When your child tells you that they’re thinking about moving abroad, you’re first reaction might not be excitement.
Your first reaction might be a row of questions, such as: Is it safe? Will they be okay? What if something goes wrong?
Those are very valid concerns.
We have worked with hundreds of candidates moving abroad & we have also spoken to a lot of parents along the way. Let us share what we think you should know.
What most parents worry about
- Is it safe where they’re going?
- Will they be able to support themselves?
- Are they going alone?
- What happens if they don’t like it?
- Is the job legit?
These concerned questions don’t stem from a place of negativity. These concerns come from wanting to protect what is the dearest to you.
What actually happens in most cases
Naturally, every experience will be different, but there are some clear patterns that we see.
Most candidates:
- Settle in faster than expected
- Build new routines within a few weeks
- Connect with other people in similar situations
- Grow in confidence quickly
Still… It doesn’t mean that it’s always easy & especially not in the first weeks. This is however also a part of the process.
The part that’s often underestimated
Moving abroad isn’t just about the job, it’s about learning how to:
- Handle new situations
- Solve problems independently
- Build a life from scratch
These things can be very hard to develop without stepping outside of what is familiar.
What if it doesn’t work out?
Moving abroad doesn’t have to be a permanent decision (it rarely is). All roles come with support & returning home is always an option. What matters the most is that your child gets the opportunity to try for themselves.
Most people we help moving abroad end up having a fantastic experience that they will remember for life. For applicants who are finding a gap year abroad with us, it is rare to leave prematurely. However, it is always an option to go home again.
Safety & support
In most structured relocation roles (like the ones we work with), candidates will receive:
- Help with relocation (flight + hotel & more)
- Support during the onboarding
- Guidance with settling in
- A consultant from Next Job Abroad holding their hand throughout the whole process (& after)
No candidate will ever be left alone to “figure everything out”.
Final thoughts
It’s natural and understandable to worry when your child is making a big decision. But moving abroad is rarely “leaving everything behind”… It’s more about building something new.
In many cases, it’s one of the experiences that shapes them the most.
