Do your kids dream of studying outside the UK? It’s 2025, and more and more young people are looking beyond British universities when it comes to choosing where to study. Whether they’ve been inspired by Netflix series showing the American “college” experience, have fallen in love with a particular language or culture, or simply want to spread their wings a bit further, it’s clear that international study is more than just a passing trend. It’s a real and increasingly popular option.
Back when I studied International Business and French in the 1980s, I spent a year at a business school in France. It was exciting, challenging, and genuinely life-changing. In those days, those kinds of opportunities were quite rare. But fast forward to now, and there’s a wealth of options for UK students to study abroad—whether for a semester, a year, or even their full university course.
As a mum, I won’t pretend the idea of my own children moving overseas doesn’t tie my stomach in knots. Even with my own positive and life-changing experience, the thought of waving them off at the airport with a suitcase and a hopeful smile is… intense. I suddenly understand what I must have put my own mum through.
But here’s the thing: studying abroad could be one of the most enriching and transformational decisions your child ever makes. It’s not just about what they learn in the classroom – it’s about what they learn about themselves, how they deal with the challenges, and grow from them.
So, how do you support your child through this big adventure – especially when “home” might be several time zones away? Here’s your no-fluff, practical guide for navigating the exciting (and slightly terrifying) journey of your child studying abroad.
Think About the Benefits First
The first thing you need to do is get your own head straight. If your initial reaction to their decision was somewhere between mild panic and “absolutely not”, you’re not alone. But it’s worth taking a deep breath and really looking at what’s on offer, and what benefits there are for your child.
Students who study abroad gain much more than a degree. They often:
- Immerse themselves in new languages and cultures
- Develop independence, confidence, and problem-solving skills
- Learn how to work in multicultural teams
- Build a global network of friends and future colleagues
- Boost their employability significantly
This kind of experience is something employers love. It signals adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness – all major career assets.
And on a personal level? Many students say it was the year they “grew up”. I’d have to agree—there’s something about navigating a new city, sorting your own admin, and making friends from different backgrounds that really accelerates your maturity.
At the end of the day, you know your child best, and some young people definitely wouldn’t thrive so far away from home, but sometimes it’s good to give them the benefit of the doubt, let them explore the possibilities, and come to their own conclusions.
Get Practical: Teach them Basic Life Skills
Before your child packs their suitcases and heads off to the airport, it’s crucial that you spend some time preparing them for life without you by their side. If they are doing a year abroad as part of a university course they have already started away from home, this shouldn’t be too bad, but if they are leaving home and starting their university life far away from you, then it could be more of a worry.
You need to make sure they know how to do their own laundry and prepare food, as well as giving them a crash course on how to act in a safe and responsible manner in a foreign country. After all, depending on the nation they have chosen to study in, some of the laws and local taboos could be very different – and potentially much more strict – than laws in the UK, with strict penalties. Wherever they go they should be aware of local dress codes, rules on consuming alcohol and other substances, and gender expression and interaction, for instance. It’s important that they know how to take care of themselves and can ensure their own safety and well-being while they are far away from home.
On a less serious note, they should also be aware of public holidays and festivals in the country that they will be living in. I remember one day in my year in France, when I was completely unaware that all shops, restaurants and public transport would be closed on one of the public holidays, including the campus canteen, and I had to go without food for an entire day.
Another thing you should make sure is that they know when to ask for help and from whom. There are always people on university campuses who will help with most of the common student problems, and it’s not a failure if your child needs to ask for support.
Do your Research but Let them Lead
As soon as your child mentions studying abroad, it’s time to get curious. Support them to explore the different countries, courses, and formats that exist.
Some degrees can be completed entirely overseas, while others involve exchange programmes or “sandwich years”. Research the universities’ reputations, course structures, student life, and language requirements.
You’ll also need to look into:
- Application deadlines (which may be earlier than in the UK)
- Entry requirements and standardised tests
- Visas and immigration procedures
- Scholarship and financial aid options
- Whether they’ll need document translations
📝 Tip: For official translations (e.g. school certificates, ID), companies like Rosetta Translation provide certified services that meet university and visa standards. Their experience with international education makes the process far less stressful.
Depending on your teen’s personality, you may need to walk the journey with them, or step back and let them take charge. Trust your instincts. You know your child best. My own daughter went through a phase of looking closely at American universities (before the current uncertainty happened), and did a lot of research herself, but then decided, for various reasons, that it wasn’t for her.
Consider The Financial Reality
Let’s talk money. Because let’s face it—this is one of the biggest concerns for parents.
While you might assume that studying abroad is more expensive, that’s not always the case. Recent reports show that England still has some of the highest tuition fees in the world—so it’s not unusual for a degree elsewhere to be more affordable overall.
However, cost of living can vary widely. In places like Norway, the Netherlands, or Australia, rent and groceries can be pricey. Factor in:
- Flights and transport
- Rent and bills
- Phone plans and tech subscriptions
- Visa and insurance costs
If your child wants to study in Europe and you have some European heritage in your family, it may be worthwhile looking to see if they can get a passport from a European country, so they can get the benefits of being able to live and work freely in Europe. My children, for instance are entitled to an Irish passport, but I also know of South Africans who can get a Dutch passport.
Some countries allow international students to work part-time—others don’t. If your child is planning to work, double-check the visa restrictions before they book anything.
💷 Pro Tip: Look into the best ways that you can send money to each country so you can support them financially when needed, without hefty bank fees.
Don’t Forget Insurance
Your child will need:
- Health insurance (this may be required by the university or government)
- Contents insurance for their belongings
- Travel insurance for getting there and back
It’s not the most exciting admin in the world, but it really is essential.
Be Their Cheerleader (Even When You’re Nervous)
As departure day approaches, don’t be surprised if your normally confident teen turns into a bundle of nerves. Truth be told – you probably will too.
It’s okay to feel emotional. This is a big moment. But your role is to be the steady one, offering reassurance, excitement, and plenty of hugs.
Remind them of all the reasons they chose this path. Help them pack their bag with both essentials and home comforts. And yes, tissues for the airport are non-negotiable.
Keep In Touch (But Let Them Breathe)
Once they’re settled, you’ll find a rhythm that works for staying connected. Weekly video calls, WhatsApp check-ins, funny voice notes—whatever suits your relationship.
In the early weeks, they might need more contact. Later on, they may drift as they find their feet. That’s a good sign, even if it makes your heart ache a little.
They’re becoming exactly what you raised them to be: independent, resilient, and ready for the world.
A Note on the World in 2025…
International education is changing rapidly, and while opportunities are expanding, the global landscape is shifting too. Some parents might be watching developments in the USA with caution – particularly around international student visas, healthcare access, or campus safety, and this is a concern that you probably should share with your child.
While many American institutions still offer excellent experiences, some families are looking more towards Europe, Asia, and even South America for more stable or affordable options.
As I am writing this, official advice from the UK is not to travel to the USA unless it is essential. This will probably be upsetting to your young person, if they have set their heart on going there, but for now it looks like sound advice.
If it was my child pleading with me to let them go right now, I would be suggesting that they take a gap year, and see how things develop, before committing to study in the USA. They could get some work experience and save some money for their studies. We all have to hope that things will improve there, and that I will be able to remove this paragraph soon.
The good news? The world is more connected than ever, and there are brilliant universities on every continent.
Final Thoughts
Supporting your child to study abroad isn’t just about booking flights or filling out forms. It’s about allowing them to follow their dreams, and trusting them to step into a bigger world, cheering them on as they do.
Yes, it’s emotional, and a little bit painful that they will be so far away. Yes, it’s overwhelming for parents at times. But it’s also an incredible privilege to witness them becoming citizens of the world.
So, get that checklist ready, keep the kettle on standby – and embrace the adventure with them.
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How do you suggest parents handle situations when the student faces unexpected difficulties far from home?
It’s always hard for parents, no matter how far away they are, whether in your own country or another one. It’s difficult to intervene when they have problems, because in theory they are young adults now, and you can’t just barge in and speak for them and sort it all out, like you could when they were at achool.
In the first instance I would suggest that your child goes to the designated welfare people at their university (I would strongly advise your young person to find out where that is when they first join the university, in case of emergencies). Then depending on the nature of the problem, they should contact local medical professionals or other professionals as appropriate.
Ideally as a parent, you should sit back calmly, listen to them and give them suggestions as to how they can seek help themselves – they will learn a lot and gain confidence if they manage to sort the problem out for themself. But we all know our individual children, and sometimes they just can’t do that, in which case, you may need to travel to them or to bring them home. Again this totally depends on the nature and severity of the problem.