Can I host a foreign college student?

How to get my parents to let me be a foreign exchange student?

• I currently live in Florida and just last week the Rotary Club here advertised the foreign exchange student program, it was an assembly at my High School. I have dreamed for years of traveling abroad my cousin has done it before she went to France in her early college years. I'm a freshmen currently this year. Now, over the summer I was invited to do student ambassadors, but my parents refused to send me. At first I was mad but I understood why, it's extremely expensive and only for two weeks. The program I want to do with Rotary is WAY cheaper. And I can go for a whole year, I have what it takes to be an exchange student. But, the only thing in the way is the 'rents. My parents are honestly afraid I'll be killed or thrown in jail, or something strange of that type. Trust me, I know the risks there are in being an exchange student. This program hasn't had any problems with the host families thus far. And i'm not a reckless girl, I don't plan on drinking, or anything while there; even though the drinking ages are lower. It's not my thing. How can I convince my parents it safe, and they should let me go? Oh, also I probably wouldn't go until Junior/Senior year. I've already tried making pacts like getting all A's and that such, but they still look at me like i'm nuts. I want to go to Greenland, but every year the countries change so. *Another reason is my parents think I'm too young, but If I went at 17/18 I don't see the issue. Oh, and I've been mature about it. I haven't thrown any fits or anything. x)

• Answer:

  You have a year or two before you need to apply, so hopefully they'll change their mind. I've looked into Rotary so much over the last few months. I'm really excited for the opportunity to go on an exchange. I found this video on youtube, and it really inspired me to go. Ask your parents to watch it with you. Tell them that this is important to you. There's three parts to the video, and it pretty much covers everything RYE (Rotary Youth Exchange). I believe it's about 20 minutes in total, but I hope you watch it. It's really informative. Here's the first part... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Liyb_s6_nKY Second... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPKORqbH5vY&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Third... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Gt47kpfh8Y&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL I really don't think that an exchange to Greenland would be dangerous. The volulteers with Rotary will make sure that you are safe. Rotary has the best reputation of any exchange organization for safety. If you have any other questions, just e-mail me. [email protected]