From Homesick to Thriving: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Kids Abroad

Your belief in your child, even from a distance, is a powerful motivator. This short but meaningful journey to a summer camp often becomes a formative life experience. Here are a few pointers to give you the confidence in your child.

Navigating the Emotions of a First Time Away

Sending your child to an international summer program can be a meaningful step—one that blends pride with a touch of unease. While these programs offer rich opportunities for growth and learning, they also mark a new level of independence, especially if it’s your child’s first time away from home for an extended period. It’s normal for both parents and children to feel a little uncertain. Your child may feel a mix of excitement and anxiety as they face unfamiliar people, routines, and environments. Recognising these emotions as a natural part of the adjustment process, rather than a sign of something going wrong, can help everyone approach the experience with patience and perspective. With time and support, these early feelings often give way to increased confidence and resilience.

• Gently ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to share more about their day and how they’re feeling, rather than focusing only on problems.
• Reassure them that it’s normal to feel out of place at first, and that many students go through the same adjustment period.
• Encourage small, positive actions, like joining one group activity or trying something new, to help build confidence and connection gradually.

Recognising the Signs of Homesickness

Homesickness doesn’t always look the way you might expect. Rather than obvious distress, it often appears in subtle ways—like pulling back from group activities, seeming unusually quiet or irritable, losing interest in food, or voicing vague complaints about daily routines. These behaviours can be signs of deeper feelings like loneliness or uncertainty. As a parent, it’s important to recognise that these outward signals may reflect an internal struggle. By responding with empathy and calm support, rather than immediate concern or frustration, you can help your child process their emotions and find their footing more confidently.

• Stay calm and reassuring in your responses, letting your child know that it’s normal to feel unsettled at first and that these feelings usually pass.
• Avoid jumping to fix everything immediately—instead, listen attentively and offer gentle encouragement to help them find small, manageable ways to re-engage.
• Keep communication positive and forward-looking, focusing on what they’ve enjoyed so far or are looking forward to, to shift attention toward growth and resilience.

Communication Is Key—But Not Constant

Staying connected with your child during their summer school stay can provide comfort and reassurance, but too much contact can do more harm than good. Daily texts or video calls may feel like a lifeline, but they can also prevent your child from fully engaging with their new environment. Instead, establish a regular but limited communication routine—perhaps a message once a day or a scheduled video call every few days. This structure gives your child stability while encouraging independence. Use these moments to ask about their experiences and celebrate their milestones, helping them stay focused on the adventure rather than the distance from home.

• Agree on a communication schedule before the program begins, so your child knows when they’ll hear from you and can settle into a routine.
• Keep conversations light and encouraging, asking about new activities, friendships, or interesting things they’ve learned to help shift focus away from homesickness.
• Avoid expressing how much you miss them too often, as this can increase feelings of guilt or sadness—instead, remind them how proud you are of their independence and effort.

Trust the Program (And Let Go Gently)

World-class summer schools are not just academic powerhouses—they’re also designed to support emotional wellbeing. Staff are trained to help students through transitions, manage social dynamics, and deal with the ups and downs of being away from home. Most programmes offer dedicated pastoral care, mentors, or house parents who check in regularly and create a sense of community. Trusting in this support network can help ease your own anxieties and allow your child the space they need to grow. Letting go doesn’t mean stepping back entirely—it means shifting from problem-solver to quiet cheerleader, ready to support when needed, but confident in your child’s ability to adapt.

• Familiarize yourself with the program’s pastoral care system before your child departs, so you know who to contact if concerns arise and can trust the support in place.
• Resist the urge to intervene at the first sign of discomfort, and instead give staff the opportunity to guide your child through challenges—they are experienced in supporting young people through adjustment periods.
• Reframe your role as a steady, positive presence, offering encouragement and reminding your child that growth often comes from working through new and sometimes uncomfortable experiences.

Practical Strategies for Supporting Your Child Abroad

Normalize the Nerves Early On

• Talk to your child before they leave about the natural ups and downs of adjusting to a new place. Let them know that feeling homesick doesn’t mean they’re weak or not ready—it means they care. Share stories of times you’ve felt the same way and got through it. Framing homesickness as a common part of personal growth can help them anticipate the feeling without being overwhelmed by it.

Keep Communication Calm and Consistent

• Before the program begins, agree on how and when you’ll stay in touch. Maybe it’s a quick daily message or a call every few days. The key is to provide a dependable rhythm without interrupting their daily routine too much. Reassure them that you’re just a message away, but also express confidence in their ability to thrive. This balance promotes both connection and autonomy.

Focus on Curiosity Over Comfort

• Rather than asking “Are you okay?” or “Do you miss home?” try questions like “What’s something surprising you learned today?” or “Who did you hang out with after class?” These types of prompts shift the focus from what they’ve left behind to what they’re gaining. It helps them stay present in their experience and associate home contact with excitement rather than retreat.

Send a Care Package or Note

• Receiving a familiar item from home can make a big emotional impact. Whether it’s a hand-written card, a small treat, or even a printed photo of the family pet, care packages add a personal touch that says, “We’re thinking of you, and we believe in you.” It’s a comforting boost that doesn’t distract from their experience, but instead enhances it with warmth.

Trust the Programme Staff

• If your child expresses discomfort, it can be tempting to intervene immediately. Instead, reach out to the staff. Trained professionals will have the best insight into how your child is adjusting from their perspective on the ground. They can often reassure you or offer gentle support to your child behind the scenes. Trusting the programme helps keep your own emotions in check and gives your child the space to grow.

Common Mistakes Parents Should Avoid

Over-Checking In

• While your instinct may be to maintain constant contact, this can inadvertently anchor your child to home and prevent them from fully stepping into their new world. Give them the space to immerse themselves in activities, form friendships, and develop independence. Less is more when it comes to communication during the early stages.

Minimizing Their Feelings

• Telling your child to “tough it out” or “just have fun” might seem encouraging, but it can make them feel unheard. Instead, acknowledge that their emotions are valid, then help them reframe those feelings as part of a bigger journey. Support their growth without glossing over their struggles.

Pulling Them Out Too Soon

• It’s understandable to want to rescue your child if they sound distressed, but giving in too quickly can rob them of the chance to overcome adversity. Encourage them to stay for at least a few more days and talk to staff before making any decisions. Most homesickness fades as friendships form and routines settle.

Making it About You

• It’s easy to say how much you miss them, but this can add emotional pressure. Your child may already feel guilty for being away. Instead, share your excitement for them and express pride in their bravery. This helps shift the focus to their achievements, rather than your absence.

Ignoring Prep Work

• Preparing your child before they leave is just as important as what happens while they’re away. Go over what to expect, discuss scenarios they might encounter, and pack together so they feel organised. Setting emotional and logistical expectations in advance reduces anxiety and builds confidence.

Real Experiences from Students Around the World

The first days at summer school can feel daunting—new faces, unfamiliar routines, and life away from home. But time and again, students find that what starts with uncertainty quickly transforms into confidence, friendship, and unforgettable memories. These reflections from real students show how stepping outside their comfort zones led not only to overcoming homesickness but also to thriving—academically, socially, and personally.

Oxbridge Academic Programs

I learned how to be independent in a city, and live (mostly) like a university student
(Oxbridge Academic Programs)

This concise firsthand reflection emphasizes newfound independence and city living—key gains for students in Oxbridge’s immersive Paris program. For more information on Oxbridge Academic look here

Immerse Education

Our mentor team were great, the classes were engaging and the activities were so much fun.
(Immerse education)

This recent review underscores the supportive community and enjoyment students experienced—a clear sign of thriving social bonds. For more information on Immerse Education look here

Bucksmore Education

They stay with their students throughout the day … helping students from around the world feel seen, supported and inspired. A staff  quote from Bucksmore Education 

A staff perspective that reflects strong pastoral support—crucial in combating homesickness and fostering a sense of belonging. For more information on Bucksmore Education look here

Reach Cambridge

I studied at Cambridge University for two weeks… I got to meet people from all over the world, debate… and go punting on the River Cam. (Reach Cambridge)

A student recalls initial adjustment but emphasizes making international friendships and engaging in classic local experiences. For more information on Reach Cambridge look here

Summer Boarding Courses

Students learn the English language, get to know the country, meet international friends and have unforgettable experiences all at the same time. (Summer Boarding Courses, UK)

This broad testimonial highlights both language development and the joy of forging new friendships in a dynamic setting.  For more information on Summer Boarding Courses look here

Aiglon Summer School

A summer of adventure and a taste of life at Aiglon College… a hub of memorable experiences for thousands of international students. (Aiglon Summer School)

Reflects the immersive, community-focused experience in the Swiss Alps that builds connection and confidence. For more information on Aiglon Summer School look here

Summary Takeaway

• Homesickness is natural, but supportive environments and pastoral care help students adapt quickly.
• Friendship & cultural immersion consistently emerge as standout memories across programs.
• Structured activities—from debates to punting—play a significant role in easing transitions and building lifelong bonds.