Sending my daughter to study abroad

Heights High sophomore Janine Walker will spend her junior year in Thailand as an AFS exchange student.

While most Heights High Students are anxiously awaiting the last day of school, my daughter Janine Walker will be packing her bags to begin 11th grade in Thailand. Three years ago, her older brother went to Japan for a summer exchange. She remembers how much he enjoyed it and how it broadened his view of the world.

Since then, she has had a goal of going abroad—and not just for a summer, but for the school year. As I contemplated the duration and cost of the program, I spoke with other Heights parents who had sent their kids abroad in high school. They all said it was a wonderful experience for their kids. 

As we filled out forms and discussed the details, I was even more convinced that living and studying abroad will prepare Janine for life in many unique and educational ways. This isn’t just a vacation to a foreign country, but a life-enriching experience that will help Janine learn about herself and the world.

Our exposure to exchange students began when our family started volunteering with American Field Service (AFS). We have hosted or been a liaison family for students from Saudi Arabia, Kenya, the Philippines, Malaysia Germany, and Mozambique. These young people have surrounded us with new cultures, religions, and foods from around the world, and they will be a part of our family forever.

AFS is one of the largest and most reputable student exchange organizations in the world. For more than 60 years, AFS has provided safe and secure experiences abroad for thousands of students, so I am not worried about her safety—but I will miss Janine dearly.

Supporting my daughter in her goal of exploring the wonders of the world through intercultural exchange might be the greatest gift that I can give her.

**************

The cost of an AFS one-year study abroad program is about $12,000. Janine has raised nearly $8,000 and is working to raise the remaining $4,000. A Family & Friends Benefit Fundraiser for Janine’s Thailand Education will be held on Saturday, June 18, 4:30-8:30 p.m. at the home of Vanessa Whiting, 2489 Coventry Road. For information, call 323-215-8774. Donations can also be made directly to Janine’s AFS account through her blog at Janine-in-Thailand.blogspot.com.

AFS is currently in its 2011-12 hosting season. For families interested in hosting a student, or sending a child abroad for a summer, semester, or year, contact Krista Hawthorne at 216-554-0520.