How do I study abroad?

How may I convince my parents to let me study abroad?

• I really want to study abroad for a year in a country like Korea, Switzerland, Finland, England... just any country. I have already considered my choice of countries. I was denied going to the Philippines (where I have much family) and Spain due to safety issues and fear of kidnap/assault. France became out of the question and also Italy because of the stealing issue that my Mum had run into when she went there just this summer. I really want to study abroad, but I am very shy about asking for things and also for being continuously denied. About money, I think if I can get the scholarships, which I know I can as I looked at the website, I can pay off most of the daunting tuition. After all, Mum thinks over $4000 is a lot as she already pays a lot more than that a months between my sister and I for learning enrichment and such. I just need to figure out how to get my say in it more than just 'I want to study abroad' and being given a sort of rejecting look. I am shy about asking for these kind of things and I already was shy saying I wanted to study abroad as I don't even ask my Mum for candy. I'm not one of argument, and I am just really shy about it... Please help... Help is appreciated.

• Answer:

  You will want to make a 'sales presentation.' point out the benefits of studying abroad and what you will gain from the experience. It will boost your self-confidence, as it sounds like you are quite reluctant to ask for things. Remind your mother that she wants to raise a confident, self-reliant person, and this experience will help. As for cost, schooling in a foreign country is usually the same as your home country, except for travel expenses. good luck.