Parents

Benefits of High School Study Abroad

Supporting your child as he or she embarks on a High School Study Abroad program gives your child the opportunity to explore the world, grow as an individual and learn more about him or herself. Through your encouragement to participate in an exchange program, your child will also build self-esteem, become more independent, benefit from increased confidence, and gain a competitive edge when applying to university and eventually securing employment.

Challenge for Parents

The greatest challenge of an exchange experience is often faced by the natural parents. They struggle to both protect their child and let them grow and learn independently. AYUSA Study Abroad is here to provide assistance and reassurance as needed to make this transition easier.

Host Family

We believe host families are an important component of a successful high school study abroad experience. Typically, host families are volunteers whose decision to host a U.S. or Canadian student is based on a genuine desire to participate firsthand in an international exchange experience. It is always a good idea to have your child bring a small gift for the host family at the beginning of the program.

Support & Emergencies

AYUSA operates a 24-hour emergency number to support our students and parents if the need arises. AYUSA works closely with parents to keep them informed of any problems that may come up during their child's program. Your child will also have the support of a local representative in his or her host country.

Culture Shock & the Cycle of Cultural Adjustment

It is important that you read the student handbook and join the Pre-Departure Orientation conducted by AYUSA so that you can understand and recognize the phases and symptoms of Culture Shock. You will be able to support your child much better through the challenges of cultural adjustment if you know the signs.
In general, the best way you can help your child to overcome culture shock is by encouraging him or her to share his or her feelings with the host family and become more involved in host family life, school, and community activities. Although speaking with family and friends back home may provide initial comfort, this is only temporary and can prevent further adjustment and assimilation into the host culture.

Visits from Parents

Many parents have contemplated visiting their son or daughter during their High School Study Abroad program -- what a wonderful opportunity to visit and explore another country! While we understand how tempting it is, especially during holidays, it is AYUSA's policy to allow visits from family only at the end of the program. Our programs are designed to be full cultural immersion programs. Part of this process involves adjusting to new surroundings and getting past homesickness. We have found that visits from parents or friends in the middle of the program are very disruptive to the acculturation process, and students often regress back to earlier stages of adjustment. For this reason we do not allow visits mid-program. You will have regular contact with your child through email, letters and phone calls, and we encourage families to visit their son/daughter at the end of the program.

Key Documents

Please make sure to keep copies of your child's passport, visa, airline tickets, credit cards, traveler's check numbers, and insurance forms. This will speed the process should any of these items need to be replaced or cancelled.