Sending your child abroad for an extended period is a significant decision for any parent. The initial excitement often gives way to a host of worries—about safety, independence, and the unknown. Antonella, mother of Cecilia, shared her personal journey in supporting her daughter’s overseas study experience at Itchen College. For parents who may be hesitant or nervous about taking this step, Antonella’s story offers both reassurance and valuable insight.
“I was scared at first, but it was the right decision.”
Cecilia, who had only ever been away from home for short trips with the scouts, had never spent more than ten days away from her family, let alone in a different country. The decision to send her daughter to study abroad was not made lightly. However, Antonella had heard glowing recommendations from a former student, Francesca, who had attended Itchen College. She felt reassured knowing the UK was relatively close to Italy, and she was convinced that Itchen would provide the right environment for her daughter. “If Cecilia was going to go anywhere, it was always going to be Itchen,” Antonella recalls.
Despite this confidence, Antonella still had her fears. “I was very scared at first,” she admits, “I was worried about how Cecilia would find herself in this new environment—whether she would make friends, integrate into this new reality, and become independent.” Yet, as Antonella and Cecilia discovered, these challenges became the very foundation for Cecilia’s growth.
Daily Contact, Reassurance, and Confidence Building
From the first day of Cecilia’s arrival, Antonella made sure to stay in close contact. “We talked every day by phone, and Cecilia was always happy,” Antonella shares, remembering how the daily check-ins helped ease her initial anxiety. Unlike many parents who fear that being too far away might make communication difficult, Antonella found the UK-Italy connection simple. “There’s no time difference, so it was very easy to stay in touch. This made the whole transition much smoother for me.”
Despite Cecilia’s youth and inexperience with long stays away from home, she quickly adapted. “Cecilia was never nervous about the experience. It opened her mind and helped her grow in ways I didn’t expect,” Antonella says proudly.
Before going abroad, Cecilia wasn’t accustomed to managing her own affairs. “In Italy, we did everything for her—making lunch, buying train tickets, all the day-to-day things,” Antonella explains. However, her time in Southampton pushed Cecilia out of her comfort zone, which resulted in a newfound sense of independence and resilience. “Now, she’s able to make independent decisions. Being in a new country really helped her with that.”
A Broader Perspective and New Life Skills
Cecilia’s time at Itchen College gave her a “broader perspective on life.” Antonella was impressed by how her daughter’s exposure to different cultures shaped her worldview and encouraged her to embrace opportunities she wouldn’t have considered before. “She has seen that she has so many more options now,” Antonella remarks, highlighting how her daughter has not only grown academically but also gained essential life skills.
“I learnt that I could live abroad forever,” Cecilia says. Antonella nods with recognition.
The safety of the city was another aspect that helped Antonella feel more at ease. “Southampton felt much safer than Rome,” she comments, and Cecilia nods in agreement. “We were worried, so we accompanied Cecilia to her host family at first, but it soon became clear that she was in good hands.”
A Transformative Experience
Looking back, Antonella now sees her daughter as having two different sides—two versions of Cecilia. “In Italy, she was just studying, studying, studying, but in England, it was more enjoyable for her because there were so many extracurricular activities. She was learning both inside and outside of the classroom.” Antonella reflects on how the strict, one-dimensional nature of Italian schools contrasts with the more holistic approach Cecilia experienced at Itchen. “The teachers in Italy were worried that she would miss out on her studies while abroad, but there were no issues when she returned. If anything, she came back more motivated and focused.”
“I had a bit of work to catch up on,” Cecilia admits. “But there were no problems; I felt prepared.”
“Would you have finished high school with us in the UK?” I ask.
“Yes,” Cecilia and Antonella answer instantly in
Advice for Other Parents: “Just do it.”
When asked what advice she would give to other parents considering sending their child abroad, Antonella’s message is clear: “Just do it.” She speaks from the heart when she emphasizes how transformative the experience has been for both Cecilia and the family as a whole. “The environment is so supportive and welcoming. Your child will learn so much, not just academically but also in terms of life skills, independence, and resilience.”
The once-nervous mother is now a strong advocate for studying abroad, having witnessed her daughter’s transformation first-hand. “It was a great experience, and it’s vital for their growth,” Antonella concludes.
Applications for 2025-26
Itchen College is now accepting International applications for 2025-26. Get in touch at international@itchen.ac.uk to find out more!
