Often parents only hear from their students during the low moments.  When speaking or emailing your student during these periods, try to focus on the positive aspects of their experiences abroad.  Also remember that he or she is generally not expecting you to solve their problems - as much as you would like to - but instead just looking for a listening ear.  Remind your student that the CAPA International Program Services team is available to support them in all aspects of their experience while abroad. It is important that parents give their students a real opportunity to grow and be independent while abroad so do fight the natural urge to get overly involved and to solve their problems for them!

Email, phone and instant messaging are great ways to keep in touch with your student while they study abroad, and also may help to alleviate some of the homesickness they may feel while in a foreign country.

CAPA offers two phone options to students - E-Kit Phone Cards and PicCell Wireless.

Please note that PicCell is not available in Costa Rica.