<Author>Michael</Author>
<Topic>Letter to My Son on Why He Should Study Abroad</Topic>
<Source></Source>
<Nationality>USA</Nationality>
Dear Leo,
You have asked me what I think about you studying in the Denmark International Studies Program, whether it makes good sense, if we can afford it, and how I will feel when you are gone.
As you know, I have been an internationalist for a long time. I took you and your brother, Louis, and sister, Michelle, to Europe when you were quite small, and then again when you were teenagers. Of course, you have been a host brother to international high school students and have actually spent a month in Sweden with your brother Louis and your Swedish brother, Bjorn. You have already had three European experiences. So of course, I think that a semester in the Denmark International Studies Program, with courses in the media would be an excellent opportunity for you. You would be surprised, I suspect, if I answered this part of your question differently. For me, it makes a great deal of sense.
It will be rather expensive, I know. There is the tuition to pay, housing arrangements with a Danish family in Copenhagen, travel arrangements, and living experiences. Naturally, when the Program has a trip that everyone is taking, I want you to have that chance too. You have said that you can make a one week trip to Bavaria in Germany and a one week trip to Moscow. Both cost extra, but I certainly think that you should do this too. Since you should share in financing this experience, you should save most of the money that you make working this summer for part of your expenses. Then, I will pay for the rest, as it is a once in a life time opportunity.
My first overseas travel was when I was twenty-two to Europe. It was an important "growing up" time for me. In the same way, this trip will be good to help you mature on your own.
So while I will miss you for the three and a half months that you are gone, I only see you briefly during the regular semester anyway, as you are away at the university. We can keep in regular contact while you are gone, and at the beginning of January, you will be back home again. We should have a band meet you at the airport. Your international study will be educational and great fun. Enjoy yourself and don't worry that you are in Europe and I am at home. Take good care of yourself and represent us all well. Be a gentleman. Be careful. Have a good time.
Love, Dad