How to convince parents?

How can I convince my parents to let me go on a study abroad trip? Please help!?

• Hi everyone! I am a 17 year old girl. I have been wanting to go on a study abroad trip for a long time now. I had never really mentioned it to my parents until two summers ago, when I got a letter from People to People Student Ambassadors. I was nominated to go on a 17 day trip to Australia. My mom immediately ripped up the letter and threw it away, but I picked it out of the trash. I did a lot of research on it, and figured out how much it would cost and how I could raise money, then I I told my mom about it. I told her that my friend, who had gone on a trip through them the year before, had nominated me, and I was really interested in going. We went to the informational meeting, and then my parents just seemed to drop the whole thing. Then, during the school year, I found out that my school was offering a 10 day trip to Spain and Italy, which would cost $4,000. I once again told my parents about this, and they once again seemed interested in it. So I did what I had to do to get chosen for the trip, but my school ended up not going because not enough people signed up for it. Then, about a year ago I found Rustic Pathways, and it seemed perfect for me, because I could do a community service trip, which is what I really want to do. Before I even told my parents about it, I did research on it. The trip that I wanted to go on would cost less then $4,000 for 10 days, and I would have enough time to raise money for it. Then, I told my parents about it. And, once again they seemed interested in letting me go, but then they totally changed their minds and decided that they weren't going to let me. When I went on Facebook today, I saw that one of my friends is going to Honduras for 10 days to help people there. It made me so mad and jealous, because I have been trying to do this for 3 years, but my parents never let me. I know it may seem childish, and I should be happy for my friend, but I am getting sick of my parents acting like they are going to let me go, and then they wait until the last minute to tell me that I can't go. I have put so much time into researching these places and organizations before I tell my parents about them, and I figure out ways to raise money for the trips, and I am always let down by my parents. I just feel like a study abroad trip is never going to happen. Is this normal to feel this way? How can I attempt to convince my parents again? Am I going about asking my parents the wrong way? I provide them with the information that they need, and I show them that I am responsible, and then they lead me on and then disappoint me. I mean, the trip through Rustic Pathways would have been perfect for me because it was a marine biology community service project, and I want to be a marine biologist.

• Answer:

  Just get down to business. Sit your parents down and ask straight up. If they seem interested, immediately start planning your trip with them. Prepare a to-do list, and then approach your parents with your request. Also, there are many scholarships you can look for. Studying abroad is a wonderful experience, and most definately worth it!