Should You Have Your Teen Do Study Abroad Programs?

When your teenager shows signs that they want to be more independent and do more things around the world, you may be wondering if study abroad programs are right for them. These are programs where students of a certain age get to study in another country, being hosted in a trusted family's home for several months at a time. You have likely heard of foreign exchange students in the US, or you may have hosted one yourself. Children study abroad not just in the United States but in other countries as well, and your child can be a part of study abroad programs that interest them.

Do you want to know if your teen should study abroad? Use this guide to assist you so you can make the best decision for your student.

Your child needs a challenge

Is your teenager talented and gifted but their current school and community cannot meet their needs? Is your child bored and always seeking a challenge? You can help them grow in their cultural, language, social, and independence skills by signing them up for study abroad programs. Your teenager can try a program once to see if it will work for them, and if it does, they can apply for these programs again.

Your child needs a resume

Is your teenager wanting to build a resume that can help them grow in their academic or future working career? One way you can help is by making their resume unique in a stand-out way by giving them experience in study abroad programs. When your child goes to another country and learns their language, all while learning how to communicate, learn, and do things away from their parents, they gain confidence and a great story background to help them stand out among their peers when they go to college or apply for a job in the future.

Your child needs a change

If your teenager has lost interest in the things around them and seems to have little motivation, then putting them in study abroad programs can give them the change they need to be inspired. Where your teenager goes isn't what's important in this scenario; it's that you're getting them out there in the real world where they can experience something new and make the day-to-day life they live more invigorating again.

Your teenager will want to discuss their wishes with you and their school counselor about where they want to go and why. Listen to your teen and let them be involved in the study abroad programs they want to get into.

To learn more, contact a study abroad program.

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