What are the pros and cons of being a foreign exchange student?

Question

I'm trying to get my parents (specifically my dad) to let me go to Finland for the fall semester of my senior year. Please, anything will help. Thank You.

Answer 1

It will change your life forever!  You'll learn a new language and become an adult during this time.  The families that you stay with have been researched, so it's a time for you to learn self-reliance with support if you need it.  You'll learn a different prospective of life.  

The Finns are healthy people.  They are hard working and have a love of peace.  They are family-oriented and enjoy outdoor winter sports.  These are the wholesome activities you'll be partaking in.  They are very literate (99%) and cultured.

You'll be able to communicate with your family through email daily.  If you've shown responsibility and made good choices earlier in your life, you'll continue to do so in Finland.  You have the values you've been taught in the US, and you'll continue to have them in Finland.  Moreover, you'll be able to represent the US abroad and show the Finns that the US has responsible teenagers.  

Do some research on the lifestyle of the Finnish people.  Show your parents that this is something you truly want to do and that you'll work hard for.  Don't make it sound like you're trying to get away from them for a semester.  Reseach if you'll still be able to graduate with your class and have enough credits.  Maybe this is what they're worried about.  Or maybe they're worried about the fact that you won't be able to select your college while you're abroad.  Show them that you know you'll have to have this done before you leave.  Tell your parents that you know you'll have to do a lot of college planning and scholarship applications early, but that you're willing to do all this extra work to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Research the company that is offering you this exchange.  show your parents that it's a reputable company.

And, before all of this -- listen to what your parents are objecting to.  Why are they against it?  What are they afraid of?  Will they miss you too much? (you'll send them emails and pictures)  Are  they worried about your safety? (Show the the statistics that the Finns are a peaceful society.)  Are they worried about the expense? (get a job to pay for your flight, etc.)  When you know what they're thinking, then you can work on convincing them.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You have to convince them! It was one of the best experiences of my life and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. A few things you could tell him is that it make you a more well rounded person, with a greater understanding of foreign governments. You will make friends for life that will make the world seem much smaller and more approachable, you will develop such confidence in yourself when you realize you are able to pick up and live in a strange place, and not only survive but thrive! That kind of self confidence is priceless and will stay with you forever. Good luck!

Answer 3

The con is you miss out on normal life for 1 year.

The pros are: becoming fluent in a foreign language, maturing, making lifelong friends, having a greater understanding of other cultures, padding your resume, opening doors to opportunities you would have never thought possible.

I really hope you take this opportunity to spend time abroad. It will change your life. Sure, you might be homesick for a little while as it takes time to adjust. However, if you're like 99% of exchange students, when you come back home, you will be homesick for your exchange country!

Answer 4

So many pros that the cons don't really matter. I was pretty freaked out my first couple weeks of study abroad. But it passed. Just don't go in with any expectations and enjoy the ride.

Tell dad you will be much more competitive in the job market with international experience. Good luck.