Great question! Many parents are understandably concerned about their child’s safety and well-being while studying abroad. In Canada, there are several ways parents can stay connected and track their child’s progress and well-being:

1. University Support Systems

- Student Portals: Many Canadian universities offer online portals where students can update their academic progress. Some universities allow students to grant parental access to certain academic records or financial statements (with the student’s consent, due to privacy laws).
- International Student Offices: These offices provide support and can be contacted if there are any concerns about a student’s welfare.

2. Regular Communication

- Mobile Phones & Apps: Most Indian students use WhatsApp, Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime to keep in touch with family. Encourage your child to maintain regular communication.
- Local Canadian SIM Cards: Students can purchase Canadian SIMs for affordable local and international calling/data plans.

3. Location Tracking Apps

- Find My (iPhone/iOS) or Google Family Link (Android): With your child’s permission, you can use location-sharing features to track their whereabouts in real-time.
- Life360: A popular family locator app that works across both Android and iOS.

4. Emergency Contacts

- Ensure your child shares their local address, emergency contact numbers (including the Indian High Commission/Consulate in Canada), and university support contacts with you.

5. Bank Statements & Academic Progress

- If your child is comfortable, they can share periodic updates on their academic progress and financial transactions with you.

6. Pollster Education Support

If you go through Pollster Education, we provide end-to-end support, including pre-departure briefings, tips on staying connected, and emergency support contacts in Canada.

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Important Note:

Due to Canadian privacy regulations (like PIPEDA), universities cannot share a student’s personal information (academic, health, or location details) with parents without the student’s explicit consent. It’s important to discuss and agree on a communication plan with your child before they depart.

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Need help preparing your child for Canada or want pre-departure counseling? Reach out to us at Pollster Education: