Dear Parents,
Study abroad is a life-changing experience. Fostering maturity and independence, developing cross-cultural perspective, enhancing foreign language ability and generating global experience in a competitive job market are all important reasons to encourage study abroad as a part of a well-rounded 21st century education. At Antioch Education Abroad (AEA), we understand that excitement for your sons’ and daughters’ experiential education is paired with concern for their health and well-being. You can visit our “Health and Safety Information for Parents” page for detailed information, but rest assured that your child’s well-being is our top priority.
In case you don’t already know, you should be aware that culture shock and homesickness are common aspects of the study abroad experience. All program participants, regardless of maturity, previous travel abroad or prior knowledge will initially experience some degree of culture shock upon arrival in a new country. This phenomenon can be characterized by periods of elation, frustration, and even mild depression before students gain confidence in their new surroundings and begin to adjust. Please don’t be alarmed if your student is experiencing any of these symptoms of culture shock. It will get better and our Directors are available to advise and support your child. Homesickness often occurs two-three months into a program. As parents, you can help reduce homesickness by emailing, writing, and calling your student regularly. SKYPE is one way to communicate inexpensively and requires computer access and minimal additional equipment. (This form of communication may not be applicable for students participating in certain programs.)
Though email is an increasingly regular form of communication, we encourage you to additionally send hand-written notes, newspaper clippings, cards, and photos. We also recommend asking other family members to write. AEA will provide you with full contact information for all program locations prior to your sons’ and daughters’ departure, though be aware that a delay in the arrival of mail during periods of high travel is possible. The result of regular communication is two-fold: it both lessens homesickness while the student is abroad and helps them prepare for the inevitable changes that occur while overseas, aiding their re-acclimation to living in the United States again.
Overall, participation on an AEA program can be one of the most rewarding aspects of an undergraduate education, shaping an expanded worldview through the integration of rigorous study, cross-cultural perspective and hands-on education. At AEA, we welcome all of your questions and concerns, and we are here to support you, as well as your sons and daughters. Please visit our other links for Parents, which can be found in the box on the right side of this page. We look forward to talking with you about any questions you have, and we thank you for considering all that Antioch Education Abroad has to offer.
Sincerely,
AEA Faculty and Staff