“Are you not concerned?” friends and acquaintances continually ask us upon hearing that our 13-year-old will be spending two weeks in France this summer. “With everything that’s happening…” they trail off, awkwardly hinting at “gun violence” and veiled references to terrorism, all while trying to maintain a casual conversation during Saturday soccer practice.
In response, we’re left with the task of articulating “Well, duh,” which, as it turns out, translates pretty easily across any language barrier. I like to think we worry about our son every day—whether he’s boarding the bus, using a sharp fishing hook, racing down the stairs, or skating down the driveway without a helmet because he tends to ignore our advice. The reality is, we all live with a baseline of concern.
Do we fret about him going overseas due to all the…? Sure, in the same way you might worry about being struck by lightning or encountering a jellyfish while swimming. (Let’s be real; those creatures are nature’s floating nightmares.) But he’s going anyway, because to stay here in America, where it’s supposedly safer, feels like a darkly humorous way to shield kids from the world’s complexities.
We signed the exchange paperwork for two main reasons: 1) the allure of summer in France, and 2) our son’s eagerness. When his enthusiastic French teacher presented the opportunity, he leaped at it, leaving us both astonished and proud. Honestly, he’s far braver and more adventurous than I was at his age—probably until I turned 25 and finally dared to try sushi. This new experience excited him, and that enthusiasm made us rush to sign the papers before we could second-guess ourselves about sending him to an unfamiliar destination.
While people often ask if we’re scared, we mostly feel envious. He’ll be in a picturesque village nestled in the Alps, a place that looks like a postcard with its charming cafés, vibrant flags, and snow-capped mountain backdrop. His host family consists of a lovely group of kids who speak very little English, and, hopefully, they’ll embrace our son as the slightly awkward seventh-grader we know and love.
Of course, we will feel a simmering anxiety leading up to his departure. And yes, he isn’t a seasoned traveler seeking out thrilling experiences. I’m sure France has its own version of Minecraft. But he’s going, motivated by the hope that this adventure will help combat the ignorance and fear that often permeates discussions about the world. It’s amusing how some parents are quick to jump to conclusions about immigration issues, as one woman mentioned while trying to weave her views into our son’s exchange program, perhaps envisioning customs as a dividing line.
While my childhood lacked significant challenges, traveling abroad was never an option. My parents were more inclined toward staying home, which, while rooted in love, can feel stifling. We hope this experience teaches our son that the world is vast and accessible, especially for those fortunate enough to have opportunities. Ignorance breeds fear, and perhaps one day we might even encourage his younger brother to embark on a similar journey.
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In conclusion, while we may have our moments of worry, we choose to embrace this opportunity for our son to grow, learn, and experience life beyond our doorstep.