For most Indian parents, your academic excellence matters, not where you study. Of course, there are exceptions and the trend is changing. One of the hurdles that you will undoubtedly face is convincing your parents to let you study abroad. A very loud ‘Abroad?!’ might be the first response you receive. You’ll hear it in varying intonations from your mom, dad, grandparents, uncles, aunts and even neighbours.
Next, comes the flood of questions: Why do you want to go abroad during this pandemic? Why go abroad when you can do the same course here? Why spend lakhs when you can enrol for a similar course with a few thousand? (So they think!) How will you travel all the way alone and live alone, amidst the increasing spread of COVID-19? What is the guarantee of your safety?
You must have answers to all these questions if you are set on studying abroad. Preparation is the key. Let us help you with that. Don’t get the wrong idea. We are not asking you to trick your parents. On the contrary, you have to be downright honest with them.
Research is key
Once you have made up your mind to study abroad, start researching. You probably have a destination in mind. Learn about the country’s efforts in working around the pandemic situation. For example, the UK government is stepping up to help their international students. New Zealand has several measures in place to ensure that international students feel safe and comfortable in their country. Canada is relaxing their travel restrictions and Australia is encouraging universities to offer fee deferrals, food, accommodation and health support to international students.
If you have finalised your choice university or programme (Don’t worry if you haven’t. Our Course Matcher tool can help you with that), check out the university website to understand their response to the pandemic and how they are currently dealing with it. Learn how and the different ways in which institutions are supporting international students during the coronavirus. Most universities have a plan in place by now and they are pushing their respective governments to bring in international students as early as possible, and to have measures in place to ensure their safety once they land.
Social networking sites and university social channels are also places where you can learn more about a university, its campus and student support.
Make sure that you plan
Incorporate all the information gathered from the research and have a detailed plan that would impress your parents. You should have answers when they ask ‘What if you can’t take the IELTS exam?’. You have the IELTS indicator! Make sure to check that your dream institution accepts it.
‘What if you can’t make it to the country on time?’. Most institutions have switched to online learning and some others are following the ‘online now, on-campus later model’.
‘How are you sure that this is the best university for you?’. Take them through a search on our Course Matcher tool and show them how your chosen institution is the ideal one for you.
From knowing about the updated entry requirements to accommodation facilities at the university, you should have the details ready. It shows how dedicated and serious you are about the decision. Once you are confident enough, your loved ones will start feeling the same. Noting the university’s position in the world university rankings can also come in handy while you present your plan to your parents.
Do a lot of talking
Talk about the benefits of studying abroad, the opportunities exploring a totally different country and culture offer. Talk in terms of returns and positive developments. Yes, that also includes money. Once they know that studying abroad may secure your future, they will relax a bit more. Talk about the experiences that you will get, that none of your peers here may ever get a chance to have. Tell them that studying abroad increases your chances of being hired with a higher starting salary and that you will be global-minded. Tell them how it will help you in your personal and academic growth. Have points to support these statements.
Keep your parents in the picture. Think of the situation from their perspective. Analyse and understand their anxieties. Have answers that will allay their doubts and fears.
Assure
Give them facts and assure them that everything will be alright. If you are aiming for scholarships, you can tell them that they don’t have to worry about the price tag. There are several scholarships that you can apply for. Mention that governments are always ready to support international students.
Relieve them of their worries about your health and safety. Go to university websites, show them that the universities ensure student safety. Take them through the social media channels where students talk about their positive experiences during the pandemic.
Through your actions, prove to them that you can be on your own and independent. Reassure them that it doesn’t mean leaving them forever. You can stay in touch regularly using various tools and platforms.
Do you know what works best? Finding people who successfully studied abroad. The closer they are, geographically or relationship-wise, the better. Have reliable people to back you up, find somebody who has studied abroad. Maybe a friend of a friend, seniors or a distant cousin? Arrange a phone or video call with them or meet up. If you can't find somebody, you can always reach out to our experts.
Actions speak louder than words. Reiterate to your parents that leaving to study abroad will help mould you into a better, more well-rounded person. Your wellbeing is what they care about the most. Have that in mind and get started on pursuing your study dream.