DCs studying abroad this year - support for us at home!

[NCTDN]

Thought this might be useful. DD is off to Austria next month.

Such a great opportunity to study abroad.

@HPFA DD was in PJM with four males and a girl who moved out at Christmas. She's living with one of the boys next year, hardly ever saw two of them and will be happy if she never sees the other one again. She loved her room even if her housemates were a bit antisocial/strange

DD did a placement year in the US ( well one term working for the US university in the UK then 6 months in the US). US definitely more expensive than UK for everyday living. Over the counter medications such as ibuprofen are much more expensive there. She set up an on-line account with Starling bank which worked well. Medical insurance was expensive as she was obliged to use the University scheme for her time there. ( there are schemes that you can join but in her case it was compulsory to use their scheme). She travelled with one large suitcase, carry-on and small back-pack, but came back with 2 large cases! Bedding and other stuff was ordered in advance on Amazon to be delivered on her arrival day. She bought wash products etc when she arrived ( just took travel sizes ones). She had a dual sim phone and bought an unlimited data US sim which she paid per month for. She did need to make some local calls while she was there. At the end of her placement a sibling went to visit her and they holidayed for a week and it meant she had help bringing back the extra luggage. DD had a fantastic experience and I hope all your DC do too.

DD had a meeting Tuesday to find out her uni in the UK told her the wrong information. She needs health insurance which they said was covered through uni. Now found out it is €70 pm.

It may be that her travel insurance (for emergencies) is covered but not regular healthcare.

For all those with DC studying abroad, how does one organise this?

It was the 1990s and I went to study abroad for a year. No mobiles, WhatsApp etc, just phone calls from a pay phone, letters, and guess what, it was absolutely fine!

I was homesick for the first couple of weeks but just got on with it and it was the best year of my life! I missed everyone of course but was so busy meeting so many amazing people from all over the world, fantastic social life yet worked hard.

Luggage was hard, but you realise just how little you need and buy stuff there. I went by ferry so carried a backpack and suitcase, yes all on my own, it wasn't that hard.

Parents, please just let your kids enjoy the experience and try not to worry so much. Easy said I know. X

Which bit? Or the whole thing?

Totally agree, from same experience. I went alone by ferry and train with same luggage. A weekly phone call home from a pay phone. And definitely no need to be smothered by air fryers and soft furnishings...

@Megthehen my younger DD spent 4 months out in Japan as part of her science degree. It should have been 9/10 months but due to Covid restrictions in 2021, she wasn't able to get a visa until March 2022. She graduated in the summer and is around for another couple of weeks if you have any questions.