Being Gone For 11th Grade

calmom
Sun, 09 Apr 2006 23:22:26 +0000

Absolutely best thing my daughter could have done for herself. Lots of juggling & hassle, and that post-exchange senior year is a bear, because the kid simply becomes far to worldly to be ever be happy in high school again … but it still was worth it.

Also, tell your friend that with modern technology she should be able to keep in touch with her daughter regularly. My daughter had an internationally-equipped GSM phone and we went to the plan that offered the maximum number of text messages for a flat fee. Voice calls were pricey (but not impossible in the case of an emergency), but text messaging cost the same as for domestic use. It is also possible to email or instant message to text & back. My d. also blogged regularly - she made it a point to go to an internet cafe once a week.

Also, the ATM thing works pretty well internationally too – I opened a second, joint checking account with my daughter that I could fund through online transfers from my regular account – so I was able to easily monitor the account and also keep it funded with an appropriate amount for a teenager, without having to worry about her having money lost or stolen.

So your friend won’t miss her daughter nearly as much as she thinks.