Parents, it’s completely normal to have some worries about sending your child to live and study in a foreign country, especially when he or she is still in high school. But, trust us — there are few things more important for a young person’s development and educational level than study abroad. Let us tell you why:

1) Study abroad looks really, really good on a resume and college applications.

2) When it comes to learning a foreign language, younger students learn much faster than, say, college students.

3) Studying abroad will allow your child to develop global leadership skills that will directly benefit him or her later on in life.

4) Traveling and experiencing another culture is a wonderful way for your child to gain a broader, more mature perspective on life.

5) Study abroad will more than likely provide a better idea of what your child might want to study in college or what kind of job he or she would like to have.

6) Study abroad is a wonderful way to forge long-lasting connections and references for future jobs.

7) Global understanding and foreign language proficiency are in demand by employers in today’s economy.

8) Your child will receive a richer, more fulfilling education than a typical classroom would provide.

9) Depending on which program you choose, your child could have the opportunity to earn college credit while studying abroad.

10) Study abroad is one of the most amazing and life-changing experiences a high school student (or any student, for that matter!) could ever hope to have.