Teaching a child in another country sounds tempting: new knowledge, a different level of education, a broader outlook... But behind the beautiful pictures there is a serious legal part. If a teenager is under 18 years old, he must have a guardian in any European or Asian country. This is not a bureaucratic formality, but a real guarantee of security. Let's try to figure out why the institution of guardianship is so important, what options exist for its registration and what pitfalls families face.
Why do you need a guardian?
In most countries, adolescents until they reach the age of majority are legally considered to be effectively incapacitated, not independent: they cannot sign contracts, resolve issues with medical organizations or migration services. However, studying abroad inevitably involves a lot of formalities. Imagine: a child needs to take out insurance, get to the doctor or open a bank account for pocket expenses. It is simply impossible to do this without an adult! This is where the figure of the guardian appears. His role is much broader than a signature on documents - he:
- officially represents the interests of the child in a school, hospital or government agency;
- is responsible for his health and safety;
- helps to solve everyday issues - from buying a ticket home to moving to a new home;
- maintains communication between the school and parents.
In fact, this is a person who is always there if something does not go according to plan.
Options for registration of guardianship
There are several ways, and each has its pros and cons.
Relatives or acquaintances
If the family has relatives in the country of study, this is the best scenario. Schools and migration authorities willingly accept guardianship from an aunt, uncle, older brother or family friends: parents draw up a power of attorney at a notary, and the child receives "his adult", who is trusted by all parties.
Guardianship through school
Private schools, especially British or Spanish schools, offer a guardian service: one of the employees or a specially accredited person becomes the official representative of the student. Convenient, but the school's capabilities are usually limited to the educational sphere.
Professional Companies
There are agencies that specialize in accompanying foreign schoolchildren: their employees attend meetings, check living conditions, help with papers, and sometimes even organize leisure activities. The disadvantage is obvious - the price, but parents know that the child will definitely not be left unattended.
Example: how it works in Spain
Parents often choose Spain for school or university education. Here the requirements are similar to most EU countries: a minor is required to have a proxy who lives in the country, parents draw up a notarized power of attorney, the guardian signs an agreement with the educational institution and takes on the functions of a representative.
It is important to emphasize: we are not talking about adoption! Parents retain all rights, the guardian only temporarily assumes part of the responsibilities associated with the child's residence abroad.
What are the responsibilities of a guardian?
The functions may vary depending on the country and the treaty, but the general list is roughly the same:
- Accommodation control. Checking the conditions on campus or with a host family, assistance with relocation.
- Interaction with the school. Attending meetings, signing papers, resolving disputes.
- Health care. Accompaniment to the doctor, decision-making in emergency cases.
- Financial issues. Receiving and transferring funds for food, transportation, or other expenses.
- Social adaptation. Support for the teenager in the first months, help in adapting to a new culture and language.
A good guardian is not just a formal signature, but a person who creates a feeling of a reliable rear.
What documents are required?
The exact list depends on the country, but usually parents prepare:
- notarized consent to guardianship;
- passports of parents and child;
- guardian's documents - passport, proof of address, sometimes a certificate of income and no criminal record;
- Contract with the school.
All papers are translated into the language of the country of study and notarized. The nuances should be clarified at the consulate and the school itself.
How much does guardianship cost?
The price depends on the option chosen:
- Relatives or acquaintances. Minimum expenses: notary services and translations.
- School or agency. On average, from 500 to 2,000 euros per year, sometimes more.
The package of professional support usually includes regular reports for parents, visits to the child and round-the-clock availability in case of emergency.
Possible difficulties
In practice, parents often have unexpected problems:
- Guardian "for show". If the formally appointed person is not ready to really help, the child will be left alone with difficulties.
- Vague expectations. Parents think that the school will take care of everything, but its powers are limited.
- Language barrier. Without fluency in the local language, communication with doctors and government agencies turns into a quest.
- Legal requirements. In some countries, the guardian is required to live near the student or have a residence permit.
It is better to clarify these nuances in advance so as not to face problems already on the spot.
Total
Guardianship is not just a bureaucratic paper, but a real system for protecting a child who studies abroad without parents. Up to the age of 18 you can't do without it.
Parents should seriously consider who will become the official representative: relatives, a school employee or an agency. The main thing is to choose a person or organization that can really be there and solve issues, and not limit themselves to signing documents. Then studying abroad will turn into a conscious and safe step. For a teenager, this will not be stress, but an experience of growing up, a new level of independence and self-confidence.
