What to do in a family emergency when you study overseas

After receiving the news about your family emergency, you might not be in the best frame of mind – and that’s a perfectly normal and valid response.

However, overthinking, panicking and worrying will not do you any good or improve the situation. One of the first things to do after getting the news is to take some deep breaths and try your best to remain calm.

Once you’ve composed yourself, get in touch with your family members and check on them. You can also speak to them and let them know how you’re feeling, as well as inform them about what you wish to do.

You’ll then have to get all the necessary information and details such as crucial dates or things to prepare.

In the event the emergency is ongoing, you’ll also have to ensure you know exactly what is happening and also receive updates.

After speaking to your family, you’ll have to let your university know about the situation in case you need some time off school, a deadline extension or a listening ear.

There would likely be student care and welfare facilities and services on campus, so you can book an appointment with a student counsellor for some guidance during this challenging time.

Even if you aren’t as comfortable revealing all the specific details of your family emergency, you can focus more on navigating and processing the thoughts and feelings that surface.

Whether it’s your counsellor or a close friend in school, it’s a good idea to speak to someone in person, in the country you’re studying in. This could help you feel less lonely and powerless when it comes to dealing with your family matters while abroad.

After speaking to your family, you’ll have to let your university know about the situation in case you need some time off school, a deadline extension or a listening ear.

There would likely be student care and welfare facilities and services on campus, so you can book an appointment with a student counsellor for some guidance during this challenging time.

Even if you aren’t as comfortable revealing all the specific details of your family emergency, you can focus more on navigating and processing the thoughts and feelings that surface.

Whether it’s your counsellor or a close friend in school, it’s a good idea to speak to someone in person, in the country you’re studying in. This could help you feel less lonely and powerless when it comes to dealing with your family matters while abroad.

It helps to be prepared and to know what to expect before you head off for your studies abroad. This is where you’ll stand to gain by hearing from an overseas education expert.

At IDP, our counsellors have the experience and expertise to help answer your questions and any doubts you might have about studying abroad.

So if you’re yet to make plans, or have your eye on a specific overseas university, we’ll help you get there.

Hear from a counsellor with the experience and expertise to guide you through every step of your application process. Apart from that, they’ll be able to offer valuable advice on universities with essential services and what to expect.