How do I convince my mom to let me be a foreign exchange student in France?
I am really interested in being a foreign exchange student because I love France and its language. I researched a lot of different programs and got a lot of information about it. I even talked to my dad about it and he thinks it would be good. But when I asked my mom she said NO. She said that a year is way too long and who knows what would happen to me and I might get put with a bad family or something. I tried convincing her but she wont listen. Please help, how do I convince my mom to let me do this? I reallly really want to!
Studying Abroad - 2 Answers
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1 :
Make sure the program you're looking at is reputable. Don't just pick something off the internet, because then your mother could end up being right after all! The best option is a direct exchange through your school. Then you'd be traveling with a teacher she knows/trusts and other Americans she knows/trusts. Usually if you get a family that doesn't work for you, you can switch. But many of the for-profit programs attract (surprise!) for-profit families. I would really recommend avoiding those kinds of programs. Can you compromise with a much shorter exchange? Saying goodbye to you for a summer or a semester might be easier for her. Do your research about living in France. Tell her exactly how you will deal with whatever situations arise. See if you can get at her specific concerns - is she worried about you walking alone at night? Is she worried you'll get homesick/be miserable? Is she worried about the expense? Also keep in mind that you'll have a great chance to study abroad in university. You'll be older and more prepared from an academic/social standpoint to get more out of it because you'll already be living away from home.
2 :
I'm actually answering this question from my lycée in Marseille, France. Today marks (to date, in fact) my 6th month being here. Hopefully my experience here can help you. If you've researched programs, you've probably heard of Rotary, which is the organization I'm here with. You mentioned that your mom worries about what might happen to you. This could mean a few things: -Perhaps she doesn't trust your judgment in a foreign country. My response to that would be that the exchange (at least through Rotary, I can't speak for YFU, ASF, etc) is pretty monitored/restricted. For example, I'm not allowed to take a train to a neighboring town alone (and their definition of alone is sans a host family or Rotarian). So you can't go wherever you like whenever you like, which reduces the chance of getting yourself into something stupid. -Or if it's the situation your mom doesn't trust, has she ever been to France? Life isn't any more dangerous than chez moi. I come from Michigan, so assuming you're American as well, the change in laws and customs won't be too great of a change. The country's as civilized as any, and host families take very good care of the students they take in. Most French people welcome "l'américaine" (provided you have a good attitude and try your best at French). The same goes if you're English or Australian or whatever. People help you out. With Rotary you'd have three families throughout the year, which allows you to see the French way of life rather than one particular family's way of life. Your mother is right about the fact that you might get placed with a bad family, but the chances are low, and if you don't get along with the family, you have one of two options. You can tough it out like I did (my first family was....special we'll say) or you can request a change and Rotary will fix it up. Also focus on the benefits of the experience. I am incredibly happy with my decision to be here. It really opens your mind, you learn the language, make new friends, see France and the surrounding countries, taste their cuisine, eat the FRENCH BREAD (it's amazing, seriously), etc. It makes you consider aspects of our language and society that you would otherwise never think of. You'll gain a greater appreciation for your own country. It really is something amazing. It's good for college applications as well (bonus!) So explain to your mom how it would help shape you as a person. It really is a life-changing experience, and I'd recommend it to almost everyone (nothing suits everyone). I hope that helps. I'm curious to know if you end up doing it! If you have any questions about Rotary, France, or whatever, don't hesitate to ask! Good luck convincing your mom! Leah Corby lmariecorby@gmail.com
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