Note For Parents
As international travel is becoming more and more prevalent, a greater understanding of the world we live in is required. Globalization has changed the dynamics of our planet and thus forces us to have a worldwide perspective and appreciation of other cultures. Any time spent in developing countries will have an immense educational impact on your student that could never have been conveyed through traditional classrooms settings or just books alone. One of our former students, best summed up this point:
“I won’t say that this new perspective I’ve gained here has made me figure out my life and all the questions I have to face every day about my God, my religion, and my life. I don’t think that coming here has given me any answers, and if it has, these answers have only led to bigger and more complex questions. But these questions keep getting more interesting because I see things differently now, and my curiosity grows exponentially. I am finding out for myself how to deal with the world and with life’s many paradoxes. Sometimes it’s easier to go through life without thought to the rest of the world’s terrible poverty, lack of education, and the many other hardships that many people endure every day without knowing any different, but once you’ve seen this you can’t go back. I’ve also seen the generosity of people who barely have money to feed themselves when they welcome you into their home and give you the best they have to offer, even if it’s just mango and rice. People are so humble, and many are so truly happy – a happiness that you don’t get from material gain. I’m blessed to have had the chance to live in, not just visit, Thailand.
Jembatan International welcomes students, ages 16 and up from anywhere around the world to join our different programs. Our primary goal with each program at JI is to provide students with enriching, memorable and safe experiences in foreign countries. We realize that as a parent or guardian you are concerned about the well-being of your student in a place so far from home. We will use our experience and contacts to provide your student a safe and enjoyable stay in Southeast Asia. Below, we have listed a few easy tips to help secure your student’s safety and your peace-of-mind.
Be Prepared
- Whether you plan to join your student in the host country after the program is complete or simply wish to be prepared to travel for unlikely emergencies, it would be useful to have a valid passport yourself.
- Make sure you have a copy of your student's passport and other important documents in the event that he or she misplaces theirs. This will ensure that you can send a photocopy if needed.
- Have your student leave a flight itinerary with you.
For more information about safety and security on our programs, visit our Health and Safety page.