Moving overseas at a young age on your parents’ work visa may be a great deal to take in, but what is amazing is that you are putting yourself forward for some of the most amazing educational and career opportunities the world has to offer. The transition is hard, but it is also that which may open doors that most of your peers at home will never dream of.
Here is what you do: know your options, go after what works for you, and craft a strategy that turns your time abroad into a lifetime benefit.
Knowing Your School Rights and Choices
Your access to education varies greatly by what country you are in, but in most developed countries they do an excellent job at providing quality options for dependent children. Upon entry into Canada, all children up to age 18 are allowed to attend Canadian primary and secondary schools. In the majority of Canada’s schools, which are public in nature, attendance is free.
In most countries, enrolled children have access to primary and secondary education and are considered domestic students, which in turn means that you do not have to pay for tuition in public schools. This is a great chance; you are getting a world-class education at a price that is paid by the local students.
For the U.S., F-2 and M-2 nonimmigrants have access to elementary, middle, and high school on a full-time basis. This access, which also includes preparation for university application and future careers, is incredible.
The UK has introduced recent changes to family visa policies, which still see school-age children of work visa parents enrol in the public education system, which in turn gives them a chance to be a part of what is known to be the best in the world’s education.
Academic Excellence
Your international background is a resource—it is your advantage in the academic arena. Universities around the world seek out students who bring a multicultural perspective and display adaptability skills, which you develop by living overseas.
Focus on getting good grades as well as taking in what your new country has to offer. Enrol in subjects and programs that may not have been available in your home country, from very specialized STEM fields to language immersion programs.
Document your international experiences in detail. Keep a log of cultural interactions, service work, and leadership roles that present your global outlook and adaptability, which are very standout elements in university applications.
Language Acquisition
Becoming multilingual in your teen years has lifelong career benefits, which grow over time. In a non-English-speaking country, you can take the chance to become truly bilingual or even trilingual.
Don’t just get by in the language for school. Go ahead and become proficient, which will pay off in your career. Many international companies are looking for our employees who have a true multicultural background and language ability.
Here is a suggestion to improve your language skills. Take up formal language certification tests like IELTS and TOEFL, which also include other international tests that issue certified proof of your language proficiency for your future use in university and job applications.
Part-Time Work
Work rules for teen dependents on visas differ greatly by country, which is very important to note. In the U.S., F-2 and M-2 dependents are not allowed to work, which in turn leaves out the option of getting traditional part-time jobs.
However, we see that you are not limited by this at all. You may gain very valuable experience through other avenues. This includes but is not limited to volunteer work, internships, and community service that, in fact, may put you above part-time jobs.
In some countries that have restrictions on what is allowed for work, put your energy into activities that build relevant skills and professional networks instead of just the income. Whichever work you do, do it in ways that also serve as a great resume and job interview add-on by which your responsible and hardworking character shows through.
University Planning
Your global experience puts you in a unique position for university admissions in your host country as well as other countries. Many universities have special programs that consider or accept international students who have completed local secondary education.
Research the university admission requirements early, as these vary by country and may differ from what you are used to in your home country’s system. In some countries, we see that they have simplified university admission processes for students who have completed the local high school education.
How does your time abroad play into your academic interests? Maybe that your exposure to many cultures has put you on the path to study international relations, global business, or cross-cultural psychology fields, which your background is well suited for.
Career Pathway Planning
Consider what your international experience means for your long-term career. Local education combined with an international view is a unique value add for roles in multinational companies, international organizations, and global industries.
Research career fields that are specific in their interest in international experience and that may include international business, diplomacy, global nonprofit work, international journalism, or cross-cultural consulting as examples.
Build out your professional network early in your academic career with the help of school counsellors, teachers, and members of the community. These connections in turn may provide you with mentorship, recommendation letters, and information on which career paths best use your international background.
Visa Transition Planning
As you age, note how your dependent status may change. In many countries, once you hit 18 or 20, you “age out” of family-based visa coverage, which means you’ll have to put together a different plan for your legal status.
Research if attendance at a local high school opens up options for student visas, which in turn lead to work authorization and permanent residency.
At the time of major decisions like university applications or career planning, be aware of visa transition issues, which may affect not only your legal status but also your ability to achieve your goals.
Conclusion
In your teens, to be away isn’t just about getting through the transition; you should also use this time to build assets, which will play into your future. Take on the challenges, run with the opportunities, and note that you are what the world is at large and what you bring to it in the field you end up in.
As a teen, you are the base for a worldwide career that most people can only imagine.