Persuading Your Parents

Show Them Your Determination
Each situation is unique, but what is most likely to turn your parents into allies is your unwavering commitment to your goals. It makes a difference if they've watched you come to your decision over time. It may be harder to win them over when the idea of study abroad seems to arrive out of thin air. Your parents can usually be convinced by the slow, steady drumbeat of your not-to-be deflected desires. Keep moving toward your goal. Show your parents how serious you are.

Inevitably, Your Parents will have Mixed Feelings about Your Travel Abroad
Parents have always wanted their children to have the things they didn't have. But if your parents haven't studies overseas, or even gotten out of the country more than a few times on vacations, they won't have any direct experience of what you'll be undertaking. With the right spin, you can get that situation working for you.

Dispel Myths and Prejudices
Treat your parents' ideas respectfully, even if they seem out of date. If your parents remember a time when the country you're visiting was a Cold War enemy, part of an "evil empire," gently remind them that the world is changing. Supply hard facts.

Their concerns about your safety and health will be amplified by what they see in the media. You can tell them that war, famine, and genocide are horrible anomalies, not the status quo on the entire African continent, or in the nations of former Yugoslavia, to give just two examples. Despite what we see on television, voters, and not troops, are more likely than ever to herald a change of government in the world's capitals.

Tell your parents that going abroad gives you the opportunity to observe democracy in action - at a safe distance, when necessary.

Keep Talking about Issues like Safety, Health Insurance and Medical Evacuation Insurance
Allay their fears by working with your parents to get health insurance that will cover you in an emergency while you are abroad. One possibility is the insurance offered through the purchase of International Student Identity Care (ISIC). Also, think about another type of insurance, which will whisk you home if your parents feel you're not getting adequate health care in your host country.

Show Them the Money
One of your parent's greatest concerns about your study abroad will involve finances. Plan ahead. Be prepared to answer their questions about the costs of your chosen study abroad program. While planning, it is important to keep in mind that living abroad can be very expensive. In addition, if you plan to travel abroad, this will be an additional expense to include in your planning.

The good news is that if you qualify for federal and/or state financial aid, you may apply the aid to your accredited study abroad program. Scholarships have individual regulations and you will have to determine if your scholarships are transferable. Other sources to explore are scholarship information online, Rotary Scholarships available from your local Rotary Club, or check with your college's financial aid office.

More Tips to Persuade Your Parents:

• Explain how your program outside the United States is vital to your academic and career goals and helps you make a contribution to the future of your own country.
• Deluge your parents with information about where you're going and why it's safe.
• Your parents may be worried that your college education will be derailed if you spend time abroad. Reassure them.
• Share information from professors, advisors, and students who have had positive international experiences. If your peers and their folks will cooperate, encourage parent-to-parent dialogue. Show them the successes and adventures of your peers.