Get a cell phone and call home often. You will probably find out that your mom is stronger than you think.

I am sure she wants the best for you and this is a great opportunity. It sound like a bit of transference to me. You are worried that YOU wont be able to handle it so you are using your mom as a passive excuse.

Go, learn, live and enjoy the experience.

OK, here’s what I can tell you from experience. I was 19 when I joined the Army and went to Germany and I’ve also hosted 11 exchange students, 12th coming soon.

When I went, my mother was rather newly widowed, but she really supported me for an experience she didn’t get. So that made that part a bit easier. Talk to your mother, do your best to see she has some friends and some outside associations (work, clubs, etc.)

The second part will seem rather harsh but the best advice is NOT to communicate home all the time. That will make the homesickness much worse! (I can see kids will give me a thumbs down for this!). However, it’s true! The more you communicate back home the more you will still be back home and not concentrating on where you are at the moment. We have a lot of problem with this with the exchange kids, but the computer is NOT your friend! It makes it too easy. Making a clean separation is the best thing!

As to your loneliness, I don’t know where you’re from, but obviously English is not a problem for you! So you have overcome the biggest barrier of foreign students. The thing for you to do is concentrate on your classes, yet also join some groups and make some friends. Enjoy the time you have and take the opportunity to do anything that comes your way!

Have a great time, study hard and don’t worry so much! Your mother at some point WILL have to get over the fact you’re 23 and are leaving home!

When I was around the same age I had the same choices in front of me. It is not an easy choice but the chance for growth and new experiences must be taken. Life is all about exploring new things and learning from different people. Your Mom wants the best things for you and knows that you have to get out on your own to grow up. You will be homesick for awhile but it will pass and you will have the time of your life. Jump in head first and call home often

live for YOU, not for others, i don’t mean that in a harsh way, but seriously, this is a great opportunity for you!! i know its really hard to move outside of your “bubble”, i know it was hard for me! i moved from home- california – 3 years ago to the midwest, and its the best thing i’ve ever did!!! i always considered myself a cali girl and would never leave my home and my family, but getting out of my comfort zone actually helped me grow as a person! whats helped me w/ the homesickness is stay BUSY!!! stay busy w/ your school work, you’re gonna meet tons of new people that you’re totally gonna fall in love w/! tons of new sights to check out, find a hobby, get into the music scene out there, trust, you’re gonna love it once you take that first step! : ) you’re in a whole new environment…….check out what it has to offer you!!!!! its an exciting opportunity and i think you should take it!! you’re not gonna get many chances like that! and HAVE FUN!!! : )

You should go! You would regret this opportunity if you don’t do it.

Call your mom often, send her cards, or even flowers. Just let her know often that you miss her and that you are not but a phone call away.

Have fun, and what an awesome opportunity. ENJOY being young and doing great things like this!

this is one of the times that a child needs to leave home and get ready for phone calls and letters.

GROW UP… you are 23 years old and you are an adult now… so try acting like one and quit sniffling like a child… get on with your life and be glad you got away from home and mommie.

use yahoo messenger and you can talk to her anytime you want online. that’s what my sister does. she moved to another country so i taught my mom how to use the pc and she chats with her everyday.