The successful study abroad program begins before your student has even left his or her home country. Parents should use the time between when their student decides to study abroad and when their student actually departs for China wisely.

One of your first priorities will be securing your child’s passport and Visa. Your child must secure a student Visa through the Chinese Embassy. The study abroad agency will provide you with more information regarding this process. When you apply for your student Visa, be prepared to provide:

• Student Visa application form.
• Letter of enrollment in the hosting school.
• Physical exam form filled out by a physician.

If you or your student are of Chinese descent or were formerly Chinese citizens, you may be asked to file additional paperwork, including copies of your original Chinese Visa.

In most cases, you will need both the original documents and copies of the documents. You will want to make sure that you have at least two copies of everything. You will find the forms you need in the student packet from your study abroad program.

Your child will also want to obtain a US passport, if they do not already have one. You can pick up the application for a US Passport at any local Post Office. Alternately, you can print out the necessary forms from the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html

Choosing Classes and Earning Academic Credit
Before studying abroad, it is important that your student checks with the administration or academic counselor at their high school or college to know which subjects he or she can expect to receive credit for. Most colleges and school districts are willing to work with students who participate in study abroad programs, but you will want to make sure you understand which classes will apply towards graduation and which ones (if any) will not.

While there isn’t anything wrong with taking a class that will not be accepted for academic credit in your student’s home country, this is a decision which should be entered into with a full understanding of what that means. Fortunately, most students have little trouble receiving academic credit for the courses they take while studying abroad as long as they have them approved through their school guidance counselor before leaving the United States.

When studying abroad, it is highly recommended that your student take at least one class on the history, literature or government of the host country. Doing so will enhance your student’s understanding of and appreciation for the host country and will make the entire experience more enriching.

While the vast majority of students studying abroad return to their home country before graduation, it may also be possible to graduate while in China. If this is something that interests your son or daughter, you will want to check into the feasibility of this in advance. The study abroad program’s representatives can obtain this information for you.

Packing
Once all of the arrangements have been made and your student’s departure data is nearing closer, it’s time to help your son or daughter pack their bags. When packing for studying abroad in China, the first thing to consider is the length of the trip. Those staying for a full semester or year-long program will want to take enough clothing to last through a full year. Many students will buy some clothing while they are there, but you certainly don’t want your student arriving in a foreign country without adequate clothing.

You will want to be aware of the weather in your student’s host city. The weather is very different in Southern China than it is in Beijing. You will also want to keep in mind the time of year that your son or daughter will be studying abroad in China, and make sure that they pack appropriate clothing for the season. Again, this is information which your study abroad organization’s representatives should be able to provide you with.

Your student will also want to bring along some personal effects. Photo albums with pictures of your family and your student’s friends can be comforting while living and studying far from home. You might want to suggest them, if your son or daughter doesn’t pack these items on their own.

Regardless of how you intend to communicate once your child is in China, it’s a good idea to send an international telephone calling card for the trip. That way, if your child needs to contact you or the study abroad organization’s representative for any reason while en route to the destination, he or she will be able to do so.

Check with your study abroad organization’s representative regarding any items which should not be brought with you. Some items may be frowned upon (or even illegal) in the host country, and others may violate your exchange program’s policies.

Travel Arrangements: Getting There and Getting Around on a Budget
It almost goes without saying that you will want to budget in the cost of your child’s round trip airfare to China. Most exchange students and their parents have already considered such costs. What many students and parents fail to do, however, is to make plans regarding incidental travel expenses. Your student will want to eat and have refreshments while traveling. There’s also the option of studying around China during your child’s time abroad. One of the best ways to determine how much to budget for these kinds of expenses is to ask other exchange students who have recently returned.

You will also want to discuss a weekly budget for your child’s stay in China. One of the big mistakes that many international students make is spending most of the money their parents have afforded them within the first few weeks in the host country. It is important that your son or daughter understands exactly how much you intend to provide him or her to spend per week. This is especially important if you plan on providing a credit card for your student. Consult with returning exchange students and the study abroad program regarding how much you should budget for your child while living in China.

Preparing for the Transition
It has been well said that even the best made plans fall apart in real life scenarios. There is no way to be fully prepared for the transition from living in one country to another. Your student is going to experience some culture shock, homesickness, and other trepidation when he arrives in China. This is normal.

The best way to prepare for transition is to simply be aware that there will likely be bumps in the road. Try to help your child relax as much as possible leading up to this exciting time in his or her life. Make sure that she is able to contact you if she needs to and that she knows how to get in touch with her study abroad organization’s representatives.

Do your best to familiarize yourself with your student’s host country, and encourage him to read as much about their culture and traditions as he can, while still understanding that part of the richness of the experience of studying abroad is the immersion in a culture that is different that our own.

Next Step China has created the following guide to help parents feel comfortable about having their child study abroad in China. Please view the topics below for more guidance.

Studying Abroad in China: A Guide for Parents

The Benefits of Studying Abroad

Why and Where in China to Study Abroad?

Where to Start: Choose a Program for Studying Abroad

Is Next Step China the Right Study Abroad Program for Your Son or Daughter?

Student Responsibilities While Studying in China

Before the Student Departs: Preparing Your Student to Successfully Study Abroad in China

In China: What You and Your Child Can Expect

Other Opportunities While in China

What Life Will Be Like for Your Child While in China

Studying Abroad With Next Step China