6 Ways to Help Your Teen Self-Advocate While Studying Abroad

Let’s look to the future. Your teen is already thousands of miles away from home, on their summer abroad program. 

They’re facing a challenge, maybe they’re struggling with a host family issue, need help with language barriers, or have questions about an assignment. They reach for their phone to text you, but the reality is you’re in a different time zone, busy, or simply unable to fix the problem for them. 

So, what happens next? 

The truth is, they need to solve the problem themselves through self-advocacy. It might sound scary, but it's a good thing! 

What is self-advocacy? The simplest definition is that self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for oneself, express needs, and take action to solve problems independently. When teens learn how to ask for help, express their needs, and take responsibility for solving challenges, they gain the ability to face the world with resilience and self-assurance. 

What is the best thing you can do before they leave to study abroad? Help them build their self-advocacy skills now. 

Here are six ways parents can set their teen up for success on their high school summer abroad program. 

1. Redirect Problem-Solving to Them 

When your teen comes to you with a problem, your instinct might be to step in and help, but instead, encourage them to think through solutions on their own. Ask guiding questions like: 

• “What do you think is the best solution?”
• “Who can you ask for help?”
• “What are some steps you can take to resolve this?” 

By helping them brainstorm options rather than immediately offering an answer, you’re teaching them to problem-solve independently.  

This practice will prepare them for moments abroad when you aren’t available to guide them in real-time. 

2. Shift the Focus from Blame to Responsibility 

It’s easy to get frustrated and blame others when things don’t go as expected, but self-advocacy means shifting that mindset toward ownership and action. Encourage your teen to focus on what they can control rather than what’s unfair or frustrating. 

• Instead of “My host family doesn’t give me food I like.” Encourage: “How can I politely ask for food I like eating?”
• Instead of “My instructor isn’t explaining things well.” Encourage: “What questions can I ask to get clarity?”
• Instead of “My roommate is too loud.” Encourage: “How can I have a respectful conversation about this issue?” 

By focusing on solutions rather than blame, teens become more empowered, adaptable, and ready to handle obstacles on their own. 

3. Encourage Expression of Opinions and Ideas 

Self-advocacy is all about speaking up confidently in everyday situations. Many teens hesitate to express their thoughts because they fear being wrong or standing out. Leading up to program, you can encourage them to: 

• Order their own food at restaurants.
• Ask teachers or coaches questions more frequently when they need clarification.
• Express preferences when making family weekend plans.
• Engage in debates or discussions at dinner about current events or interests. 

The more they practice asserting themselves in low-stakes environments, the easier it will be to speak up for themselves when it truly matters, whether in a classroom, with a host family, or in a group setting in a new country. 

4. Promote Leadership Opportunities 

Taking on leadership roles naturally develops self-advocacy skills. Being in charge of something, even in a small way, forces teens to communicate, take responsibility, and overcome challenges.  

Encourage them to: 

• Plan outings or activities with friends.
• Take initiative in household tasks or family decisions. 

Leadership doesn’t mean being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about feeling confident enough to take action and support others. The more leadership experience your teen gains before they study abroad, the more capable they’ll feel when they are away from home. 

5. Reframe “Fairness” 

Many teens struggle with the idea that life should be fair and equal, but fairness doesn’t always mean everyone gets the same experience! 

Studying abroad presents practical challenges: some students may have bigger rooms, better meals, or develop friendships with their host families quicker. Instead of getting stuck in comparisons, encourage your teen to shift their focus to gratitude and resourcefulness: 

• “What opportunities do I have in this moment?”
• “How can I make the most of what I have?”
• “What’s something positive about my situation?” 

This mindset helps teens adapt to cultural differences and unexpected situations while appreciating all the positives of their experience. 

6. Reinforce that Making Mistakes Is Okay 

One of the most significant barriers to self-advocacy is the fear of making mistakes. Help your teen understand that mistakes are a natural part of speaking up and learning to solve problems. Three important reminders for them: 

1. Mistakes are part of life. Even if advocating for themselves doesn’t go as planned, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have tried. If they hadn’t spoken up, the outcome might have been the same.
2. They will learn from it. The more they practice self-advocacy, the better they will get at it. Every mistake teaches them something valuable for the future.
3. Everyone makes mistakes. No one always gets it right, and they shouldn’t let a misstep discourage them from continuing to speak up. 

Encouraging resilience will help them feel more comfortable advocating for themselves abroad, even when things don’t go perfectly. 

Common Situations Where Teens May Need to Self-Advocate Abroad 

Self-advocacy for high school students requires them to be proactive about getting what you need. Whether it’s making friends, ensuring dietary needs are met, or feeling comfortable in a new environment, speaking up early can make all the difference. Importantly, your teen is not alone! CIEE Program Leaders are there to support them every step of the way. 

Here are a few situations where they may need to advocate for themselves abroad: 

• Food and dietary needs – Teens should speak up early to clarify dietary preferences or allergies with their host family or program staff to avoid issues later. Read our interview blog with two high school students about their experiences during their summer abroad: What’s It Like to Study Abroad If You Have Dietary Restrictions?
• Language barriers – Whether in a language immersion program or not, teens may struggle with communication. Encourage them to practice speaking the local language, but if needed, they can ask for help in English.
• Health concerns – If they feel unwell, they should notify their Program Leader or host family immediately and advocate for the medical care they need.
• Housing issues – If something in their living situation isn’t right, whether with a host family or dorm/hostel/hotel, they should feel confident addressing it with their Program Leader.
• Social conflicts and making friends – Instead of waiting for others to approach them, encourage teens to take the initiative in making friends. If conflicts arise, they can try solving them directly or ask a Program Leader for guidance.
• Feeling unsafe – If a teen ever feels unsafe or uncomfortable, they can speak to a Program Leader at any time. Help is always available, and they won’t get in trouble for voicing concerns. 

Increased Independence Is a Great Benefit on CIEE High School Summer Abroad

CIEE Global Navigator High School Summer Abroad programs offer teens the chance to explore the world and build skills that will benefit them for life.  

With structured support from CIEE Program Leaders, host families and local CIEE staff, students gain independence and learn to advocate for themselves in a safe and encouraging environment. Summer abroad is a powerful step toward adulthood!  

CIEE prioritizes health, safety, and security. Learn more about CIEE’s safety policies here.