<p>What I have told my children about life and what they have experienced for themselves are two different things. At the tender age of 18, my daughter has knowledge and life experiences that I can only dream about. They will enrich her for the rest of her life. </p>
<p>MiamiDAP, why is this such an issue with you? Why do you feel compelled to argue that this is not an incredibly valuable experience, when those who have been there/done that say otherwise? No one is forcing your kid to go abroad. </p>
<p>I should add that there are some hidden costs to this type of trip - our bill for the recommended vaccinations came to $1500, much of which was not covered by insurance. Still worth it.</p>
<p>D will spend fall semester in Paris - no vaccinations required!</p>