Studying abroad for children?

Question

How young is too young to go study abroad. What are some good programs for kids to study a language abroad, what's the minimum age requirement?

Answer 1

I think if their parents are with them, any age is fine.  If you are talking about sending them abroad alone for a significant period of time so that they can learn a language, high school is probably the minimum.  I know they learn better in high school, but another country is too far to send a child without very familiar people.  

Having said that, some children are very independent and probably could handle it.  I know that having lived in the UK at the ages of 9 and 10, I begged my parents to leave me there in boarding school.  I loved it, and probably would have done fine on my own.  The problem is that you can never predict how children will react, and if you take off and leave them in another country when they go into a panic, there is nothing you can do to help them handle it.  It could be extremely traumatic for them.

Answer 2

The company EF runs a summer program for kids aged 10-14, which runs for 2-6 weeks. I know this isn't the exact age you were looking for but holidaying in places that speak the third language you'd like to introduce might be somewhere to start until they get to that kind of age. From their website you can order free brochures on their study programs and get other information also. I've included a link to their home page below. Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm not sure what age exactly you mean by kids. I studied abroad in college at age 19. Having experienced living abroad in two countires, I would say middle school would be the youngest I would let my kids try something like that. (I dont have kids, Im just speaking hypotheticaly). In my opinion you have to be old enough to understand that you are going to another country which may not be anything like you own. You have to respect their laws, their customs, and embrace their culture. Something considered simple here could land you in a foreign prison and saying, "I didnt know" wont help. I think high scool or college is a great time to give it a try. It can be a rewarding experience and it will change your life. I strongly reccomend People to People for middle and high school or AIFS for high school and college.