Block by Block---In Rome
I recently returned home after visiting my daughter in Rome. Everything I imagined, beautiful, wonderful, fabulous. However here are some things every parent should know. Read on...
Study Abroad??
Before you decide to let your son or daughter study abroad there are definitely some things you should consider. The Universities don’t tell you everything. The following are some things we learned along the way.
1) Apply for your passport early…when your child gets a passport the parents should too. When they get sick or hurt you need to be able to get to them. If you can afford it visit them. The experience is invaluable.
2) Check out the housing site. Find out how close your child will be staying to where classes are. This can add a whole new dimension to the experience. An expensive daily commute in a foreign country may not be worth it. Check out the actual facility. Talk to parents of kids who have seen it. The term university can cover a variety of facilities, many of which you would question.
3) When booking your flight consider how long the lay-over is. A 6 hour layover can break you. Bring a light blanket on the plane; you will use it in your room later. Pack efficiently; you will buy things to bring home.
4) Ask about actual housing. What do they provide? Do they have heat, fans and um bathrooms. Are they safe? Will they live with other students? Does anyone monitor the housing? Or are they on their own. This can be quite a challenge for a 20 year old. Will they be near a grocery store? Will they need a converter or transformer for electronics? Pay special attention to what they need for the computer. Call the company and ask. You don’t want to destroy your computer.
5) How will they get from the airport to the site? What if the flight is late? Is there a back-up phone number for after hour’s arrivals? Be sure to bring some local currency to pay for a cab ride. (Send then with enough to get settled) You will be exhausted and the less you have to think of the better.
6) Is there an emergency contact for the parents? This goes two ways, you might want to check on your child who doesn’t know how to use his international phone card or if something goes amiss at home you need a calm head to be with your child.
7) PHONES! There are many options. Some use their US phone and change their Sim card. Some universities provide them. You may want to arrange for your own. Check out what is most cost effective. Set up certain times to check in with your child.
8) Credit Cards or Debit Cards. Photo copy everything and have a back-up (duplicate cards are valuable). Personal items get lost or stolen. They are hard to replace long distance. The traveler should wear a fanny pack close to them with their passport, i.d.’s and money. Trust me someone will either be pick pocketed or leave their purse somewhere if it is not tied to them. You can scan all documents and e-mail them to yourself; this makes it accessible 24/7.
9) If you can’t afford to replace it leave it at home. Enough said. Budget 1 and1/2 the amount you think you need the euro is expensive now.
10) Your child will get homesick at some point. Probably half way through the semester. If finances allow, visit them. If not send them a care package with American movies and some favorite snacks, Remind them they are very lucky and try not to think about it. E-mail family and neighborhood pictures. Remind them to check www.Beverlytoday.com for neighborhood stuff, so they won’t feel half a world away.
This experience is invaluable for your child. If they are prepared it will be fantastic. However, it doesn’t hurt them to figure out a couple of things along the way. Ciao! - Colleen Suglich
Cara in Rome
This is a friend Cara made while in Rome, her name is Angelina!