Tattwa : For Parents

Research the destination country, including its history, culture, customs, laws, social/moral codes, dress and language.
Read all program literature and any available student accounts of studying abroad.
Never hesitate to ask questions of your child, the advisor or even a program administrator.
Allow your student to make the most of the study abroad decisions - be a guide, not a supervisor.
Give your student the information and resources he or she needs to make informed decisions.
Talk with parents whose children have previously studied abroad and try to prepare for the emotions they say they experienced.
If your child wears glasses, get him or her an extra pair or two to take with, particularly if they are prescription lenses.
If your child is taking any prescription medications, be sure to send him or her overseas with an extra supply and a copy of the prescription. Try to obtain a note from the doctor regarding your child's need for the medication, in case of any issues during the customs process.
Establish a plan of communication with your student prior to departure. It is important to realize that this plan may need to be altered once your child has settled into a study abroad routine.
Students and parents should both have a set of emergency contacts with them at all times, including contacts from the school and program.
Devise a financial plan with your child for the time he or she will be abroad. Write down the expenses you expect your child to have and make a column for "needs" and a column for "wants."
To limit spending and avoid lost money, teach your child to take money out of the ATM a little at a time. For example, on Mondays, have him or her take out the cash he or she will need for each week.
Don't begin exchanging currency before your child departs-have him or her wait until he or she reach the destination.
Discuss financial, social and academic responsibility with your child. Let him or her know that much of what is expected of him or her at home will be expected of him or her abroad, and more.
Encourage your child to resolve her or her own issues while abroad and step in only when necessary.
Have your child do the bulk of the study abroad research. This will not only empower your student, but will also teach him or her the benefit of thinking ahead and analyzing what is best for him or her as an individual.
Let your child know that you trust him or her to make the right decisions while studying abroad.