Parents' Guide: 7 Vital Things to Know Before Studying Abroad
A comprehensive study abroad guide for parents of aspiring international students, covering aspects of standardised exams, university rankings, scholarship and funding opportunities, visa guidance, and post-arrival arrangements.
Navigate the study abroad journey with expert guidance from destination specialists
What you'll learn in this article
With over 6 million international students estimated to pursue higher education overseas annually, it is not uncommon for parents to learn that their child secretly dreams of studying abroad, driven by aspirations for better quality education, global exposure, and improved career opportunities. While it promises unparalleled access to world-class academic opportunities and fosters the development of a truly global perspective, it can be overwhelming to consider the lengthy process and the question of your child’s safety and well-being. This comprehensive guide for parents lists 7 vital things to know before studying abroad.
What Parents Should Know About Studying Abroad?
Before you set your heart on sending your child abroad for education, you, as parents, must know the answers to the following questions:
- How to choose a student-friendly and budget-friendly country?
- Which exams to take for which course, college, and country?
- How to prepare documents like SOPs or essays and convince references for LORs? What is a WES evaluation?
- How to secure your child with the best medical insurance and safe accommodation?
- How to find suitable study abroad scholarships and funding options?
- How to file a student visa application that impresses the visa officer?
- What your child must know before flying abroad for higher studies?
The long journey to study abroad for students involves both emotional and logistical aspects. Seeking help from professionals with a comprehensive knowledge of the matter is necessary to make informed decisions. Let us understand these aspects at our level before taking professional guidance.
Navigate the study abroad journey with expert guidance from destination specialists
Choosing a Student-Friendly and Budget-Friendly Country
Selecting the most suitable destination and institution is a critical decision that requires thorough research across areas such as course curriculum, campus environment, available accommodation options, and career prospects. It is essential to align these choices with your child's motivations and determine where they are most likely to thrive academically and personally.
Check out the top countries, their popular streams, top universities, and the costs for international students.
| Country | Popular Streams | Top Universities | Estimated Annual Budget (Tuition & Living) | Stay Back Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | STEM, Business, Accounting | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Stanford University Harvard University | US $60,000 - $90,000+ | OPT: 1 year STEM-OPT: 3 years |
| United Kingdom | Digital Marketing, Business, Arts | Imperial College London University of Oxford University of Cambridge | £45,000 - £75,000+ | 2 to 3 years |
| Australia | Nursing, Business, IT, Engineering | The University of Melbourne The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) The University of Sydney | AU $40,000 - $70,000+ | 2 to 4 years |
| Canada | Diploma Courses, Engineering, IT | McGill University University of Toronto University of British Columbia | CA $35,000 - $65,000+ | 8 months to 3 years |
| Germany | Engineering, Science, Data Science | Technical University of Munich Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Universität Heidelberg | €12,000 - €25,000+ | 18 months |
| Ireland | Data Science, IT, Pharma | Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin University College Dublin University College Cork | €25,000 - €50,000+ | 1 to 2 years |
Exams Required to Study Abroad for International Students
International students aspiring to study abroad are required to take two types of standardised exams: a universal language proficiency test and an aptitude test to demonstrate the ability to study in a fast-paced environment.
1. English Proficiency Tests
Applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit scores for either IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, or the Occupational English Test (OET), among others. These scores are used by the university’s admissions committee and visa officers to ensure that an applicant is capable of studying in an English-speaking country without the support of their native language.
Some countries and universities may have a specific exam or score requirement. While most countries accept all of these exams, some countries or universities may prefer certain ones. For instance:
| English Exams | Country Acceptance |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand |
| TOEFL | USA, Canada |
| PTE Academic | Australia, UK, USA |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | USA, Canada |
2. Standardised Aptitude Exams
Just as national competitive exams for medical studies and engineering have basic aptitude tests, international universities also require standardised exam scores to assess international applicants' candidatures. This criterion is met through exams such as the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, or LNAT, among others. The scores from these exams are used by the admissions committees of international universities to evaluate a student's academic readiness for a particular programme. These scores also make an application more competitive.
Specific exams and scores vary depending on the programme level, such as undergraduate or postgraduate courses. Here’s an easy bifurcation of these exams and their acceptance:
| Standardised Exams | Skills Assessment | Required For | Country Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) | Reading, writing, and math | Undergraduate studies | Mostly USA, some universities in Canada and the UK |
| ACT (American College Testing) | English, math, reading, and science | Undergraduate studies | USA |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examination) | Verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills | Master's and PhD programmes | USA, Canada, and parts of Europe |
| GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) | Analytical, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning skills | Business schools for MBA and management-related master's programmes | Worldwide |
| MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) | Subject expertise in Medicine | Medical schools | USA, Canada, and Australia |
| LSAT (Law School Admission Test) | Subject expertise in Law | Law schools | USA and Canada |
| LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test) | Subject expertise in Law | Law schools | UK |
Note: While some global universities have gone test-optional, some offer you the flexibility of providing either the SAT or the ACT for undergraduate studies and either the GRE or the GMAT for graduate studies in management.
Looking for exam guidance? Wondering where to begin from for the language and aptitude test? Register with AECC and connect with our experts to get personalised exam preparation plans.
Preparing the Study Abroad Documents
It is essential to understand the different kinds of documents required at various stages of the study abroad journey, from successfully applying and flying to the dream country. Given below is a comprehensive checklist to help you organise your child's documents for university applications, visa filing, scholarships, loan applications, and travel.
University Admission Documents
- Academic transcripts and certificates, or consolidated marksheets evaluated by WES
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Standardised Test Scores
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Letter of Motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- A valid passport
Scholarship Documents
- Completed Application Form
- Academic Transcripts and Diplomas
- Scholarship Essay/SOP
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- CV/Resume
- Portfolio or Essay
- Proof of Financial Need
Loan Application Documents
- KYC (Know Your Customer) Documents
- Academic Documents
- Income Proof
- Collateral Documents
- Duly Filled and Signed Application Form
Visa Filing Documents
- Valid Passport
- Acceptance Letter
- Proof of Financial Resources
- Academic Documents
- Health Certificates and Vaccination Records
- Visa Application Form
- Passport-Sized Photographs
- Proof of Identity
Flying and Arrival Documents
- Valid Passport and Visa
- Flight Tickets and Boarding Pass
- University Acceptance Letter
- Proof of Accommodation
- Medical and Travel Insurance
- Financial Documents
- Emergency Contact List
- Originals and Photocopies
The different lengthy processes might feel a little overwhelming. Don’t be alarmed. You can always seek help from country specialists. Start with expert guidance throughout the process, from deciding to join to flying to your dream university. Learn how career counselling is key to study abroad success.
Safe Accommodation & Health Security
Getting the best accommodation and health cover for your child’s safety when living abroad is not only an essential part of the study abroad requirement, but also a decision to be taken seriously. To choose a safe accommodation in a student-friendly environment for your child’s education, you need to ensure the following:
Campus & Local Safety
Before flying: Get acquainted with the university campus and hostels. Check the off-campus facilities, including homestays, which are safer and more comfortable. Find accommodation through official house-hunting services for international students. You can ask your counsellor to help you with the same.
Upon arrival: Encourage your child to use safety apps, stay up to date with vaccinations, and register with your home country's embassy for timely assistance.
Medical & Emergency Preparedness
Before flying: Ensure extra vigilance regarding your healthcare. Learn which Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is the best for your child.
Upon arrival: Cultural shock can be significant for some students. Ensure that your child’s emotional well-being is not compromised in a new environment. Counsel them to take advantage of university mental-health services and peer groups to manage culture shock. To avoid homesickness, schedule regular video calls for check-ins to stay connected and maintain a sense of belonging.
Also, be supportive, not smothering. Promote their independence by encouraging them to budget independently, trusting them to be responsible, and facilitating problem-solving and engagement in student communities and clubs. These skills will shape lifelong confidence in your child.
Emergency Preparedness
Prepare your child to understand the privacy norms for personal safety and stay alert for emergencies in the study destination. This can be done by referring to past experiences of international students. This is a vital step to ensure that your child lives safely abroad. Good study abroad advisors can help you and your child prepare to navigate life through several emergencies. Here are quintessential points to keep in mind while choosing your study abroad consultant.
Study Abroad Scholarships and Funding Options
The true cost of studying abroad extends far beyond tuition fees. Therefore, financial strain is the primary concern for parents considering overseas education. Budgeting your child’s education abroad must account for accommodation, food, health coverage, communication expenses, and travel. Besides, unpredictable exchange rates can add further financial pressure.
Scholarships to Study Abroad
Exploring scholarship and other funding opportunities can ease the financial burden. International students can avail of numerous university-based, government-funded, or private scholarships, which can be merit-based or a combination of merit and need-based. Examples include the Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship (US), Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (European Union), DAAD Germany Awards, Australian Awards Scholarships, and Commonwealth Scholarships (UK). Check out more popular scholarships to study abroad, as well as proven tips to write brilliant scholarship essay.
Education Loans to Study Abroad
Another option to fund your education is applying for a student loan. This can be used against several your home country's banks to secure your property or other assets. You must demonstrate your family’s income and the ability (with a roadmap) to repay the loan, including interest, within the specified timeframe.
Finding the right scholarship to fulfil your exact funding requirements can be a toughie. It is vital that your child's merit and your family's financial status meets the scholarship criteria. With the right guidance, it can be done
Filing the Student Visa Application
The most important step is to prepare for the student visa and interview. This can be anxiety-inducing during the process because the rejection rate is also high during the peak season (when the most applications are submitted worldwide). Especially, the F-1 visa delays and rejections can lead to considerable anxiety about the time and financial resources invested or wasted.
It is highly advisable to seek professional assistance in this step of visa filing. Referring to a step-by-step guide to the study abroad journey would be the ideal way go about making your visa case so compelling that it stands out amongst the pool of thousands of highly competitive international applicants.
Pre-Departure & Post-Arrival Checklist
As the departure date of your child’s dream country approaches, a series of practical steps is essential to ensure a smooth transition for the student. This pre-departure checklist for international students helps minimise last-minute stress. Besides keeping a copy of all your documents, it is crucial to ensure that all necessary health checks are completed and that the child receives all required vaccinations or boosters for their well-being abroad. Finally, planning for travel safety, including securing appropriate travel insurance, is a non-negotiable step before the child embarks on their journey.
With this guide on 7 vital things to know before studying abroad, parents can confidently navigate the study abroad journey, empowering their children to achieve their global aspirations while maintaining strong family bonds and ensuring their well-being in a new environment.
To sum up, the goal for international students and parents is to find an agent equipped and experienced to help with each of the above-discussed areas. Selecting the right study abroad consultant can be a pivotal step. A reliable consultant can simplify the process, offering clarity amidst the overwhelming array of course options, universities, and immigration procedures. Before you finalise a consultant, know the correct questions to ask your study abroad advisor.
If you are looking to connect with trustworthy counsellors for application assistance in a popular destination, register with AECC today. Book a call back for free end-to-end consultation, starting from course and college shortlisting to visa filing and flying abroad. Wait no more. Connect with our destination expert for personalised support and find out your child’s chances of getting enrolled in the top universities of your choice.
Study Abroad Guide for Parents FAQ
The first few weeks after arriving abroad are a critical period of adjustment. You should prepare a pre-arrival checklist, starting from confirming airport transfers to reaching the accommodation and getting to know the neighbourhood. Pack essential documents, keep copies of all necessary documents, and get local currency. Ensure that your child does not miss the university's orientation sessions. These events are designed to help new students navigate campus, meet other international students, and learn about university resources. Encourage your child to explore and join student clubs and societies to build a support network and overcome homesickness. Schedule video calls with your child to provide emotional support.
When planning to study abroad, the primary financial concern is the high costs of tuition and living expenses, which often lead families to take on significant debt. To manage this, a thorough financial plan is required to budget the costs beyond tuition, including accommodation, food, health insurance, and travel. Also, consider additional costs like books, supplies, and miscellaneous expenses. Actively seeks scholarships, such as the JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship or the GlobalScholarships.com US $3,000 Scholarship. Besides, you can apply for education loans; ensure to research and compare different loan options, understand their terms, and explore eligibility criteria to secure the best possible loan.
As a parent, it is natural to worry about your child’s safety, cultural adaptation, and mental health when studying abroad. On a personal level, some students may experience cultural shock, and others may feel homesick. On the societal level, concerns include discrimination and violence. Ensure that your child has a comprehensive health insurance, has undergone necessary medical check-ups and vaccinations, and is aware of travel safety programmes. Help your child develop practical life skills, such as cooking and cleaning, before they leave. Encourage them to build a support network and maintain regular communication with family.
Standardised tests are a critical part of the study abroad application process, as they allow the admission committee to evaluate international students’ profiles from across the globe. The English proficiency tests, such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test, are required by most universities to demonstrate that candidates from non-English-speaking countries can study in an English-speaking environment. Aptitude tests like the SAT or ACT for undergraduate admissions and the GRE or GMAT for graduate admissions assess students’ analytical, logical, and adaptive skills, demonstrating that applicants are ready to take up a rigorous international curriculum.
The journey of a study abroad application is lengthy. It may take from 8 to 12 months. Hiring a study abroad consultant can ease the process, starting from choosing the right country and college to joining it on the day of course orientation. There are several steps, such as exam preparation, visa preparation, university application, and scholarship application, which require utmost expertise. A study abroad consultant with years of experience can be just what you need to smooth your experience, especially in case of any rejection.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Bindu Mary Idicula
Test Prep, Courses & Application Expert | 20 Years in International Education
Bindu Mary Idicula has spent over 20 years in international education, writing on three areas that students navigate across every study abroad destination: standardised tests, course selection and application documents. She covers TOEFL, SAT, ACT, OET, GRE and GMAT, writes on standalone course guides across disciplines, and covers the application documents students need including Letters of Recommendation, Statements of Purpose, academic essays and CVs.
What connects these three areas is the same practical angle. She does not write about tests, courses or application documents in the abstract. She writes about what students need to know when they are actively deciding: which test is required for a specific course and destination, what a particular discipline looks like across different countries, and what makes an SOP or LOR work for a student with a specific academic background. That specificity comes from two decades of student consultations.
Her articles across the AECC platform have been read over 650,000 times. The breadth of topics she covers reflects the range of questions students bring to consultations, from which exam to take first to how to write a CV that works for an international university application. She holds an MBA in Marketing and is based at AECC's Tamil Nadu offices.
