Would you send your child away for seven weeks?

[Serena]

Okay, possibly when she's in a bad mood.

But my dd want to be involved in an Foreign Language Honors Program that will/may take her to Spain for 7 weeks.

First they have to apply, fill out applications, be interviewed, and pay $4000, but financial aid is available. Only a few will be selected.
I think it would be a great opportunity for her, they'd spend the weeks with a host family, take classes in the morning and various other things in the afternoon. On weekends would be the only excursion time.

But if, and that's a big IF, she's chosen, that would mean 7 whole weeks without my daughter. I know she's going to college soon and I have to get used to it then, but that's another year and a half away.

 

[kylara]

I agree that it would be rough to have her gone for 7 weeks, but it would be a great opportunity for her and would look wonderful on her college apps. Good luck to her...and to you.

 

[Kitty 34]

Laurie as much as you would totally miss her, it would be a great opportunity for her!


My oldest DS went to France for a month when he was twelve and lived with a French family in a smaller version of a foreign student exchange program. I missed him so-o-o bad during the time but am so glad I let him go.

 

[Serena]

LOL, I forgot to mention that I am going to let her try.

 

[rbuzzotta]

My college roommate did it years ago and it was a fabulous experience. When she became a teacher, she would host trips to Spain and help sponsor students to become students abroad.

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity!!!

 

[Michelle]

Laurie, I'm glad you're going to let her apply.

As HARD as it would be, yes, I would let my daughter do that when she was old enough. It is an amazing experience.

 

[jldriscoll]

Originally posted by Serena
Okay, possibly when she's in a bad mood.

LOL!!! I was going to say today I would!!!!!

 

[Talking Hands]

Serena I hope she gets it. It will be a wonderful experience ofr her
Mine leaves for Japan in 2 1/2 weeks for 6 months. Thank you Disney

 

[ASFCurly]

My cousin is in Russia for the semester (she is in college) and she doesn't know Russian.

my sister spent 8 weeks with my aunt and her family in Colorado last summer by herself.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Originally posted by Kitty 34
My oldest DS went to France for a month when he was twelve

At 12? Why are they letting them go as minors? DS will have to wait for college.

 

[Rajah]

Yep!!! I sure would!

Of course, I can say that now because I don't have any... I might say something else if I had kids

The reason for the emphatic yes is because I spent one summer in college in Santa Fe, New Mexico for a geophysics program that turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Yes, I was in college, but I wasn't much older than your daughter if she's going to college soon, and I still was used to spending summers with my family. But it was an experience that was VERY much worth the time and money. I think I learned more about myself and what I was capable of during that one summer than I had ever before. It really helped boost my confidence and self-esteem.

If you're comfortable with the program and if she gets accepted, I'd say go for it!

 

[Planogirl]

I hope that she gets it! I spent the summer in Europe with my grandmother when I was 14 and it was a great experience for me. I missed home but the adventure more than made up for that and I learned so much! The time does fly by.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

My MIL is upset with me because I wouldn't let her take Belle to Germany for 3 weeks next summer. MIL wanted it to be a reward for Belle being fluent in German, but I'm just not ready. Belle will turn 8 next summer, and isn't sure if she wanted to try a whole week of overnight camp, so I figured 3 weeks in Germany would be too much for her right now. I can definitely see Belle going in a few years, when she's ready, but I was very torn--it just didn't feel right.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yes I would let her try too.

That being said I do have to tell you that DH's stepsister contracted a wierd form of Hepatitis (I think), rare in this country, and almost died. She too went to Spain but she was in college and went frequently every year. She also traveled thruout Europe and the middle east. I don't know anymore details but I thought I would let you know this. Perhaps you could educate yourself and be better prepared. I hesitated to tell you this, but I suppose it is better to know.

 

[snoopy]

How old is she?

I would encourage my child to participate in such a program, but only if they were at least 13 or so.

 

[snowwhitemom]

Yes I would , What a great opp. for her. Good luck to her...and you I know you will miss your lil girl!!

 

[Serena]

She's almost 17, and the trip would happen next summer.

She has no hesitations, but then she wouldn't. She'll do great I know.

MM, yes I definitly want to know the risks too. I would rather know things like that so I can be prepared or do the research than go into anything blind. Just a quirk I have. lol

Thanks guys, I had a feeling you would feel this way.

 

[Jeafl]

My sister was an exchange student on a tiny island in Mexico her junior year of high school. She was there for a whole year and it changed her forever. She enjoyed is so much she went to Spain for her junior year of college as an exchange student as well. Eventually, she moved to Madrid for 2 years to get her masters at the University of Madrid. It was an incredible experience, and sometimes I regret not doing it when I had the chance.

 

[Kallison]

I wish I had been more adventuresome and taken the opportunity to travel when younger. I didn't even go away to college. Then again my mother never encouraged the idea and I've always had the "disease to please". Let her go if she wants too. My niece went to Germany for 4 weeks the summer before her Senior year and had a blast. Good luck with your decision.

 

[luvmydogs]

It would be a wonderful opportunity! I spent a month in Mexico when I was 16, and four months in Italy when I was 18, and they were both amazing experiences! Learning from people from other cultures, experiencing their customs, language, and history will really expand her knowledge and scope--not only of another country, but of herself as well. I'm sure it would be hard to be without her for that time, but I just think it means you've raised an intelligent, curious, and self-assured young woman. What a compliment to you!