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age
30-35,
anonymous
writes: I'm a junior in high school and I found this really really good college in Paris, it's pretty much perfect for me. The problem is I don't know how to tell my parents, because I would be really far away from them (I live in the US) and the cost would be high. I know it won't pay for everything but for the next 2 years I'm going to work and save all the money I can so it will help a little bit. It is also taught in English, which my mom thinks every school there is taught in French. My mom has always said "you can't go to school in Europe, or out of North America!" but it's my dream so I don't understand why she would do that..I understand the money, but other than that..If you could give me advice on what to say and why I want to go there that would be great. Thanks!
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female
reader, CindyCares  +, writes (10 September 2010):
 Is it the Paris branch of an American college ?
Or is it a French college ?
Because if it is French, the degree you get at the end of your studies would not be authomatically recognized in USA
( with few exceptions ). Your title would not have legal value in your country. Yes, you could obtain the equipollence or equivalence or whatttheycallit, but it's a lenghty, complicate and expensive process.
Check carefully before submitting your idea to your parents
A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (10 September 2010): Here's an idea...Go to a local university/college that has connections with the school in Paris and go on exchange there for a semester (in your 3rd year or 4th year). You'll save a ton of money, be close to home for a majority of your undergrad years, and live pretty well (what I mean by that is, the cost of living in France, or anywhere in Western Europe, is insanely high - a friend went on exchange to Paris from here in Toronto, Canada, and would always complain on MSN how expensive everything is...for example they said an expresso with a croissant for breakfast came out to almost 8 euros, which was nearly double in Canadian dollars (at the time)...if you're not really well off financially, a semester is more than enough to handle, let alone 4 years. Also keep in mind, that while the material may be taught in English, everyone around you is still speaking French. And being an American, with very limited French skills (I'm assuming since you want to go to a school that's taught in English), you'll prob get looked down upon. Just my two cents. Cheers!
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A
male
reader, Sonofasailor  +, writes (10 September 2010):
Could you not get any scholarships or student loans? That would be a big help to you.
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A
female
reader, banjopicker +, writes (10 September 2010):
There are a lot of great schools in the US and more scholarships/interships available. If a traditional state school is not right for you, consider a private college. Most schools in the US offer abroad studies in the junior year. Are you sure this school is 100% perfect? Have you visited the campus? Talked with the deans in your field of interest? How many foreign student slots are available? What is the housing situation like? Do you plan to drive? What does it take to get a lisence/vehicle there? Have you considered what it would be like to be so far from home and not have your parent's immediate support if you need medical care or have an accident? Will you be 18 years old when you leave the US? Is there a large group of American students in this school? Many overseas schools offer college degrees/credits that are not transferable to US schools, something to consider should you decide to continue your education in the states. A lot of foreign certifications are not accepted in the US, especially the medical/legal fields. In almost all overseas colleges, English is a second language so you must be fluent in the native language, especially off campus. Have you considered the crime rate there? Don't expect southern hospitality, Americans aren't well liked there. Once you research it more, if you are still set on this particular school, present all the facts to your parents, including how much it will cost and how you expect to pay. It's not just tuition and books. I have two kids in private schools in the US. It costs me about 65,000 a semester to completely support them both, everything from shampoo to tuition. The US dollar is worth much less in Paris, check out the exchange rates. Be prepared for them to say "no", again. They have your best interest in mind. You can consider the foreign study program your junior year.
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A
female
reader, LLindy87 +, writes (10 September 2010):
 i know it'd be really neat to study abroad like that, but figure out why your parents are against it before you make decisions. Its helpful to have your parents on board, so just communicate why you want this and listen to their reasons for not wanting it.
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A
male
reader, rcn +, writes (10 September 2010):
 Why Paris over a school in the U.S.? What I would do is make sure my grades are very high to qualify for scholarships. One reason I know some parent have is a fear of their children being that far away. Being in another country, your far away, which limits your parents ability to protect you, or visit as often as they may want to. Before asking your question here, why not ask your mom what her reasons are, so we may have more to go off of in answering this for you. Knowing what she's thinking would sure help.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (10 September 2010): I think you should get your parents into a private place and first tell them what you want as an adult. List the reasons why you want to go to this certain college. Promise them that you will visit as much as you can. Help them set up a video chat so you talk to them whenever they want. I hope this helps. :)
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