Challenges you face with parents being an expat student

Parents who move overseas can face a lot of challenges when it comes to their children’s education. These can range from finding the right school to adapting to a new culture.

However, if you’re a parent who wants to ensure your child gets the best education possible abroad, there are a few things you can do to help them thrive in their new environment.



Choosing a school

In college, breakfast is the first meal of the day, which means it has a big impact on your day. It's important to eat a nutritious breakfast that includes protein, fiber and healthy fats.

Having a good breakfast helps your body get the necessary nutrients for energy, a healthy heart and brain, and a good mood. It also helps you to regulate your appetite and reduce snacking throughout the day.

Classes

As an expat parent, you probably feel like you’re on vacation all the time, but the truth is that your child still needs to go to school. Not just for academic reasons, but to learn about their new country’s culture.

Choosing the right school for your child can be one of the biggest challenges you face. There’s so much to consider – from the country’s education laws and locally available options, to your child’s requirements and aspirations, to your relocation plans – that it can be difficult to figure out where to start.

It’s always best to ask current parents and teachers for their opinion on the school you’re considering, and be sure to speak with other students to get a better feel for the environment. This will help you decide whether it’s the right fit for your family.

Lunch

Looking inside a typical day of a college student, lunch is an important part of the day. Eating a healthy, sustaining meal helps students stay full and focus throughout the day.

In the Netherlands, Belgium and Norway, a traditional lunch consists of sandwiches: slices of bread stuffed with meat or cheese. They also include a drink such as milk or juice.

Children often bring packed lunches to school, which may include a sandwich and a bowl of fruit or chips. They might also purchase a lunch as provided by the school.

Adapting to a new culture

Adapting to a new culture is one of the main challenges you face as an expat student. It takes time and patience, but with an open mind and willingness to learn, you can build a life abroad that you will love.

Firstly, remember to avoid preconceptions about the new culture. This will make it easier to enter the experience as a blank slate, and minimize expectations that may creep in.

Next, focus on making friends in your new country. Connect with people through social media (Bumble is great), join clubs and university societies, and attend local events to get involved in the community.

Learning the language of your host country is another important part of your adaption process. Take a language class, immerse yourself in the language through listening to music, watching TV shows and speaking with locals. This will help you communicate with locals in your day-to-day activities, and it will also make your stay abroad more rewarding.

Finding a job

If you’re a student looking for work while in school, the process can be challenging. There are lots of factors to consider — like finding the right job, where to find it and how to apply for it.

One of the biggest challenges first-time job seekers face is a lack of experience. This is because most jobs require experience as a prerequisite for the position.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to gain relevant experience without leaving the comfort of your own country.

For example, part-time work in hospitality can be a great way to gain a foothold in a new city. These jobs can range from bartending to being a receptionist.

Another way to find a job is by networking. This can be a challenge for some, but it’s important to get started early and continue building your network.

Getting a visa

Many international students find that getting a visa to study in the United States can be complicated. The process typically starts with the student enrolling at a school that is accredited by the U.S. government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Then, the school sends the student a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, or Form I-20. Next, the student must submit this and other required documents to the U.S. embassy or consulate where they will be interviewed to determine eligibility for a visa.

During the interview, a consular officer will ask about the student’s home country, academic background, English language skills and other factors. They may also request ink-free digital fingerprint scans. After the interview, the consular officer will let you know whether the visa is granted or requires further administrative processing. This can add to the length of time that it takes to receive the visa in the mail.

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