As an only child and the daughter of immigrant parents, studying abroad was a daunting idea for me. Especially since I had only completed my first semester of freshman year when I decided to apply. Everything around me felt big and uncertain. At the same time, one thought kept me going: the fact that this opportunity even existed for me at UT. The chance to study abroad felt like a privilege I could not pass up.
If you are considering going abroad, it is important to consider your parents’ well-being, too. That does not mean you should not take this opportunity. Just consider all the possible consequences first. Then, take a few deep breaths, go for it!
Studying abroad is an amazing opportunity. Still, navigating that conversation with parents can be one of the hardest parts. Here are a few tips and tricks that I used to prepare my parents and myself for when I left.
Talk to Them
Being a parent is scary, and having a child go abroad is even scarier. Open communication makes all the difference. I made sure to explain what my program entailed, the safety measures in place, and what excited me the most. I showed my parents the program page and talked them through the details about the country I would be living in. I even let them take a virtual tour of the university with me. The more informed they were, the more comfortable and excited my parents became.
Make Connections
I was accepted into a faculty-led program (shout out to Dr. Love!), which meant I would be traveling with other UT students. Even before departure, I connected with my cohort during predeparture orientation. I met other students whose parents shared similar concerns, and we exchanged numbers so our families could stay in touch if needed.
Because I was traveling with a UT professor, I also shared my concerns with Dr. Love. He kindly offered to share his contact information with my parents, as well. Even though they never needed to use it, simply knowing they had another point of contact gave them peace of mind.
Establish a Schedule
Before I even went abroad, I promised I would stay in contact, promising to send them photos of all my excursions and setting up a schedule for when to call. The time difference can be hard to keep track of, so it is very important to set a schedule beforehand.
Also, my parents and I are big fans of the location-tracking app Life360. They were able to see my location and check up on me whenever they wanted, which was also very helpful for me because I could do the same.
At the end of the day, being a parent is stressful, especially when your child is heading off to college and then across the world. It helps to remember that even if they seem overbearing or overly worried, it usually comes from a place of love. Parents want to support you. Keeping communication open and reassuring them along the way can make all the difference — for them and for you.
This blog was contributed by Hannah Shaikh, Peer Mentor for Spring 2026. Hannah is a sophomore studying public relations. She participated in the faculty-led Pro-Social Public Relations study abroad program in Dublin, Ireland, in May 2025.
