How do I convince my parents to let me participate in an exchange program?

Question

Hey guys. I'm a 14 year old American girl and I really want to study abroad. To be more specific, I want to participate in a year-long exchange program in Japan. I've been learning Japanese both at school and at home, and I take my study of the language very seriously. I feel that an exchange would help me increase my proficiency in Japanese, and also just to make me a more well-rounded person.

The trouble is, I'm having a hard time talking about this with my parents. They seem to avoid talking about it, or they just tell me to ask later. I really want to try and convince them to let me do this. I know it's VERY expensive (we're definitely not poor, but it's still expensive!), but I am willing to get a job or never spend my pocket money or do whatever it takes. And I know they're worried about their daughter being on her own, but...I can handle this. I'm a lot more self-reliant and a lot less naive than I act like I am, and I feel I could get along OK in a foreign country.

Help me?

Answer 1

ok i had to go through this so here is wat i did...

sit ur parents down and make sure they dont have anything else to do

say "Mom/ Dad, I've been working really hard, and I think its time I let u see how responsible i am.

Show them ur language grades, and get the teacher to write a note saying how well ur doing in class.

Tell them that if they pay for 50% (or however much u think is fair), you'll match them and pay the other %

Also, show them the website of the group u would exchange with.

Tell them that this is an oppurtunity to open ur mind to other cultures, and will help them learn too

Good luck! and dont worry...

Answer 2

What you can do is wait until college. Universities all have wonderful overseas exchange programs, which are cheap (some programs are free because Japan and other countries want to foster cultural exchange between the U.S., Europe, etc.), you'll get college credits so you can graduate early, and you won't have to impose on your parents. Pocket money, unfortunately, is not going to cut it. You will not be able to enjoy your experience in Japan to the fullest by working (and you probably won't be able to, legally). Look, you may be mature, but 14 is too early for you and for your parents to effectively lose their child.