Parents’ Guide to Our Monthly Visits & Welfare Reports
- High Schools International
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Why Regular Contact Matters in High School Study Abroad Ireland
Sending your teenager abroad for a high school year in Ireland is exciting - but it also comes with natural worries. Parents often ask: How will I know if my child is happy? Who checks in on them regularly?
At HSI, we believe guardianship is about real, ongoing support - not just being a name on a piece of paper. That’s why every student in our care has:
A required monthly pastoral meeting with their dedicated Student Advisor, followed by a written report.
Additional informal contact, such as WhatsApp messages, phone calls, or extra visits when needed.
This structure ensures there is always a formal record of each month’s progress, while keeping communication with students frequent, friendly, and supportive.
How Do HSI Monthly Visits and Welfare Reports Work?
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you can expect:
1. The Monthly Visit
Every month, your child meets face-to-face with their HSI Student Advisor. This usually happens at school, in a safe and familiar setting. The advisor asks about:
How they are finding life in Ireland
Friendships and social activities
Their wellbeing and feelings
Any challenges or worries they would like to share
As one of our students, Hannah from Germany, recently shared:
“Compared to other agencies the local advisor sees you in person in school to checks on you. This creates an environment to talk!!”
These meetings give students the chance to speak openly and independently about their experience.
2. The Written Report
After each visit, the advisor writes up a confidential welfare report. This report is sent to the student’s agency partner, who then shares it with parents.
The report reflects what the student has discussed - so while it may include academic updates or class experiences, these come directly from the student’s own perspective, not from the school.
3. Incident Reports
In addition to progress reports, Student Advisors also prepare incident reports if an issue arises that requires active resolution. For example, this might involve a ealth concern, a host family change, or a serious challenge at school.
Incident reports ensure that parents and agencies are always fully informed when something important happens, and that there is a written record of the steps taken to resolve it.
4. Escalation Paths
If something ever needs attention, the Advisor follows a clear communication line:
Advisor → HSI Head Office → Agency Partner → ParentsThis ensures any concerns are handled quickly, while keeping everyone properly informed.
Why Not All Guardianship Is Created Equal
Many parents don’t realise this, but not every high school study abroad provider in Ireland offers regular, structured contact. Some guardianship services may only respond when problems arise — or worse, not at all.
At HSI, we take a very different approach:
Proactive, not reactive: regular visits ensure issues are spotted early.
Local expertise: our advisors live close to the students they support.
Structured communication: parents receive updates through their trusted agency, ensuring clarity and accountability at every step.
That’s why families consistently describe HSI as “the safest possible hands.”
FAQs for Parents
What if my child misses a visit?
Don’t worry, if a student is absent on the day, the Advisor reschedules promptly. No one slips through the cracks.
Are reports only about academics?
No. Reports are based on what the student shares. Sometimes this includes school-related topics, but the main focus is on wellbeing, adjustment, and social life.
Can I speak directly to my child’s Advisor?
If you have enrolled via an agency, communication should go through them first. They will liaise with HSI Head Office, who coordinate with Advisors. This ensures any issues are resolved quickly and everyone involved in the study abroad programme is kept up to date.
The HSI Difference: Peace of Mind for Parents
Choosing a high school study abroad Ireland programme is about more than academics, it’s about trust. With HSI’s monthly visits and progress reports, parents never have to wonder how their child is doing. You’ll always have a reliable channel of communication through your agency, while your child has a caring adult looking out for them in Ireland.
