How do I convince my mom to let me study abroad?

I'm currently a sophomore in high school and I would really like to study abroad next year. The program I would study abroad through would not cost a lot of money compared to some other ones (it'd probably be around 5,000 dollars). My parents are divorced; my dad has agreed but my mom says no. How can I convince her to let me study abroad? I've got my heart set on going, and it really means a lot to me. How can I make her understand?

How do I convince my mom to let me study abroad?
Hi!





Wow, what an opportunity for you! Studying abroad will be the experience of a lifetime and your junior year is the best time to go!





One good way to convince the parents is money! Offer to earn the money that you would need to cover your personal expenses -- probably $200 - $300/month depending upon the exchange rate. If you do that, you'll show you're very serious about your exchange.





Another is how important this could be for your future! Colleges and universities LOVE exchange students -- especially if you have studied for a year! Many offer preferred admissions and/or scholarship money. Your exchange organization probably has a list of those that do.





In addition, you will have the advantage of knowing another language and a greater understanding of other people. Both of these will be very valuable in the workplace, especially if you keep up your language training in college!





You will mature a lot! This year is not a party year! That's something your parents have to understand. This will be the hardest academic year you will undertake! American high schools are a piece of cake compared to those in Europe and Asia!





Speaking of academics, your high school should give you credit for your year -- usually at least in foreign language, social studies, math and science (since you will probably have to take those there). You will probably have to double up and take two English classes and American History and American Government in your senior year however -- or perhaps in the summer before or after you go!





If you have exchange students in your school, invite them home to meet your mom! Let her talk to them and see how much they are getting out of their year! Perhaps they can even arrange an exchange of letters or e-mail with their parents ... after all, they talked THEM into it!:)





Hopefully these ideas will help. I also encourage you to check out http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/ This site was written by exchange students (and some adult host parents including "moi") and it covers everything from the initial idea to returning home after your year.





Good luck to you -- I hope your dream comes true!
Reply:I'm a junior right now and I was in the exact same position last year (I wanted to go to London)! First of all, you want to make sure that is what you truly want to do. The study abroad program covers a few things including tuition. You want to check if the $5000 includes living expenses (food and housing in London is realllllyyyy expensive.)


Once you decide you want to go for sure, do some research on the universities there. That will show your mom you really want to go.


Then, come up with a list of reasons why you should go. Also, come up with a list of reasons why your mom wouldn't want you to go and come up with a counter-example for each.


When you are ready, confront your mom with your new info! And use as much of it as you can.


Let me know how it goes!
Reply:Pay for it yourself. Then how could they refuse?
Reply:You need to find a foreign exchange student at your school perhaps. Befriend them, which shouldn't be hard to do, as they always have something interesting to say. Bring them home, and have them explain to your mom what it is like, and why the adventure is so rewarding.