As parents sending your child to live far away from home to a foreign country, you are probably torn between worry, and the hope that this will be an immensely beneficial step for his/her future. When children leave the home for the first time, it is a huge adjustment for parents to make and this can initially be difficult for you.
Many parents also worry about the cultural differences prevailing in the UK , and the influence this may have on their child. However, it is important to realise that your child is now a young adult, and has to make his/her own life choices. Nowadays international telephone calls are not as expensive as they once were, and by keeping in regular contact you can ensure that you continue to be aware of your child’s movements and problems.
Let Contact Sri Lanka help you with the many practical arrangements you will need to make in order to facilitate your child’s journey to the UK .
Tips:
No matter how young your child is, it is never too soon to think about higher education. Higher education will benefit your child. There is no doubt. It will help them to have greater confidence and they will be able to choose from a wider choice of rewarding, professional careers.
Even if you do not think beyond GCSEs or Ordinary level, it will be decision time before you and your child know it. Decisions taken now can help your child along the path of Higher Education. It is therefore worthwhile to be equipped with all the information you need to make the right moves together.
Sit down with your child and find out their interests. You can never force or tell your child what to study. Listening and supporting their decisions can help ease the transition needed most during this life changing experience.
You have to plan and prepare your child’s higher education in a systematic approach.
The first step
GCSEs, your child needs to carry on into further education (FE). They could do A levels or take a job-related vocational course such as an GNVQ, BTEC National Diploma, AVCE or Apprenticeship.
The second step
There are many routes to getting a degree, some direct, others involving a combination of qualifications. The route that is right for your child depends on their FE qualifications and the course they want to do at university. There is something to suit everyone and lots of choice.
Taken full-time, part-time or as a sandwich course, most last three years. Applicants generally need a minimum of two A levels, although it varies.
Sandwich course
Combines work placements with study at university. Leads to a degree and lasts up to four years.
Foundation degree
Covers work-related topics and takes two years of full-time study; can also be done part-time while working. Option to convert to a full degree with further study.
Higher National Diploma/Higher National Certificate (HND/HNC)
Covers a variety of work-related subjects. Last two years, three with a year in industry.
DipHE
Lasts two years and can be combined with professional or vocational qualifications. Can often be converted to a degree with further study. Entry requirements are similar to those for a degree.
Applying
It is your responsibility as a parent, to guide your child through this whole process. Your next course of action is determined by how much planning and preparation you have put in.
As parents sending your child to live far away from home to a foreign country, you are probably torn between worry, and the hope that this will be an immensely beneficial step for his/her future. When children leave the home for the first time, it is a huge adjustment for parents to make and this can initially be difficult for you.
Many parents also worry about the cultural differences prevailing in the UK , and the influence this may have on their child. However, it is important to realise that your child is now a young adult, and has to make his/her own life choices. Nowadays international telephone calls are not as expensive as they once were, and by keeping in regular contact you can ensure that you continue to be aware of your child’s movements and problems.
Let Contact Sri Lanka help you with the many practical arrangements you will need to make in order to facilitate your child’s journey to the UK .
