Career-oriented thinking is essential when preparing your child for studying in the US university
The United States (US) has established itself as one of the top destinations for studying abroad. Universities there have the top QS World University Ranking, attracting more and more Indian students. 12 prestigious American universities are now on the list of the top 20 globally ranked universities. According to the US embassy and consulates in India, the number of student visas issued for Indian citizens broke its all-time high in the fiscal year 2022, at almost 1.25 lakh.
For children going there to study, initially, it may feel overwhelming with respect to settling down in a new country, as the way of living, environment, people, cultures, everything changes. Hence, parents must prepare children well to ensure an enriching academic experience. In view of this, we have listed a few points to consider while preparing to send your child to the US.
Start early: It is important to start preparing well in advance. This includes researching schools, programs, and requirements and planning the necessary application procedures. Parents can start researching higher education in the US when their kid is in the 10th or 11th standard.
College is a fresh chapter: It is crucial to make your child aware that their school life in their home country is one chapter and their college life abroad is a new beginning. Motivate them to be ready to handle unfamiliar situations. It will aid in their personal and professional growth.
Think outside of the ranks: Research the schools and programs that interest your child and match their academic and personal goals. Rankings often prioritize certain factors, such as research output or academic reputation, which may not align with your child's goals and needs. It's important to consider factors like program offerings, location, campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, size, academic rigour, and available resources to ensure that it fits your child's individual objectives and requirements.
Plan for finances: The cost of tuition and living expenses in the US can be quite high, and parents should be prepared to cover these expenses. It's important to research the cost of living in the area where your child will be studying, including housing, food, transportation, and other expenses, and to plan for finances early on. Parents should research the scholarship, grants, and financial aid opportunities available to their child, both from the university and external sources, and create a budget to cover living expenses accordingly so the child's study abroad experience is financially sustainable. Career-oriented thinking Helping your child to look at the wider picture is one of the best things you can do for them. Career-oriented thinking is essential when preparing your child for studying in the US. By helping them understand the bigger picture and keeping their ultimate goal in mind, you can mentally prepare them for the upcoming changes. Emphasize the importance of goal setting and being goal-oriented in their decision-making process. Research different schools and courses together, considering the career training and placement services offered by each institution. Consider cultural adjustments: Encourage your child to embrace and enjoy learning about American customs, traditions, social norms, and values as they prepare to study in the US. Training in life skills: Encouraging children to learn life skills when studying in the US can enhance their adaptation and success in their new environment. These skills foster self-sufficiency and independence, including cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and time management. By acquiring these abilities, children gain confidence, control, and resilience to overcome the challenges of relocating to a different country.
(The writer is Regional Director- South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education)
