You should convince your parents to allow you to become an exchange student.
Studying abroad as an exchange student can be an incredibly challenging, fun, exciting, and transforming experience.In a foreign country, you will be able to open yourself to new cultures and languages, make lasting friends, and learn about the world outside of your own country.Students' parents don't feel the same about their children studying abroad.Parents may express concern about your safety and wellbeing abroad, your financial stability, and your knowledge of the country you'll be studying in.It will be easier for your parents to convince you to study abroad if you can convince them of these concerns.
Step 1: You should know your reasons for traveling and studying abroad.
You need to clarify your reasons for studying abroad in order to convince your parents.Are you willing to dedicate time and money to be an exchange student?Do you study abroad because it is important, or because a friend made it seem fun?Do you want to learn a foreign language?Do you want to spend a lot of time away from your family, friends, and home?
Step 2: How long do you want to stay in the world?
You will find vastly different experiences in different parts of the world.To narrow your list of potential study locations, think about countries and cultures you would like to travel to.Asking yourself if you would rather be in a rural or urban setting will help you find a location that is a good fit for you.You would have more opportunities to travel within your host country if you were in an urban setting.Asking yourself if you want to be in a place where you can speak English or a foreign language.You should start looking into schools once you have narrowed down your options.You can research universities in the area you are interested in, look into their academic standing, and contact the respective study-abroad program.
Step 3: How long do you want to study abroad?
Short and long-term programs are offered by most exchange organizations.You should contact the host program directly to see what type of options they have.If your parents are okay with you going to a neighboring country for a short time, but are less comfortable with the idea of you spending a year in a nearby country, then maybe you can meet them halfway.
Step 4: There is a student exchange company.
Your guidance counsellor can help you find a trustworthy organization.Your parents will want to know who is facilitating the exchange program, is it through a university or school, or a study-abroad program?It is important to show your parents the legitimacy of the company.Talk to your teachers to find out if your school has sister schools.You could ask your school about doing an exchange.The "middle man" of an exchange company will probably be cut out of this option.Ask your exchange company if the work you do in your host country will be credited to you when you return home.To confirm this, you will need to speak to representatives of the host school.
Step 5: People who have studied abroad should be contacted.
Ask them if they think it was worth the money and what they learned from the experience.If they live in your area, you could see if they would be willing to meet for coffee with you and your parents in order to discuss their trip.This will help you understand how the exchange program works, and will allow your parents to see what other people have gained from the experience.If you can find people who studied in the same country as you, this step will be helpful.
Step 6: Get a part-time job.
If you work while you are in school, your parents will understand the value of money.Studying abroad is expensive, and your parents may be concerned that it is too expensive.If you have never worked before, they may feel that you don't understand the value of money.If you want to be an exchange student, you need to show your parents that you are capable of generating income and dedicating that money to that.
Step 7: You can save all of the money.
Being an exchange student has many costs associated with it, and you will need to plan ahead in order to cover your costs.If you are still in the early stages of study-abroad planning, start saving as much money as possible.To cover your exchange-student costs, try to set aside at least one third of your paycheck.To show your financial responsibility, make a financial plan with your parents.To calculate where the money will come from, you have to factor in flight fees, travel fees and room and board costs.You should get a stipend from your school.You will be able to pay for your time abroad trip if your school offers this.
Step 8: Discuss with your parents how you can stay in touch.
It is possible that your parents will never hear from you while you are an exchange student.Plan to send letters and postcards when you have the chance, and assure them that you will be in touch regularly.It's a good idea to set up a weekly or monthly schedule.You should research how international phone calls and texts work with your parents.
Step 9: List the benefits you expect to receive from studying abroad.
Specific examples that you can show to your parents will justify your studying abroad.A list of benefits will help you convince your parents.Your parents will probably be justified in not allowing you to travel abroad if your list only includes benefits like partying with locals in Spain or loving British accents.Make it clear that you want to learn a new language, expand your understanding of the world, improve your resume, or gain other valuable experiences.
Step 10: Tell your parents where you expect the money to come from.
If you expect parents to foot the entire bill for travel and studying abroad, you'll be in trouble.If you have already saved a few thousand dollars or can expect financial assistance from your university or high school, this may diminish your parents' financial concerns.If exchange programs cost too much, your parents may not consent.You can include how you can pay in the list.If you show your parents that you are independent and responsible, they will be more likely to allow you to study abroad.You will be entitled to receive health care in your destination country.If your parents know you have health care, they will be more comfortable with you studying abroad.
Step 11: Tell me that I am academically serious.
Many parents worry that their child may fall behind with their schoolwork while on an exchange program, or that they will party and travel while neglecting academics.
Step 12: Discuss your safety.
If you are an inexperienced international traveler, your parents will be concerned about your safety.Show that you take the issue seriously by brushing aside their safety concerns.Take precautions to be safe, such as: research instabilities or potential safety risks in the country.To find out if there are any health scares or areas of violence to avoid, check with the U.S. State Department. The political climate abroad is often very different than at home.You can find more detailed safety information about the city you are in.You should keep the address of the place you are staying.If you need a late-night taxi ride, or if your phone dies and you can't find your way home, this will be useful.The address should be written in English and the native language of the country you are in.Pickpockets and thieves should be watched out for.This can be a problem in foreign countries.Carry cash and valuables with you, not in a bag that could be snatched away.Should locals become aggressive with you, learn how to contact the police.You should know the emergency call number in your country.It is equivalent to 112 in Europe and 000 in Australia.