Convincing Your Parents To Let You Study Abroad

The idea of you moving to the other side of the world to live and study in a foreign country can be a terrifying thought for your parents. At first, when you tell them that you're considering a program abroad, they may not comprehend the opportunities and benefits of studying abroad that your experience will provide. Instead, all they hear is that you're going to be wandering around an unfamiliar place all by yourself. So, do you know how to convince your parents to let you study abroad?

Parents often need more information about why studying abroad is important, and also your more material plans on how to study abroad. With the right approach, you can show them the advantages that will follow you for the rest of your life. Your program can lead to academic success, improved career prospects, and new-found independence, among other advantages. To help you know how to convince your parents to let you study abroad, we have outlined 5 tips that can sway them into supporting you on the trip of a lifetime!

1. Be prepared

When your parents ask: ‘Does my child know how to study abroad?’, don’t be unprepared! In order to know how to convince your parents to let you study abroad, you’ll first need to do your research. 

Plan as much as possible in advance by collecting information about a potential program, university, and country. Understand the program and visa requirements, and contact students or program advisers for more personal information about being an international student in that country. Use our country guides for comprehensive information about different study abroad destinations.

However, your preparation doesn’t end at planning your trip. You’ll also need to show responsibility now! To truly know how to convince your parents to let you study abroad, focus on getting good grades at school, start studying the language and culture of your preferred destination, and show your parents that you are serious about studying abroad. You should be able to show not only that you know how to study abroad, but also that you’re dedicated to the potential opportunity and that it isn't just an impulsive decision.

2. Research finance options

Studying abroad can be expensive depending on the program and destination you choose. Even though there are many reasons why studying abroad is important, this seemingly large barrier is usually one of the first issues that parents bring up, especially if they think you expect them to pay for it. 

Preparing a plan to finance your studies will be crucial if you need to know how to convince your parents to let you study abroad. Spend time considering possible funding options and put away some savings of your own. Produce a well-thought-out budget plan while also researching and applying for scholarships. While some scholarships are country or program specific, there are also wider global opportunities for international students. 

Though these steps may seem like a burden, making a budget and planning to support yourself will show your parents that you’re committed. They’ll see that you understand the financial commitment when they ask themselves if you know how to study abroad in a manageable way.

3. Outline the many benefits

When learning how to convince your parents to let you study abroad, it’s crucial to make sure they realize that your experience isn't just about partying. The benefits of studying abroad reach far beyond the nightlife! You're going abroad to learn, study, experience, and explore. 

Students who learn to speak multiple languages or those that have international work experience or an internship have remarkably improved career prospects. An international education for even a few months can offer you new, global perspectives in your field of study, giving you inspiring and innovative ideas that could lead you to a career path you might have never before imagined. You'll get to experience another way of life and do some traveling, making you a more worldly and independent person.

Ensure that your parents understand the benefits of studying abroad in your academic life as well as your cultural and social life. Tell them about the experiences of other students who have studied abroad to show them why studying abroad is important and the huge impact an international program could have on your life!

4. Assure them that you'll stay in touch

Your parents are going to miss you! When you need to know how to convince your parents to let you study abroad, it might help to assure them that you're thinking about how much you’ll miss them too. 

One of the benefits of studying abroad in today’s world is that there are abundant ways to stay in touch no matter where you go. Make a plan on how to stay in regular communication so that they know you are well, safe, and having the most amazing time! You can also use your new travel skills as you learn how to study abroad to eventually organize a trip for your parents to visit! 

5. Put yourself in their shoes

Once you present the endless benefits of studying abroad to your parents as well as the details regarding how to study abroad, make sure you consider how they see and feel about the idea. Be sensitive to their feelings and give them time to consider the opportunity. Your parents will appreciate your maturity, and you'll also be able to sense their reservations and present a well-thought-out answer to ease their fears. 

With these tips, you’ll be headed to the airport in no-time. Your parents will know why studying abroad is important to you, and they'll be able to give you the support you need to make the life-changing decision in becoming an international student abroad.