After around six months of studying abroad, many parents begin to wonder:
“Is my child really making progress?”
However, progress while studying abroad is not reflected only in academic results. There are many changes that parents in Vietnam may find difficult to notice because they cannot directly see their child’s daily life.
Instead of only asking, “How are your grades?” or “How much money are you earning?”, parents can look at the following signs.
-
Can your child handle things that they previously needed their parents to do?
This is one of the clearest signs of growing independence.
After six months, your child may be able to:
-
Use public transport independently.
-
Complete necessary procedures.
-
Visit a doctor when they are unwell.
-
Shop for and prepare the things they need for daily life.
-
Contact their school, accommodation or workplace when problems arise.
-
Organise their study, work and rest schedules.
These tasks may seem ordinary for an adult, but for a young person living away from home for the first time, they represent important steps towards independence.
-
Has your child’s language ability improved?
Parents do not necessarily need to focus on which language certificate their child has achieved.
Instead, look at practical situations:
-
Can your child communicate independently in everyday situations?
-
Can they communicate with teachers or managers?
-
Can they make a phone call or ask for information when necessary?
-
Can they understand basic instructions in daily life?
-
Do they actively use the language instead of waiting for someone else to help?
The ability to use a language in everyday life often reflects progress more clearly than simply memorising knowledge from textbooks.
-
Has your child become better at managing money?
This is another area parents should pay attention to.
After six months, does your child know:
-
What expenses they need to cover for tuition and daily living?
-
How much they need each month for accommodation, food and transport?
-
How to manage income from part-time work?
-
How to save part of their income instead of spending it all?
-
How to proactively tell their family when they face financial difficulties?
Parents should not only look at how much money their child sends home.
A young person may earn a considerable amount but still lack financial management skills. What matters more is whether they understand the value of money and take responsibility for their spending.
-
Does your child know how to solve problems independently?
Previously, when faced with a problem, your child may have immediately called you.
After six months, look at whether this has changed.
For example, when they lose something, have a problem at school, do not understand a procedure or face difficulties in daily life, can they:
-
Find out where to get information?
-
Know whom to ask for help?
-
Contact their school or the relevant person in charge?
-
Think of a solution before calling their parents?
If your child starts saying, “I’ll try to deal with this first,” that can be a positive sign of growing independence.
-
Does your child take responsibility for their actions?
Studying abroad means taking on more personal responsibility.
Parents can observe whether their child:
-
Attends school on time.
-
Follows the rules of their school and accommodation.
-
Completes assigned tasks.
-
Knows how to apologise and correct mistakes.
-
Takes responsibility for the consequences instead of blaming others.
These are valuable skills that will remain useful long after the child finishes studying abroad.
-
Has your child developed a more stable health and daily routine?
After six months, parents can ask about:
-
Sleep.
-
Eating habits.
-
Study and work schedules.
-
Rest time.
-
How they look after themselves when they are ill.
A young person who knows how to take care of themselves, rest when necessary and seek medical attention when they have a health problem is also making progress.
-
Is your child more open when talking about life abroad?
Some parents assess their child’s situation simply by whether they call home frequently.
In reality, the quality of the conversations also matters.
If your child begins to talk more openly about:
-
What they have learned.
-
Difficulties they have managed to overcome.
-
Friends and their new environment.
-
Things they want to improve.
-
Plans for the next stage.
these can be signs that they are gradually adapting to their new life.
-
Don’t only ask: “How much money are you earning?”
This is a question many parents naturally care about, especially when their child is studying and working at the same time.
However, after six months, parents should look at the bigger picture.
Try asking:
“What have you learned after six months?”
“What can you do by yourself now that you previously needed us to help with?”
“Was there something you were very worried about but eventually managed to solve yourself?”
“What would you like to improve over the next six months?”
These questions help parents understand their child’s development rather than focusing only on immediate results.
-
After six months, look at how your child has changed, not just at one number
Every young person adapts at a different pace.
Some improve quickly in language. Others become more independent. Some may experience many difficulties at first but gradually learn how to solve problems on their own.
Therefore, what matters is comparing your child with who they were six months ago.
If your child is better at looking after themselves, communicating, managing money, taking responsibility and seeking help at the right time, these are all signs worth recognising.
Studying abroad is not only about achieving a language certificate or completing an academic programme. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience is helping young people become more mature and capable of taking responsibility for their own lives.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Songda Tohoku Joint Stock Company
Address: L02-L01, Area A, Duong Noi Urban Area, Duong Noi Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline: 0989 044 852
Email: tohokusongda2014@gmail.com
Website: https://tohoku.vn