Communication for Overseas Parents
At this time of year, I often wonder how on earth our families manage.
Earlier this month I took my daughter back to boarding school, and thankfully she was thrilled to return to pre-season netball and a house full of friends. The inevitable lonely drive home isn’t ideal for my wife and I, but then again, she’s happy so I’m happy.
As the Guardian to overseas students from all over the world, the courage our families have to send their children to the UK is really quite remarkable. The last time I flew from Japan to the UK, it took over 15 hours, and we went via the Arctic Circle. It is an extraordinary distance, yet I was returning to the comfort of my home.
Our students almost always go straight from the airport into school, sometimes via a host family for a day or so. Before they know it, straight into lessons, English food, learning in a second language with the expected grades to follow. Busy lives, structure and routine all whilst battling jetlag and homesickness.
Their parents are often now at home wondering if they’re doing the right thing for their child. Trying to understand the schools’ policies and procedures in a second language and catching brief conversations with their children when they can. My daughter calls home most nights at 8pm, it’s a real highlight for Louise and I, and thankfully there is no time difference for us.
Despite this our students continue to return to the UK to pursue their dreams year after year, away from their friends and families. Our parents routinely wave them off at departures knowing they won’t seem them for months. It’s quite an extraordinary commitment, even after 14 years of running Pippa’s I can’t quite get used to it.
A common compliant I hear from schools is that they never hear from overseas parents, especially those living in mainland China. Aside from time difference and the fact they often don’t speak English, emails are often simply not widely read. This is because they use WeChat, a powerful communication tool used in China (a mere 1.3 billion users!).
At 12:15pm on the 5th February we’ll be hosting a free WeChat webinar delivered by our very brilliant Rebecca Finney. Please register here if you’d like to join:
To all the schools reading this, the very best of luck with the new term and a Happy New Year to you all.
At this time of year, I often wonder how on earth our families manage.
Earlier this month I took my daughter back to boarding school, and thankfully she was thrilled to return to pre-season netball and a house full of friends. The inevitable lonely drive home isn’t ideal for my wife and I, but then again, she’s happy so I’m happy.
As the Guardian to overseas students from all over the world, the courage our families have to send their children to the UK is really quite remarkable. The last time I flew from Japan to the UK, it took over 15 hours, and we went via the Arctic Circle. It is an extraordinary distance, yet I was returning to the comfort of my home.
Our students almost always go straight from the airport into school, sometimes via a host family for a day or so. Before they know it, straight into lessons, English food, learning in a second language with the expected grades to follow. Busy lives, structure and routine all whilst battling jetlag and homesickness.
Their parents are often now at home wondering if they’re doing the right thing for their child. Trying to understand the schools’ policies and procedures in a second language and catching brief conversations with their children when they can. My daughter calls home most nights at 8pm, it’s a real highlight for Louise and I, and thankfully there is no time difference for us.
Despite this our students continue to return to the UK to pursue their dreams year after year, away from their friends and families. Our parents routinely wave them off at departures knowing they won’t seem them for months. It’s quite an extraordinary commitment, even after 14 years of running Pippa’s I can’t quite get used to it.
A common compliant I hear from schools is that they never hear from overseas parents, especially those living in mainland China. Aside from time difference and the fact they often don’t speak English, emails are often simply not widely read. This is because they use WeChat, a powerful communication tool used in China (a mere 1.3 billion users!).
At 12:15pm on the 5th February we’ll be hosting a free WeChat webinar delivered by our very brilliant Rebecca Finney. Please register here if you’d like to join:
To all the schools reading this, the very best of luck with the new term and a Happy New Year to you all.
