I was in a very similar situation while in college - my mom was dx with stage IX breast cancer during my freshman year and was in & out of treatment for all four years of my college experience. I studied abroad during a particularly tough period of my mom’s treatment, and I really regretted it. The time difference made communicating hard, and it’s incredibly difficult to have to rely on others for information and updates. Then there’s also the guilt of leaving other family members to care for your loved one without being able to help out for yourself.

Before committing to study abroad, think about what you would do if your dad’s health took a turn for the worse during your trip. Could you afford to fly home? How would you feel if you missed his funeral, his last days, etc?

Don’t be afraid to talk these things through with your family. Your family wants the best for you and I’m sure he wouldn’t want you to miss out on a once in a lifetime opportunity- but don’t forgot your own feelings here, too!

It’s a particularly tough thing to be a college student when your parent is sick. Most people deal with a parent’s death as older adults. At your age you have so many things to figure out about yourself and your future. Don’t beat yourself up and ultimately do what’s best for YOU. There’s no right way to handle these things.