The Experiment in International Living can be a trip of a lifetime for students. But we know that in many ways, it can also be a “journey” for parents.
Last summer, Tricia Ashby’s daughter, Amirah, went on South Korea: Korean Language & Culture program, and Meg K.’s daughter, Maya, went on Spain: Spanish Language through the Arts program. For both, this was the first time as a parent with a student in a study abroad program.
We reached out to them, and here’s what they had to say about studying abroad, the program, and advice they would share with future Experiment families.
What was most exciting about the idea of your child studying abroad?
Tricia: The most exciting thing for me was the idea of her being fully immersed in something new. It seems so thrilling. The other thing was the connection forged with the other students. I am sure going through such an adventure together brings out the best in people and creates lifelong memories and friendships.
Meg: The most exciting part for us was knowing our daughter would learn so much through international travel: about people, herself, art, and culture. Entering the program, she only had one year of ninth-grade Spanish. She met challenges around language acquisition by taking risks, pushing herself and her comfort, and thinking outside the box. Initially nervous about meeting her host family, she formed very close bonds and loved learning about Spanish art and culture through travel, her homestay, and hands-on experience.
Tricia and her daughter Amirah.
How did you keep in contact with your child while they were abroad?
Tricia: I kept in contact with my Experimenter with Wi-Fi via her phone. It was fairly easy. The emails were nice but just getting a Wi-Fi package was worth it. It gave us both peace of mind.
Meg: Our daughter stayed in touch with us through texts, WhatsApp, and posts on Instagram where she shared images of herself, her host family, friends, art, architecture, and the countryside. We were fortunate to meet and thank her host family on a single call, just before the program ended. They were so lovely, and our daughter maintains a close friendship with her host sisters.
What was it like when your child returned? How did you support their reintegration into American life?
Tricia: It was great having her back. The days were long, but the month was short. She was a new person, and the world was bigger now. She learned that she could do so much more and that she could stand on her own. She definitely missed her friends and host family, but I encourage her to keep in touch with them as much as possible.
Meg: On returning to the [United] States, our daughter was very happy and seamlessly reintegrated. Before and after traveling abroad, we talked about culture shock, the importance of rest, and naming and moving through feelings of disorientation. Once home, she talked about her experiences, her host family, and the warmth and beauty she encountered in Spain. We show our support through listening, asking questions, and appreciating how much she has grown and changed.
Experimenters on an excursion in Spain last summer.
What advice or tips would you give to other parents whose child is considering studying abroad or are about to embark on their trip?
Tricia: I say, “Do it!” But first and foremost, know if your child is ready to be on their own and mature enough to handle being alone. There are obviously varying levels of maturity, but it takes more than wanting to see the world. Your kid has to be someone who is genuinely curious and nonjudgmental. Wherever they land will not be like home, and they will need to want to see how others do things, not tell them how they do it at home.
I wholeheartedly support the experience of The Experiment in International Living. It will 100% change your child for the better. You lend them your baby for a month, and they send them back more curious, helpful, and confident.
Experimenters learning about traditional music in South Korea last summer.
Meg: The best piece of advice I can offer fellow parents is to keep lines of communication completely open and to trust World Learning and your own daughter or son to respond to whatever challenges they meet, with the understanding the reward rests with cultural exchange, freedom, and greater knowledge and independence in the world.
Before they leave, talk with your daughter and son about the program, their expectations, hopes, fears, and anticipated challenges. Listen to their answers, offer advice and guidance, and encourage them to seek support from World Learning or their host family if a problem arises. Encourage them to take risks, ride out feelings of homesickness, and respect and be open to new people, experiences, and points of view. When they return, listen to their stories, at their own pace of telling, see a part of the world through their eyes, and be open to whatever comes next.
Have questions about your child doing The Experiment? Email info@experiment.org, and someone will be happy to help!
Editor’s Note: Spain: Spanish Language through the Arts program is currently not being offered at this time.
