Dear Harlan,

My daughter, who is an only child, has been accepted to a program that requires first semester students to study abroad. This seems to be a steep step for an 18-year-old, not to mention the additional costs incurred. Is this a real ticket to happiness for the first and the second semester? Fortunately, she has been accepted to other schools with traditional programs.

Not So Sure

 

Dear Not So Sure,

Fortunately for who? Going abroad and sharing experiences with a new group of people is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This same group of students might come back to campus and know each other for the rest of their lives. Starting college with this kind of experience can be an awesome way to build lifelong connections. Yes, it's far away. Yes, it's a big jump. But WOW, this is so cool. As a fellow parent, I'd be freaked out, too. Get all the information first. Freak out later. Find out what the program entails. See if you can connect with other moms of students who went through the program last year. Learn how to Skype, find an international texting plan and trust that she will be fine. Then trust that you'll be fine. College isn't about having to let go, it's about loosening the grip. Between talking, texting and chatting, you'll literally be in the palm of her hands. Unless your daughter has a medical condition, an emotional issue or the costs are prohibitive, missing her isn't a good enough reason to discourage her. This sounds like an amazing opportunity. Maybe you can visit her during parents' weekend in Paris?