tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549597587544137475.post3885719271917780437..comments2023-04-09T07:20:24.421-06:00Comments on Life Is What Happens...: Ever been a foreign exchange student?Miguelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04203771368783213108noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549597587544137475.post-56622589641912557372009-01-20T14:08:00.000-07:002009-01-20T14:08:00.000-07:00Thanks for your input Chanson, I know living abroa...Thanks for your input Chanson, I know living abroad as you do probably does give a person a different perspective of the world than the "all-American" way and in my point of view that is a very positive thing!Miguelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04203771368783213108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549597587544137475.post-80551635810650211922009-01-20T12:53:00.000-07:002009-01-20T12:53:00.000-07:00Wow, what a fantastic opportunity!!!I think you're...Wow, what a fantastic opportunity!!!<BR/><BR/>I think you're absolutely right to remind him that "he has to have an open mind and understand that each side has many valid points, both are probably right but both are probably wrong too, it is nice to know all the points of view." He sounds like a bright kid and will probably consider this message.<BR/><BR/>I think it's a very good sign for both his natural deisre to learn and your skill as a parent that he would even want to tackle such a challenging assignment. OTOH, it's true kids can be foolhardy, and you're right to encourage him to be as safe and careful as possible.C. L. Hansonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12698855413639518095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549597587544137475.post-82089652390067283222009-01-20T09:43:00.000-07:002009-01-20T09:43:00.000-07:00Thank you for your input, I do believe any opportu...Thank you for your input, I do believe any opportunity like this-even it being the chance to live overseas should not be wasted.Miguelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04203771368783213108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2549597587544137475.post-22894257697076681742009-01-20T07:01:00.000-07:002009-01-20T07:01:00.000-07:00I haven't been a FES but I did live in Bangkok, Th...I haven't been a FES but I did live in Bangkok, Thailand for 5 years starting when I was 13. Living/studying abroad is an invaluable tool and asset to have. If your son has the means I highly suggest it especially if he is going into Poly Sci. I would recommend a year however. At 15 it will help him establish independence and help him deal with the socioeconomic dynamics found universal. While the ME is slightly more dangerous than China or Russia, depending on where he would go, is not as bad as the media shows. He will learn to speak colloquial Arabic which is far less difficult than formal Arabic and will help him in the future what ever path he chooses. I would be concerned about the Arab/Israeli biases but if your son is grounded it shouldn't effect him badly. I actually find that when you truly immerse yourself you see the good and the bad of that culture so he may see the difference of both sides and be able to weigh in with a balance view. I would also suggest a year as that isn't as long as you think. Hope he'll get the chance to go. Sounds like fun to me! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com