan a visit: This might not be a possibility for all parents. But if you have the option, you may want to visit your child while they are living abroad. Plan a visit only at a time that is convenient for your child. You don’t want to be showing up with your luggage during their exam time. Remember that while it may be a vacation for you, your child still has responsibilities. You may miss your child a lot, but they need to spend some quality time immersed in a foreign culture and engage with a new company to grow as an individual.

Achievement

After Acquiring the Degree

After your child is done with their program, there are some things you can do to help them adjust and reflect.
  • Welcome them home: Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience that can affect your child's identity and worldview. You can help your child by welcoming them home warmly, showing interest in their stories, respecting their changes, etc.

  • Encourage further learning: Studying abroad can be a stepping stone for further learning opportunities that can benefit your child's personal and professional development. You can help your child by encouraging them to continue pursuing higher education or career goals related to their field of study, learning the language or culture of the host country, staying in touch with their friends or mentors, etc. You can also check our Alumni Network for some opportunities and events for our former students.

  • Setting up their lives in the host country Studying abroad can be a rewarding experience for your child to build their future in the host country. You can help your child by respecting their choice, providing them with guidance and advice, assisting them with the legal and practical aspects, etc. You can also contact us regarding our “Settlement Services”, for some information and help on how to obtain citizenship or work permits, secure housing and jobs, enroll in health and social programs, etc.

We hope this guide for parents has helped you understand and appreciate the benefits and challenges of studying abroad. We also hope you have found some useful tips and resources to support your child throughout their study abroad journey.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us anytime. We are always here to help you and your child.

Care & Cautions

Safety Tips

  • Lines of communication: For any unforeseen situation they might face, make sure your child knows that he/she can contact you anytime, anywhere, and for any reason. Internet has made it easy and accessible. Even having some support emotional support can be a huge boon for your child.

  • Learn about the host country: Becoming familiar with the local laws, customs, and embassy locations, will help you both feel more comfortable. For country-specific health information, safety tips, travel advice, and current travel warnings, visit travel.state.gov.

  • Make sure they know their medical history: Have a conversation with your child about being safe abroad and your family's medical history. You can also create a document for them to carry, in their study location's primary language, with info such as allergies, medications, history, etc in case of emergencies. If your child takes medications, make sure they have enough of their prescription before they go abroad.

  • Get insurance: Whether they're experiencing a minor inconvenience (like a sore throat or common cold) or a country-wide situation, having the support that travel insurance covers will definitely come in handy.

  • Be smart with valuables and money: Just like at home, pickpocketing can happen anywhere, so being extra-cautious in crowded areas is the best advice. Tell your child to only carry small amounts of cash whenever they go out, and to leave the rest in a secure place in their room.

  • Food safety: Trying out all the new cuisines is one of the best parts of studying abroad. Make sure your child is aware of food safety. Can they drink sink water in the destination country? If they want to eat at a food stall on the street, do they know how to pick one that’s safe? Are there foods they should avoid, such as unpasteurized dairy products or uncooked vegetables?

  • Keep backups of everything handy: Have backup copies of your student's passport saved on your computer or in Google drive. For a stolen wallet, have a way to wire them money, or suggest they keep an emergency prepaid/credit card separate from their wallet.

We are a certified education consultancy firm based in Bangladesh that specializes in helping aspiring international students achieve their dreams of studying abroad. We have expertise in providing personalized and comprehensive services to our clients to help them with:

  • Choosing the best course and university for your goals and budget

  • Preparing and submitting your application and visa documents

  • Arranging your accommodation and travel arrangements

  • Providing guidance and support throughout your study abroad journey