Supporting Your Student Abroad
When your child embarks on the exciting journey of studying abroad, it’s a moment of pride and excitement—but it can also bring new challenges for parents. As they navigate a different culture, time zone, and educational system, your support plays a vital role in ensuring they have a successful and enriching experience.
Student Spotlight: Sydnee-Marie Edusei in Ghana
“Family life in my host country is very convoluted (in comparison to what I know). It heavily involves extended family and many things are decided by the family. Ghana is very communalistic, so there are very strong family values. Families have a big emphasis on who you choose to marry, potential future careers, and other aspects of your life. There’s a big emphasis on respecting the elderly and those who are older than you.”
Student Spotlight: Toni Jackson in Brazil
“Brazilians are very close with their families. A lot of the Brazilian roommates in my program travel home at least twice a month, no matter how far away they are from their families (from 30 minutes to 2 hours!). In the US college students don’t really do this, so it’s very interesting to see how family culture affects college life. Food is a big connector for Brazilian families, so whether it’s dinner, a cookout, or just chatting, food is always involved.”
Student Spotlight: Brooklyn Washington in France
“Family dynamics are strong and close here in France. There are an average of 1-2 children in a household. There has been a drastic decline in larger families over the last decades. Something I have noticed in family lifestyle is how active the families are together, for activities like cycling, running, and soccer. French people enjoy spending time outdoors, especially in summer.”
Student Spotlight: Alexia Hosein in South Korea
“The family structure in South Korea originally came from Confucian values, though it has evolved with modernization. A key value that remains consistent is respect for elders, as children are expected to care for their parents and grandparents as they age. This sense of duty is closely tied to the intense work culture and the high value placed on education, as securing a well-paying job is seen as a means to support one’s family in later years.”
Student Spotlight: Sydnee-Marie Edusei in Ghana
“One challenge I have experienced so far is adjusting to the values and ideas in Ghanaian culture. Typically, in the states if there are values and ideas I don't believe in, I might ignore them or challenge them, but in Ghana it doesn't work like that. I have also learned that it is also not my place to protest other culture's beliefs, ideals, and values to my liking or standards. I am starting to overcome that challenge by adjusting and adapting.”