Even though students are thousands of miles away, there are still ways in which parents and family members can support their student while they're abroad:
Stay Informed
Parents and family members are encouraged to find out more about their student’s host country and to stay informed about current events in the country and region. Gaining more knowledge about the destination may help to answer questions and address concerns.
Communication
Online communication via e-mail, Skype, social media, etc. can be easy if both the family and the student have access to the internet. However, it is important to understand that internet access in Spain may not be as readily available as it is in the U.S. Furthermore, daily online contact is not always recommended; encourage students to limit their time communicating home and set a weekly “date” to Skype, e-mail.
Follow our SAIIE Social Media
You can follow your students experience through pictures and videos on our social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saiieseville/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/saiiesevilla
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saiiesevilla/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SAIIESevilla
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/saiie-sevilla
Students blogs: https://www.saiie.com/blogs
Visiting Students Abroad
For families who want to visit their student abroad, SAIIE recommends arranging visits to coincide with vacation times or after the program has ended. Then students do not have to make the difficult choice between academic work and having fun showing visitors their host country and culture.
Culture Shock
All students, regardless of maturity, previous experience abroad, or knowledge of the country in which they will be living, experience some degree of culture shock. Culture shock is a term used to describe some of the more pronounced reactions to spending an extended period of time in a culture very different from their own.
Culture shock can be characterized by periods of frustration, adjustment, and even depression. The worst homesickness often occurs two to three months after students leave home, and it is common for students to call or write home more during moments of low morale. Consequently, families often picture a more negative situation than actually exists. There is no one way to experience culture shock. It may be acute or barely noticeable. Parents may find it returns once again after they thought their student had already passed through all the stages or may not even be aware that the student is going through culture shock or to what extent. Simply be aware that culture shock exists, that it will probably affect the student in one way or another, but that it does not last forever. Culture shock can be a very valuable experience, which can leave people with broader perspectives, deeper insight into themselves, and a wider tolerance for other people.