[Mothy]

Two of my kids either went on exchange programme or are currenly on one - studying abroad for 12 months. Daughter is still there (Denmark) and the other went to the USA - upstate NY. Attended school and gained an international insight you will never get by staying at home. They were both only just turned 18 yrs when they went.

The Rotary Exchange programme they are on is well organised - strict rules and a support network in place. They stay with families who have been vetted to a high standard. It works - they have about 3,500 students on exchange world wide at any given time.

My son came back so much the better for the experience - a maturity grown out of being responible for ones actions and a much higher sense of independance. I have no doubt my daughter will come back in a similar way.

At some stage we all have to cut the strings and say - "I trust you". It's not easy when they are half a world away and you can only offer guidance.

Tim