International Student Supporters

Watching your child head off to study overseas is a proud moment, but let’s be honest… it can also stir up a lot of anxiety. For many parents, the number one fear isn’t about grades or coursework, it’s the worry that their child might feel lonely, overwhelmed, or unsupported far from home. 

It’s a natural feeling. Being thousands of kilometres away from your child can make you feel powerless. But with a few simple strategies, you can ease that fear while helping your student grow and thrive. 

Understanding the Fear 

As a parent, it’s common to imagine the “what ifs”. What if they get sick and there’s no one to help? What if they struggle to make friends or feel homesick? What if something goes wrong, and you’re not there? 

These fears often come from a place of love. You want your child to be happy, safe, and successful and any distance can feel like a risk. Recognising that these worries are normal is the first step in addressing them. 

Why This Fear Happens 

Distance amplifies uncertainty. You can’t physically see your child every day, and that loss of control can often trigger worry. Knowing that your child is navigating cultural differences, a new environment, and the absence of familiar routines would make any parent anxious. 

But it’s important to remember: feeling worried doesn’t mean something is wrong, it just means you care and there are ways to turn that worry into support rather than stress.  

It’s important you learn to manage and overcome your fear so you don’t project this onto your child. You want your child to start their journey as an international student feeling confident and excited – not stressed or worried!  

How to Overcome the Fear 

Here are some practical ways to stay connected and confident while your child is studying overseas: 

Stay connected without being overbearing 

• Schedule regular check-ins that work for both of you. Short calls or video chats are often enough to keep in touch without interrupting your child’s independence. 

• Share snippets of your life and encourage them to do the same. Small moments, like photos of the family pet or weekend adventures, make the distance feel smaller. 

Encourage independence and resilience 

• Celebrate achievements, no matter how small — a passed exam, a new friend, or a successfully cooked meal. 

• Resist solving every problem for them. Listening and supporting helps them build confidence and problem-solving skills. 

Be informed about support systems 

• Griffith University offers an extensive suite of wellbeing, academic, and safety services. Knowing these resources exist and being able to guide your child to them if needed will give both of you peace of mind. 

Plan for emergencies 

• Make sure your student has travel insurance, local emergency contacts, and knows how to reach help if needed. Being prepared reduces anxiety on both sides. 

Create small, meaningful routines 

• Letters, care packages, or even a shared TV show can become traditions that keep you connected. Little rituals matter more than you might think. 

Reframing the Fear 

Instead of letting fear dominate, try reframing it as a sign of how much you care. Distance can be an opportunity to let your child grow, learn independence, and develop resilience. Being accepted to a university abroad is an incredible achievement, so try to make sure that your pride is more evident than your fear.  

Remember: studying overseas is not just a challenge for your child, it’s a chance for both of you to discover new ways of connecting and supporting each other.  

You’re Part of Their Journey 

Distance may change how you connect, but it doesn’t change the impact of your love and support. With trust, communication, and a few simple routines, you can overcome your fears and help your child make the most of their overseas adventure. 

After all, this chapter is as much about growth for them as it is about the pride and joy you feel as a parent.