How to Study Abroad as a Single Parent

Many single mothers dream of returning to school. We have some who wish to travel abroad for their studies. However, considering their kids, they often find it difficult to push their study abroad dreams ahead.

Some single parents don't want to leave their kids behind and travel, while others have no support system that can help them. However, Pay4Me don't advise single parents to give up their educational dreams.

Everyone desires the best things in life, especially studying abroad, to improve their lives and give their kids the best education. 

Today, some countries have excellent support systems for single parents who want to advance in their careers. Having a child must not stop you from studying abroad, but you must be mentally, financially, and physically fit to take this life opportunity. 

Tips To Relocate With Your Kids as an International Student

You need to equip yourself with the correct information and effort to overcome common challenges associated with studying abroad with your kid(s). You must consider these challenges if you don't want to get stuck trying to find a balance between your studies and parental obligations.

Accommodation

You may not live on-campus with your kids abroad. Therefore, you should make accommodation a top priority before you leave Nigeria. As an adult, it is easier to compromise comfort for the future during your study abroad.

However, kids cannot compromise because they have needs that should be met. They need a well-suited accommodation to play and have time alone. A dormitory cannot provide such an environment, nor do you want to share a room with someone except the person who agrees to the living plan.

We recommend that you find an apartment that is far from noise, accommodating, and cheaper for you.

Location of Your Apartment

The location of where you reside may affect your studies. You must not live far from school if you want to avoid lateness for lectures. You can quickly rush back if you forget something and return within the shortest time. 

In addition, you cannot keep your kids inside all day if there are no playgrounds or parks around your home. They need the outside as much as you have them.

Should I hire a nanny?

The decision depends on you. If you want to drop your kids at school and come back for them, you should ensure that you don't have a time conflict. Further, you can decide to get a nanny if you want to study and work, primarily if you work during the day.

On the other hand, the kids' age determines whether you want to hire a nanny.

Should I send my child to kindergarten? If your kids attend school abroad, it becomes easier to take care of yourself and work with little interference. First, however, pick a school that can fit into your lifestyle calendar. 

Overseas Student Health Cover

By law, international students need health insurance to cover their medical needs and dependents (kids, spouse, etc.). You may not have to worry about basic medical needs, ambulance cover, doctor visits, and some medicines with the right health insurance. You should pay for the right health coverage for you and your kids. 

Studying Abroad as a Single Parent with Kids

Studying abroad with your kids can be rewarding and fun for everyone. You can learn new things, experience a new culture, try fresh foods, explore new places, and create lifetime memories. 

However, you must plan for your kid's school options, childcare language barriers, and funds. You should talk to your school study coordinator for ideas on establishing flexibility and ease of studying.

For instance, shorter programmes may be great for you and the kids over spring, winter, and summer break. If you can't travel with the kids, you can use these shorter programmes to make your dream come true.

Childcare and Extra Costs: Questions to Consider

What childcare options are available at your host city or university that will work for your budget?

Do you have a university that will offer housing options to accommodate your family? What are the off-campus housing options?

Are your kids in school? What educational options will support them to continue their educations abroad?

You must be aware of additional costs associated with travelling with kids. 

Cultural Attitudes & Lifestyle

Cultural standards may affect your chances of bringing your kids for your studies. Therefore, you should know how you will be perceived in your host country.

If your host country has lifestyle differences from what you experience in Nigeria, you should educate everyone about what they would encounter in that country.

Here are some of the things to consider:

·         Are there job opportunities for the partner?

·         How are the people around there?

·         What is the education system like?

·         What is the weather like?

·         What is the food like?

·         What do they do to entertain themselves?

·         Will my kids be able to engage in extracurricular activities?

Visa Requirements and Other Documentation

·         Valid passport

·         Original birth certificate

·         Proof that your relationship is genuine. (Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, Photo Album, etc.)

·         Two years of your child's official school records, in English or with a certified English translation

·         Your child's immunization records since birth

·         Evidence of meeting the financial requirement (Proof of funds) for each dependant

·         Properly filled out the visa application form.

·         Proof of Visa fee etc

FAQs

Can I bring my family to Canada on a study visa?

Yes, as an international student, you may be able to bring your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children, with you. As a result, they may be eligible for a study, work permit, or visitor visa.

Can a husband go with his wife on a study visa?

Yes, the Dependent Visa helps spouses stay with you while wives are studying abroad. As a result, it allows professionals, permanent residents, students, and others to bring their partners along.

Can I bring my family to the US while studying?

Yes, you can bring your sibling, child,  parent, or  fiancé/e  to the US on a student visa. Then these individuals must apply for a B-2 visitor visa. 

Conclusion

You should note these points:

·         First, you cannot stay after your visa expires.

·         Second, you can only work limited (usually 20 hours per week) in campus jobs.

·         Third, you must attend all your classes (unless there is an emergency).

·         Fourth, you must maintain a specific GPA if you have a scholarship.

·         Finally, you cannot apply for permanent residence under a student visa.

Pay4Me can help you make your cross-border payment within the shortest time. In addition, the app can carry out these transactions if you want to pay for SEVIS, WES, tuition, or application fees.