Fall is traditionally a time of change. The trees are beginning to turn, a slight briskness is in the air and the kids are heading back to school. For some parents this may be a welcomed relief; but for others it is a time of challenging goodbyes and feelings of nostalgia. For parents of International students this parting can be felt that much deeper because of the sheer physical distance between them. There is no easy solution to these challenges. However, Roger Williams University is here to make this transition as easy as possible for both you and your child.
Emotional Ups and Downs:
- Remember that you are not alone in your feelings of letting go of your child. As much as your child may be excited about this new step toward independence, they are probably also feeling the pangs of uncertainty about the next step in their educational path. Try to be open with your child about your feelings and assure them that although you may be far apart you are there for them if and when they need you.
- Talk to other parents of first year students. It is often helpful to hear how other people in similar situations are dealing with the change of having a child study abroad.
- Prepare yourself to see less of your child as the academic year approaches. Your child is not only saying goodbye to family but they are also saying goodbye to friends.
Pre-Departure Discussions:
- Talk to your child about academic, social and monetary expectations. When having this discussion, try to keep expectations at a reasonable level. Ideally, you may want your child to have straight A’s their first semester but try and take into account both the emotional and cultural challenges they will be facing. Instead of saying “You have to have straight A’s” try to say “I expect you to do the best you can.”
- Creating a budget for miscellaneous costs per semester or the full academic year is also helpful. Whether they are buying books for classes or going out for food with friends, your child should know how much money they have and what is reasonable to be spending. Also discuss with your child the option of student on-campus jobs.
- Be available in the upcoming weeks to talk to your child about their fears or concerns about the cultural and social differences they may be facing.
Keeping Lines of Communication Open:
- Set up specific times to talk to your child. With all the new technology “talking” can be achieved through email, cell phone, texting, online chatting, or even real-time online video chats (through Skype). Setting up specific times can assure you and your child that you are still being connected and involved in each others’ lives.
- Try to update your child of any changes that may occur at home. Many first year students fear that everything will change once they are gone. It is important to assure them that they still have a place at home and also to inform them of any changes so they know what to expect when they return.
- Send care packages. There is nothing more exciting or comforting then receiving a package filled with your favorite homemade treats, photos of your family or just a card that says I love you. Being surrounded by so many new things, the occasional reminder of home is a nice and welcomed surprise.
- Set up time to either visit your child at their college or to have your child visit home. It is important for parents to see where their children are living, who their friends are and what kind of experiences they may be having. If it is not possible to travel to your child, see if your child is interested in bring home a friend. This is a good way to bridge the two experiences and become a more active participant in your child’s current life.
When They Come Home:
- Expect changes, whether they are physical, emotional, or philosophical. Part of the college experience is learning new ways of thinking and figuring out what works for you. As parents this may be a difficult adjustment. Talk about how these changes make you feel and do your best to keep an open mind.
- Set expectations for what life will be like once they return. Your child will have experienced a great deal of freedom over the academic year. The monitoring or rules that they may have been okay with before leaving might not be satisfactory to them on their return. Explain to them why these rules are in place and set up the understanding that they are still your child and you are still their parent.
Let Go:
- Over the next few years your child is going to begin to emerge as an adult. This is part of the process of “growing up.” This does not mean that they will not need your advice from time to time or comfort when things go wrong, but it does mean that they will become more and more self sufficient and physically and emotionally independent. This is a good thing! Enjoy it.
- Remember that you have given your child the tools that they need to make it in the world. You have nurtured them and taught them all that you know. Trust that they will be able to handle all of life’s challenges and that if and when they need you, they will find you. Help guide them when you can but remember that letting go is just as important as holding on.
RWU understands these challenges and offers the comfort of knowing that your child is in good hands. For any questions or concerns please contact us in the International Admission Office.
Have a happy and healthy rest of your Summer!
There is a reason behind everything. However, in some cases the reason is not always what is expected. For instance, on the surface it might seem obvious why Didier Bouvet is the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission. He is intelligent, dedicated to the process of college admission, he is passionate about higher education and he himself was an undergraduate student at Roger Williams University. Yet, if you ask him how he got involved in RWU’s Office of Admissions his answer is something rather unusual. In the end, the man who meticulously pours over hundreds of applications behind his giant desk and dashes off on a motorcycle in an impeccably tailored suit, helmet and sunglasses, is a part of the Office of Admissions because of one thing: volleyball.
Didier Bouvet was not only an undergraduate student at RWU; he was an international transfer student from France. In France, Didier was torn between his passion for competitive volleyball and his studies toward a business degree. “There was not an easy way to do both in France. You either studied or you were an athlete. I was asked to make a choice.” After a year of studying the English language, Didier made his choice and came to study abroad for his junior and senior year at Roger Williams University.
At RWU Didier was welcomed and appreciated as a student athlete. With the ability to participate in both academics and athletics he flourished, even finding time to become an active member of the International club. Through his connection to the athletic community, Didier’s name was passed along by the head of the Athletic Department to the head of the Office of Admissions. Through this networking came Didier’s first professional involvement with RWU as an International Admission counselor.
“I enjoyed the diversity in International Admission. Every application you look at is different. The curriculums of their schools are different, the extracurricular activities are different, their cultures and family backgrounds are different. It was always something new.”
His first year on the job, Didier was handed a credit card and told to travel and recruit for four months. During these four months he learned the ins and outs of International recruitment, including the various challenges he faced in jumping from one culture to the next.
“You learn that sometimes the direct way is not the best way. In some cultures the process you go through may be from A to B and in others it may be from A to C. I found that in some places it may take two cups of tea before you accomplish what you are after but in others it may take four or even six cups. You learn to manage everything and not take yourself too seriously.”
When asked why studying in the U.S. is so valuable to international students, Didier did not hesitate with an answer. He believes that the quality of teaching at the college level, the various services that are offered to the international students and the environment in which they are taught cannot be found anywhere else. Furthermore, he believes that Liberal Arts schools, such as RWU, offer a unique experience that international students would not get otherwise.
“Being at a Liberal Arts college you are exposed to more than just your major. Being a business major, I still took a biology course and a music course. Through core curriculum students have a more whole experience rather than just a specific one. Everyone learns a little bit of everything.”
It is clear that Didier Bouvet brings a lot to the Office of Admissions. However, beyond his firsthand experiences and wide range of insights, it is his dedication to the job that is most impressive. When asked what he would bring with him if he were stranded on a deserted island, Didier smiled and said: “A laptop; to stay connected with the world and to check my email, wireless internet; to be able to access the web and the Office of Admissions online data system and applications; to review for incoming students.”
Didier Bouvet is a man of many talents and luckily for Roger Williams University one of them lead him here!
With your arrivals only a couple weeks away, the Roger Williams University International Admission Office is jumping with excitement! We hope that you are looking forward to a year full of challenging academics, new-found friendships and diverse experiences.
Below are a few things to remember before you leave home:
- Your passport/visa/I-20
- Your arrival and return flights
- Contact your Embassy
- Contact IMSA (International & Multicultural Student Affairs)
- Your vaccinations (see Arrival Guide)
- U.S. money, credit card or travelers checks
As always, please feel free to contact us with any last minute questions or concerns.
We look forward to meeting you soon and hope you enjoy the remainder of your Summer!
With the academic year beginning, the International Admission Office would like to give you some helpful tips on keeping your students on track for their senior year. We encourage seniors to take a rigorous course load, including higher level courses such as Advanced Placement in math and science. Seniors who are applying to specific departments should be aware of requirement courses that need to be completed.
Graphic Design Communications: Applicants must submit a portfolio that consists of a minimum of twenty copies of the students original designs.
Dance/Performance: Applicants must audition in person for acceptance into the program. After a preliminary review of the students’ application, the applicant will be contacted to schedule an audition.
Visual Arts Studies: Applicants must submit a portfolio of their work or evidence of studio experience. A portfolio consists of 8-10 copies of original works.
Architecture: Applicants must have completed a minimum of four years of math, including pre-calculus. Proficiency in trigonometry and physics is necessary for students to take required college-level courses in calculus and structural systems. Applicants also must submit an 8-10 piece portfolio of two and three-dimensional work showing evidence of creative ability.
For further information please refer to our website or contact the International Admission Office.
With the Summer almost behind us, the International Admission staff has one thing on our minds…visiting you! So, we are packing up and heading your way.
If you are interested in connecting with us we will be at various locations this fall. Look for us at your College Fairs, High School Visits or through Digital Video Conferences.
For those of you whose schools have Digital Video Conference facilities or if you have Skype, please feel free to connect with us at any time. Also if you would like to set up a one-on-one information session while we are visiting your high school contact us and we will gladly set that up!
For specific locations and dates please refer to our continuously updating International Travel Schedules.
We look forward to meeting you!