What Parents Need to Know About Sending Their High Schooler Abroad
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You’re thrilled about the meaningful experience your teen is sure to have while attending a high school in another country for a semester abroad. On the other hand, you’re aware of the challenges they will face and the fact that you won't be nearby to save the day!
Among all the practical questions of what to pack for a semester abroad and wondering how long a semester is abroad, you'll need to know important safety information, facts about the country where they'll be living, and the support system available for them while they're away.
Here's what parents and legal guardians need to know about sending their teen on a high school semester abroad.
Study Up on the Host Country
While your teen may already be quite knowledgeable of the country where they will be living, having studied the language and/or culture—you might find that you are lacking in facts.
Information gives us confidence. Learn about the host country alongside your teen, especially the specific region where they’ll be living. Resources like travel guides you can find online, travelers' social media accounts, and fiction books by local authors are fantastic resources.
CIEE hosts important pre-departure orientations and virtual events to help you and your teen prepare together. Be sure to check your email for invitations, put them in your calendar, and attend!
Protect Your Teen's Health
Research and schedule any travel vaccinations your teen might need in the country where they'll be traveling. If they're taking medication, send them off with full prescriptions and have a plan in place to refill the prescription if necessary.
Also, it’s important to set them up with travel insurance. This is included in all CIEE semester abroad programs.
Know What to Pack for a Semester Abroad
While you may want to send your teen with every possible item they might need while away, packing light is one of the best traveler's tips!
Check the typical weather during their semester abroad and help them pack accordingly. Remember, there will be stores where they live, so there is no need to prepare for every possibility or send them with enough toiletries to last the entirety of their stay. One of the most fun parts of living abroad is trying local commodities, including fragrances, soaps and toothpaste.
Clothes bought abroad become longtime favorites that have a story to tell.
Understand the Support Your Teen Will Have in Their Host Country
During their program, high school semester abroad participants will have a local support system. CIEE High School Semester Abroad program tuition includes support from:
- Local CIEE staff
- Carefully-screened host families
- CIEE Global Navigator cohort of other American students
Participants will have access to their local CIEE staff 24/7. Also, if your teen has an issue or needs anything, they can rely on their host family. The CIEE support system will help them solve problems quickly and get them what they need.
Know Whom to Contact When You Have Questions or Concerns
It's not uncommon for parents to have concerns while their teen is away. However, time differences and communication logistics can create delays in getting directly in touch with your teen.
If you have a question or concern, please contact the U.S.-based CIEE Global Navigator Team by email at hsabroad@ciee.org or schedule a call with a CIEE Enrollment Coordinator. CIEE’s U.S.-based team works closely with the staff abroad and will be able to get you the information you need most efficiently.
Remember the Incredible Benefits of a Semester Abroad
Make a wish list for what you hope for your teen during their high school semester abroad experience!
What lessons do you hope they will learn? What skills do you hope they'll acquire? What experiences do you hope they'll have? What relationships do you hope they'll come away with?
You can have your teen create a list, too, and let these serve as a source of encouragement whenever you miss each other, get worried, or when your teen experiences a bump in the road.
Learn more about what to expect during your teen’s semester abroad and check out all CIEE High School Semester Abroad programs.