Letters to Convince Your Parents

to Let You Study Abroad

Dear ________,
I need to discuss something with you that are very important to me: I’ve
decided that I want to study abroad next [summer/semester] in [chosen
country]. I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity to study abroad and to
explore [chosen country], as I think it’ll help me both
personally and academically. I’m not just asking you to let me travel abroad for
a few months. I’m serious about this decision and I want to have a meaningful
experience that will enhance my education. 
By studying abroad, I’ll also be boosting my resume for the future! Statistics
show that 97 percent of students who study abroad find jobs within a year of
an employment, when only 49 percent of college graduates found
employment in that same period of time (let me do the math for you – that
means that study abroad students are twice as likely to get a job within a year
of graduation). 
I understand if you’re worried about safety, but I hope you trust me to make
smart decisions no matter where I am. And if you’re still concerned, we could
set up a lunch to chat with [insert name of family friend/fellow student who has
studied abroad] and ask them to talk to us as a family about their experience
abroad.
I’m really passionate about studying abroad in [chosen country] because [be
sure to tell you parents what is really motivating you to study abroad in this
country. Is it a passion for the language? Your goal to someday work abroad?
A love for Brazilian culture? Whatever your personal reasons for studying
abroad, be sure to express them clearly to your parents so they understand
how and why this is so important to you]. 
I can’t wait to talk airplane tickets with you!
Love,