Uncovering Insights: When and Why to Choose Study Abroad for Your Child

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Yesterday, one of our clients sent a colleague a YouTube video (https://youtu.be/06o2xyPNZtQ?si=8XGFPy-bhbF1E_y4)  of a parent passionately talking about "removing the lid" on parents sending their children to study in various destinations in Europe, North America, and Australia at a young age, meaning right from high school or even earlier. While I share and appreciate many of the fears and anxieties raised in the video, I think two important questions are obvious: WHY and WHEN should you send your child to study in a foreign land, and importantly, is it worth it and SAFE?

As someone who has assisted students in applying to many universities abroad, either for high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs, I think the simplest answer to both questions is knowing where your child is now (I mean physically, mentally, culturally, and academically) and for a parent, if it is within your means. So, what is needed is knowledge: knowing to ask yourself and understand your child’s abilities, as well as their hopes and dreams.

Many parents from my practice decide whether they want their children to go abroad to study after they finish their final exams in high school. Others make those decisions based on how well their friends or family members' children have done abroad, academically and professionally, as well as income-wise. What they often fail to ask is how well those children were prepared for this journey. A lot of the time, those conversations never happen, and even when they do, they are never the basis of the final decision.


Parents who send their children to international schools to study international curriculum, such as AS/A-levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), or the American System, already have the thought of sending their children abroad, so they start nurturing the thoughts and behaviours in the children from an early age. This preparation is not just academic but also cultural and emotional, equipping them with the skills and mindset necessary for adapting to life in a foreign country. However, it's important to recognize that not all children who attend international schools end up studying abroad, and likewise, many students from local schools make successful transitions to international universities.

Another key aspect is understanding the individual needs and aspirations of your child. A child who shows a keen interest in a specific field that may be better explored or offered at a foreign university could greatly benefit from studying abroad. Similarly, if a child exhibits strong independence and adaptability, they might thrive in an international environment. Conversely, a child who seems less inclined toward adapting to new environments or is closely knit with the local family and community might find it challenging to adjust abroad.

Financial consideration is another crucial factor. Studying abroad is a substantial investment, and not just in terms of tuition fees. Living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and potential emergency funds must be taken into account. Scholarships and financial aid can alleviate some of this burden, but it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the financial commitment involved.

When to send your child abroad is also a decision that needs careful deliberation. Some parents opt for high school exchange programs, which offer a shorter duration abroad and can serve as a good introduction to international education. Others prefer to wait until the undergraduate or even postgraduate levels, where the educational and professional benefits can be more significant.

Safety is a paramount concern. Researching the safety record of the host country, the university's provisions for international students, and understanding the cultural and legal norms of the destination are essential steps. Establishing a support network for your child, including contacts with local relatives, friends, or community organizations, can provide an additional layer of safety and comfort.

My final thought therefore is sending your child to study abroad is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires a holistic understanding of your child's readiness, academic aspirations, financial implications, and safety considerations. As a professional who assists students in applying to universities abroad, I believe that the key to making this decision lies in a thorough and honest assessment of these factors, balanced with the recognition of the potentially life-changing opportunities that studying abroad can offer.

Author

Joseph Lawson 

Study Abroad and Career Coach 

AFEX Hub Ltd

 +254 704 904 500

www.afexhub.co.ke

 

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