How do I tell my parents I want to do an exchange program?

Hi! I'm contemplating doing exchange in a few years. Here are a few programs, they explain everything. They also give multiple pointers on how it's a logical decision for your parent's to let you go. They also offer scholarships. AFS, and Youth for understanding

tell them. you probably won't like their answer, but they should know. do you speak german ?

I love Eddie S's sense of humor! If your parents have a sense of humor, try it on them! (I'm a 5-time host mom and new volunteer with Youth For Understanding (YFU) and it made me laugh!) Seriously though, be 'armed' with lots of facts and figures for them to contemplate. Germany is probably one of the safest places you could travel. Have you chosen an agency with which to travel? If you have, contact them for help. If not, I humbly and respectfully cast a vote for YFU. YFU has been around for a very long time (since 1951) and has learned a few things in that time. They started with a group of German students and I've been told (through the grapevine so take it with a grain of salt) that more German students (per capita) go on exchange then any other nationality. My husband and I have hosted a boy from Germany. Present the list of German scholarships available. I won't list them here for the sake of space, but you can go to http://yfuusa.org/media/Education/GermanyFlyer.pdf and get the short list (go to http://yfuusa.org/american-students/scholarships.php for the long list and links to details). Your parents might also enjoy being able to contact parents of former exchange students (http://yfuusa.org/american-students/more-information/alumni-parent-referral.php). They will also like to know what you're getting for the money: With YFU, 95% of the fees collected go to direct program costs (only 5% to overhead). The direct program costs include airfare, finding and screening the host families, support (regular contact with an agency volunteer or staff member among other things) while in the hosting country, etc. Take a calm approach to this. If you are reasonable instead of going in with the attitude of "I'm going to do and I don't care what you say or feel", I would think your parents will listen. You can also ask for help from an agency volunteer -- we won't try to "convince" your parents, but we will supply information. I wish you luck no matter how things turn out.