15 Year Old Abroad

I had a 19 yr old at University in Russia. We could Skype anytime. I would not let my child go Anywhere I could not communicate with her. Who on Earth would ask that of anyone much less a child? Would you go away from home for 6 weeks and not communicate with anyone, even if you didn't have responsibilities?
What if she were in an accident or just had a problem? What if she left her card at a store? Yes, it happened. What if there were personal issues?
That's way, way too much to ask. There will be other oportunitines.

I'm not sure that anything we tell you here will be helpful because we don't know anything about the program. Who is chaperoning? What kind of place will she will be staying? Is it homestay or a university? How much supervision will she have?

I can't give you my opinion because I don't know anything about this program. Understanding the program very specifically is the most important thing for you.

And I have to say that they had better give you a REALLY good reason why you can't get emails from her. I'm not sure that I would accept that.

Dawn

It does sound like the opportunity of a lifetime.

Really (and you've probably thought of this), all the questions you're asking here sound like questions for the administrators of the program. If they're going to be taking responsibility for children under 18, they should have a thorough, redundant (in a good way) plan for those kids' safety. And they should be prepared to answer all kids of questions from parents.

I too would be inclined to let my child participate, but I too would be anxious about a no-communications rule. I say figure on letting her go, but get your questions answered first.

I wish I *could* make you feel better. But 6 weeks without communication is unacceptable. There can't be ANY reason why your child couldn't send you an email every once in a while. NO communication at all for any reason? I would NOT be comfortable with that whether she was going to China or a trusted relative's house one town over.

I would double check on that no communication thing. It really does seem unreasonable.

Many of those programs discourage home communication, because they think it will make the kid homesick, etc. etc. but that seems ridiculous. There should be no reason she can't call or Skype home once a week. I completely disagree with the whole premise, anyway.

I think you should take it up with the program administration. Once a week is reasonable.

What is the program?

The things she will learn, the amount she will grow, mature, change, in that 6 weeks will amaze you. Living or traveling overseas is an amazing opportunity. I was lucky enough to get to spend 9 years overseas, and I would not trade it for anything.

Boy what an awesome opportunity. I am having a hard time understanding no communication. That would not sit well with me at all. I mean not even an e-mail. I understand the homesick theory, but these kids are older. They are not going to be crying every night. That just is not sitting right with me. Guess I would talk to organizer about that. Six weeks is a long time to be incommunicado. What do the other parents think?

Hi, Keisha:

NO! You know China is a communist country.

You don't want your child to be in the company of communist people.
Why do you think they are here.

Send her to China town in New York if you want her to learn about Chinese.
Good luck.
D.

Hi Keisha,

I am an America who is currently living in China. I sent you a private message so that you can contact me personally. I've been here for more than five years and couldn't speak any Chinese when I came. I'd be happy to answer any questions that I can for you and your daughter.

J.

What an amazing opportunity for her and how fortunate that she has already had experience(s) traveling abroad. That said, who is putting the moratorium on contact for 6 weeks?!?! I would have a VERY serious problem with that. Post Natalee Holloway and this latest case in Turkey...no way, no how. I don't think you should keep her home but I think you should FIGHT over the communication thing. I'm willing to bet other parents are not happy with the idea either - you need to band together and hash this out with whomever is in charge. I agree with you, once a week on Sunday just to say "Hi Mom, Hi Dad, I'm okay" should be mandatory.