II . Preparing Your Child and Yourself
CULTURAL PREPARATION
After helping your child pack all the right clothes , the right documents and budget , you may still feel unprepared to send him / her on exchange . It is then that you have to consider the necessary mental and emotional preparations . All of your family members will go through a range of emotions — excitement , fear , distress at having a family member so far away . Help make your child ' s international exchange experience more successful by understanding your own and your child ' s feelings throughout the experience , starting before the exchange is under way . While considering together the opportunities inherent in international exchange and your child ' s goals , also discuss your concerns and ask about your child ' s concerns .
Both of you should be aware of the cultural and social adjustments that you can expect . The culture that we live in shapes nearly everything throughout our day - the ways in which we understand and analyze our surroundings , what we value , how we do mundane things , what we consider to be appropriate behavior . It is difficult to assess all the effects of a culture when it is all we know , but all of a sudden it becomes very clear when we are trying to function in an unfamiliar culture . It is then that your child is likely to experience what is known as culture shock . You can help your child prepare for immersion in a new culture and what that could mean related to moods , motivation and attitude , by educating them about culture shock .
CULTURE SHOCK AND HOMESICKNESS
Culture shock is a term used to describe the feelings experienced when people have to operate in an unknown cultural or social environment , such as a foreign country . Culture shock is a normal psychological reaction that nearly all international travelers go through - some in mild or others in extreme form . Symptoms can include depression , difficulty sleeping , homesickness , trouble concentrating , an urge to isolate oneself , loss of appetite , and irritation with the host culture . Research has shown that the expectations developed before traveling affect how we react to a new country and culture . Therefore , thorough pre-departure preparations are necessary .
A good way to work through your and your child ' s emotions is to understand one another ' s feelings before the exchange .
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In the weeks before your child departs , YFU encourages you to have open conversations about the possibilities of culture shock and homesickness and allowing them to happen .
Discussing in advance ways to deal with culture shock or handle moments of homesickness will maximize the experience for your child and help alleviate your anxiety .
Reviewing YFU ’ s Policies and Procedures in the Appendix and program-specific materials together is a good way to get conversations flowing . You may also research the host country ’ s culture together , both in written form and by talking with others who have lived there – particularly YFU alumni . Being aware of the ways in which your child may
Study Abroad Family Handbook - 9