That’s it, you’ve made the decision to study in the US and now the time has come for you to tell your parents. How can you convince them? This might be the hardest part as you’ll need to explain them step by step why it’s the best for you and your future. With this quiz you’ll find out whether you’re ready or not to talk about your decision.
Without a doubt, studying abroad will bring you one of the best experiences of your life while you enjoy a higher education to help you become an outstanding professional. I mean, who doesn’t love to travel around the world and get to know different cultures? Also, by living on your own you’ll become more independent, mature and responsible.
So far so good, right? That, let’s say, it’s the prettiest side of studying in the US. Now comes the scary part: convincing your parents. When we talk about traveling it also implies getting away from your friends and family, their care and all your commodities. Consider it’s also a heavy investment that even though you’ll benefit from it throughout your entire life, the whole idea can be hard to sell.
If you can answer all these questions without hesitating, that means you’re ready to tell your parents about this important decision. And if you can’t, don’t worry! Take all the time you need to prepare a solid argument.
First of all you MUST be prepared. We’re talking Hermione Granger’s knowledge about spells kind of prepared. You have to know better than anyone all the options you can opt for while being able to transmit it all to your parents so they understand you’re serious.
Proving them you have what it takes to study abroad it’s key to your goal. So start putting up some effort in school, research about American culture, practice your English, familiarize yourself with their lifestyle, learn everything you can! Showing them commitment will definitely make the convincing process easier.
If you’ve already picked all the options you can choose and investigated all you need to know. But if you don’t have a clear idea about the benefits of studying in the US; it’s less likely your parents will buy the idea. You have to be aware of how this whole experience will help you grow both as a person and a professional.
In the first place, it goes beyond academic benefits: when you’re studying outside your native country you’ll become a much more mature and independent person. You’ll develop a capacity to adapt easily and become someone who’s responsible for their decisions. Secondly, you’ll be a citizen of the world with a much wider perspective and bigger (and better) opportunities inside the job market.
One of the main concerns of parents when their kids decide to leave their house is safety. Especially when they have the intention to study abroad after recently finishing high school. They will naturally say no as a first reaction. That’s why you need to calm them down and assure them that whatever university you choose it’ll have all the comforts and security protocols needed.
Make them understand you can take care of yourself. You’ll be safe the entire time at both the university and the campus where you’ll stay, try to make this spaces as safe as home. Promise them you’ll stay in touch and call whenever you can, making them part of your experience will definitely make them feel much better.
It may help you point out the fact that once you’re studying abroad they’ll have more time to go out, travel or just have some peace for once.
The important thing here is to never give up until you manage to convince them! It may take some time but if you’re serious about this decision they will understand and support you no matter what. And if you need a little extra help in our Center for Global Education you can ask for a free advisory, so call us! We’ll do everything we can to help you live an amazing international experience.