When you sent your child off on their flight to study medicine, you were bursting with pride and hope, but also feeling a little heartbroken. The following months brought many video chats that were never long enough to feel completely satisfied, countless text messages sent at all hours due to a time difference, and endless worrying about whether or not your child was thriving so far away. Now, you have made plans to see your child in person, witness how they are living, strengthen your connection through an in-person visit, and make wonderful memories together during this part of their journey. This guide was created to help you navigate through the many aspects of preparing to visit your child who is studying abroad, including planning, preparing emotionally for your trip, and finding opportunities to bond.
As you begin planning your visit, you need to pay attention to the timing of your trip as well as other logistics of travel. To guarantee the best experience during your time spent with your child studying abroad, you will want to consider everything (including your own needs) and plan with your child’s academic obligations and emotional state in mind before leaving for your trip.
Choosing the Right Time
Timing is essential. Visiting while your child is in their examination periods, starting a new clinical rotation, or going through stressful times in their academic career places even more pressure on your child; therefore, it is best to visit according to their academic calendar to ensure as much time spent together as possible.
Ideal visiting periods include
- During mid-semester breaks: Most medical schools & colleges will offer their students a week off midway through the semester when there are generally fewer academic obligations.
- Holidays (Christmas and summer): These breaks will provide an opportunity for unhurried time with one another as a family; however, many children may decide to travel or go home for holiday breaks.
- After final examinations: After taking these, many children will experience a sense of relief and then will look forward to time spent with family.
At the beginning of the academic year, when parents visit at this time, it allows parents to offer emotional support to their children as they adjust to living away from home and gives parents a chance to verify how their child is living.
Avoid during these periods
- Exam week & just before any major examination
- When there are significant clinical rotations or other practical clinical assessments coming up
- At the beginning of a semester, students will need to orient themselves and be able to transition smoothly into the new semester
When your child has requested specifically not to receive visitors because of their academic workload.
Visa and Documentation Requirements
Most visitors need a visa to go to other countries, although the wait times can vary wildly from place to place, so please be sure to get started on your application 2-3 months in advance of departure to give plenty of time for any delays or requests for more documentation.
The minimum requirements for applying for a visitor visa typically include:
- Valid passports (make sure your passport does not expire within six months of travelling)
- Completed visa application forms
- One to two passport-sized photographs that meet specific requirements
- Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself while visiting
- Itinerary of expected travel, including return flights
- Emergency medical insurance
- An invitation letter from your child (if applicable to the destination country)
- Proof of your child’s status as a student (activation notice of student status from their school)
- Proof of accommodation in the foreign country (hotel/booked or if staying with your child)
Several countries allow you to apply for visas on arrival or an e-visa, which simplifies the application process, while others will require an interview at a local embassy or consulate. Make sure to conduct thorough research of the specific requirements for the country you will visit, and be sure to use the help of a professional visa service if you feel overwhelmed with the application process.
Duration of Stay
The amount of time you can spend with your child when you visit them must consider the need for extended time together, while at the same time allowing your child enough time to continue their academic lifestyle and maintain some elements of their independence.
For a first-time visit or if you are travelling to see your child over a long distance, it is recommended that you stay for a period of two to three weeks, allowing for a meaningful connection and providing your child with an adequate amount of time to maintain their scheduled activities. You will have the opportunity to adjust to your child’s schedule, as well as take the time to explore your child’s city, meet their friends, and give your child plenty of time to spend on their own.
A shorter visit of one week would work best for mid-semester check-ins, allowing you to spend quality time together without disrupting your child’s schedule too much. A very short visit of 3-4 days could be considered too rushed to be worth the effort of making such a long-distance trip; however, it may be suitable to consider if you are already travelling in the same area for other purposes.
Do not plan to have your child have you visit for an indefinite or extremely long time (more than a month) unless your child has specifically requested to do so and has a legitimate amount of free time available for you both to spend time together. Please remember that young adults are beginning to feel independent of their parents, so it can be a difficult time for them to reconcile both feelings of missing you and wanting to be independent. Therefore, it is important to be understanding of this developmental period of time while at the same time providing your child with the necessary support to achieve that balance.
Financial Planning
The cost of travelling internationally can be a heavy financial burden, so make sure you are aware of it when planning your trip. Make sure your budget considers:
- Flights — Book as far in advance as possible so that you can purchase at better rates; Flexible tickets would also be an option due to the chance that you may have to change your dates.
- Accommodation — Would you like to stay at your child’s home (if permitted), rent an apartment nearby, or book a hotel?
- Daily expenses — Meals, transportation, attractions, activities, and miscellaneous purchases;
- Gifts/Supplies — Most Parents will bring with them something special from home for their child, so be careful, as this may add significant weight to your luggage as well as increase the cost of your flight.
- Emergency cushion — Always have extra funds available for any unforeseen expense or opportunity that may arise during your trip.
Prior to leaving for your trip, lay the groundwork with your child about what they can expect to spend while visiting you, as well as any contributions they may wish to provide for their visit. Communication before your trip will ensure a smooth and enjoyable time together with minimal stress!
Education Orbit Counselling and Link
Education Orbit Counselling and Link helps families navigate a complex process.
We provide help understanding what to expect from their children while studying abroad, staying in touch regularly, how to support their child while they are away, and managing the logistics of travel to visit them during their studies. Their experienced educational consultants have successfully assisted thousands of families through the process of sending their child to study medicine abroad and offer valuable insight into addressing the challenges created by this experience.
For assistance with your child’s MBBS studies abroad, contact Education Orbit Counselling and Link (EOCL India).
