Thinking about moving overseas with teenagers but worried how they’ll cope with the transition? Dylan Nye explains how your teenage kids could flourish abroad and shares tips on how to make the move a little easier.
Parents, some say, are biologically tuned to be about as happy as their least happy child. So if you’re planning to emigrate and have teenage kids in tow, how your teenager settles in has implications for the whole family.
The research indicates that while toddlers and younger children adapt well, teenagers often struggle when uprooted to a new country. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this article, we’ll investigate why teenagers can have a better life abroad but also the challenges they face.
We’ll also check out ways to help them cope with the change.
A better life abroad?
Let’s be honest, teenagers can be tricky at the best of times. As the Viz Top Tip put it: “Convince people you’re a teenager by verbally abusing them and then asking for a lift ten minutes later”.
But it’s not easy being a teenager either, when hormonal changes meet a brain in development seeking its own identity, independence and self-expression. And then their parents decide to tear them away from friend groups and ensure they can only communicate with them via social media. No wonder they’re moody.
Objectively, however, there are advantages to teenagers moving abroad, both for them, the family and your own relationships with them.
Family bonding
Even if teenagers might be reluctant to connect with their families, you’ll be spending so much time together during the relocation process, it might help to improve your relationship with them.
Language skills
Moving to a new country will give your child more of an immersive experience. Living abroad can help teenagers learn other languages better than school can. There’s a good chance they will pick up the local language faster than you do.
Building resilience
Life is tough at times, challenges and mistakes happen. By facing the difficulty of moving overseas your teenager is likely to discover they can handle more than they first imagined. Resilience is our ability to bounce back from adversity. It is one of the most powerful gifts a parent can give a teen.
Personal growth
Teenagers are often required to cultivate resilience, independence, and problem-solving abilities as they adjust to a new environment, which, in turn, contributes to their overall personal growth.
Enhanced career prospects
Many employers place a high value on candidates with international experience and even more, if they can speak another language. “Their resumes will scream ‘hire me!’ to future employers. Your children will gain unique skills and experiences that can set them apart in the job market.
All set and ready to leave
Potential challenges when moving abroad with teenagers
But no one says it’s easy! Speaking to those who have done it, we would highlight five of the biggest challenges.
1. Language barriers.
If you’ve ever listened in to a class of year 10s, you’ll know that language is all important. They’re smart, sassy (so sassy!), fast talking and witty, and it’s vital to be able to keep up. Adjusting to a new language can be more than a little tough for teenagers, making daily life and school initially challenging.
2. Educational adjustment.
For many teens, learning British or US history is bad enough, without suddenly finding themselves in another country’s equivalent of ‘the repeal of the Corn Laws’. Kids tend to learn similar subjects at similar ages, but there are many differences too. If finding the right school that matches their current educational style and level is impossible, you may need to consider an international school with a curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate.
3. Social isolation.
Leaving old friends behind and familiar social circles could lead to feelings of loneliness and difficulty in making new friends. Of course there is social media – but seeing the parties he’s missing at home us unlikely to help the situation.
Key is finding physical activity that keeps your teen in the present and if possible in a sense of ‘flow’. That can be sports clubs
4. Culture shock
The process of adjusting to a new culture, customs, social norms and etiquette that are otherwise foreign to you, can be very overwhelming.
5. Emotional stress.
When moving overseas with teenagers, consider that the process of moving and adapting can be emotionally taxing and could lead to anxiety and stress.
Introduce your tee to new foods and customs, they might have a newfound taste for it!
5 ways to help your teenager settle in abroad
1. Language support
By enrolling them in French language classes, you can help them improve their self-confidence and improve their ability to speak to foreigners effectively.
2. Joining local clubs etc.
Encourage your teenager to join sports, music clubs or other extracurricular classes/activities. There they could make new friends, and slowly incorporate themselves into the community.
3. Find an international school.
If possible, you could consider enrolling them into an International school, where the curriculum might be more familiar, and they can meet other abroad students.
4. Cultural education.
Teach them about French culture, history and customs to help them understand and appreciate their surroundings.
5. Explore together.
Spend time exploring the new city together, you could visit local cafes, landmarks, or museums to help familiarize the environment.
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