Of all the issues, moving away from our families and our children, or even moving them thousands of miles away from “home” is undoubtedly hard. Leaving our familial supports, our parents, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles, and all the people who share parenthood with us, can be one of the most difficult challenges of studying abroad.
From our peers with families we learn about challenges we may face, for example, if our countries suffer civil strive, natural disasters, or even health issues, or so many other unexpected issues. Foremost is the decision that we all made to be further our studies, and the hope that this degree is a long-term investment.
On the one hand, those of us who come on our own, face the challenge of studying while worrying about those we left behind, on the other, if they came, then we are faced the challenge of helping them adjust to their new surroundings and the stress that may cause on our relationships. There are no easy choices. We need to remember that we are not the first to face these challenges and be willing to ask for support from our peers who have had, or are going through similar experiences.
In this section we hear from Angela and how she has managed to call upon a vast cross-section of resources and invested of herself in trying to make home where your family is.
