The international education experience offers numerous opportunities for students, while also presenting emotional challenges. The approach of distant families can significantly contribute to the academic and emotional development of these students.
1. Emotional Support and Communication: Providing emotional support in long-distance relationships is critical for students’ psychological health. Regular communication between families and their children can reduce stress and anxiety levels, enhancing emotional resilience (Rosen et al., 2017). Utilizing video calls, messaging, and social media allows families to stay actively connected, mitigating feelings of loneliness (Levine & Maddy, 2018).
2. Cultural Adaptation and Family Support: The adaptation of students to a new culture can beQ facilitated by the support of distant families. Families should stay informed about the cultural changes their children are experiencing and offer support throughout this process, which can ease cultural adjustment (Tseng & Newton, 2002). Showing interest in students’ new experiences helps them feel valued.
3. Academic Motivation and Engagement: Family support positively impacts students’ academic success. Research shows that when families monitor their children’s achievements and provide positive feedback, it boosts students’ motivation (Fan & Chen, 2001). Sharing successes with family members enhances students’ self-confidence and strengthens their academic commitment.
4. Sharing Developments: Families should actively follow their children’s academic and social development. Sharing achievements and experiences with family members fosters a sense of connection and belonging (Sullivan, 2017).
5. Strengthening Emotional Bonds: Distant families can strengthen emotional bonds with their children by celebrating special occasions and maintaining family traditions. These activities reinforce familial ties and help students feel more connected (Guan & Deng, 2019).
In conclusion, the approach of distant families is crucial for the academic and emotional development of international high school students. Regular communication, emotional support, and cultural adjustment assistance contribute significantly to a healthy educational experience.
References
Fan, X., & Chen, M. (2001). Parental involvement and students’ academic achievement: A meta-analysis. *Educational Psychology Review*, 13(1), 1-22.
Guan, L., & Deng, M. (2019). Family rituals and adolescent development: A review. *Journal of Family Psychology*, 33(5), 613-622.
Levine, T. R., & Maddy, A. (2018). The role of communication technology in maintaining long-distance relationships. *International Journal of Communication*, 12, 1244-1262.
Rosen, L. D., Carrier, L. M., & Cheever, N. A. (2017). Facebook, social anxiety, and the social skills of college students. *Computers in Human Behavior*, 68, 277-284.
Sullivan, K. (2017). The impact of parental support on student achievement. *Educational Research and Reviews*, 12(12), 701-709.
Tseng, W.-C., & Newton, C. (2002). The roles of social support and coping strategies in international students’ adjustment. *International Journal of Intercultural Relations*, 26(6), 685-706.