Studying abroad- 15 year old?

Question

My 13 year old daughter wants to be fluent in french. She is looking to spend a year in france in either or sophmore or junior year of high school! Should I let her? Do you know any programs that offer this?

Answer 1

Yes. Programs like that look great on a college resume and her job opportunities will be greater. There's usually some kind of school program for that. Ask the school office they'll give you information. Au revoir

Answer 2

Definitely let her.  Not only will she become fluent in French, she'll also learn SO much about the culture and people.  When I was 13, I really wanted to study abroad to France, too.  I ended up choosing to go to China during my Junior year in high school and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT.   No matter where your daughter goes, she will gain amazing life experience.  Also remember that there are SO MANY countries out there that use French, not just France.  You may want to research that.

About exchange programs, several of my friends have gone through Rotary and had good experiences.  http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYout...

Rotary also gives scholarship opportunities.  I think that Rotary is the best and most reliable choice for an exchange.  

Well, tell your daughter to start saving up now if she wants to go.  She will have an AMAZING time!

Answer 3

Yes. You should, it would be a great opportunity for her. Make sure you look into each program and make sure it's safe. Google "csiet" for a list of all the safe programs. AFS is probaly the most known and the most reliable. Here's their website:

http://www.usa.afs.org/usa_en/home

Their kind of expensive, but really worth it.

Answer 4

Only if you feel that she is mature enough to handle it.

Answer 5

Definitely!

Being an exchange student is a life changing experience.

I generally recommend the junior year of high school for the exchange. The students are more mature and are able to handle it better (the law says between 15 and 18 1/2). Also, it's easier to handle her schedule to accommodate the year abroad AND she can come back to enjoy her senior year and graduate with her friends.

Almost any reputable exchange program will work for her. In addition to France, however, she may wish to consider the French speaking areas of Switzerland or Belgium. To let you know, two years of high school French is required for study in ANY French speaking country. I know you said she was fluent, so may not be taking it in school. Tell your organization to see if there is alternate testing to accommodate this (I'm sure there is!).

As for programs, if you're in the US, first make sure it's CSIET listed (www.csiet.org). Also, ask your school counselor for a recommendation. A program is only as good as its local representatives. Generally, you'll find AFS, Aspect Foundation, Rotary and YFU are reliable everywhere. AYUSA  (which I believe is connected with INTRAX) is somewhat iffy. Our school will not allow them to place.

You'll find that programs run between $7,000 - $10,000, plus around $200 monthly expenses (depending upon what the dollar does). Rotary is considerably cheaper, but more competitive. It's also set up differently than the others.

Hopefully, with this much lead time, she'll be able to save for part of this herself -- she will appreciate the experience much more!

For more info on exchange students, you can check out this online community:

http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

Good luck and I hope you decide to let her go!