How to approach this

mountainofdebt

Junior in his 1st year of a 4 yr university course with the 3rd year being a year in a university abroad.

The course can be done without this year (so is effectively a 3yr course) and I've had it confirmed today that the year abroad has no bearing on the classification of the degree - ie so long as he passes the exams in the host university he can proceed to the 4th year back in this country.

I can't see any advantage in him doing the 4yr course either academically or financially and I think of many other (practical) reasons why its a bad idea. I've also had it confirmed that it possible to switch to the 3 yr course.

Any tips on how to approach this?

Gillyx

It all depends on the degree really, if it's languages or business, a semester /year abroad can work wonders for future career afterwards.

My friend (who took a year abroad) is one of few from her graduation class who got a job straight from uni. The foreign university she went to was one of the best in Europe for her degree subject which is also something to think about.

Some unis offer sandwich courses where you can go into the world of work for 1 year, that is something I'd snap the hand off them for, as it's highly sought after on applications and C.Vs.

shegirl

Who is it you want to approach?Your son to convince him to change it?

Why?

There are benefits to that 3rd year.

YoungBaker

1. This has nothing to do with you, it's his decision if he wants go a year away or not, as is it is his uni course and life so he should be the one making the decisions - not you.

2. A year abroad will not only give him some amazing life experience he will get no where else, it will help him grow up and provide him with some valuable people skills that will help him become a confident man.

3. If you want to increase any chance of him actually getting a job at the end of uni, the fact he has been able to go to a foreign country and adapt to that culture and study is a massive benefit to him. He would be silly to throw away such an opportunity that comes part of his degree.

Dunroamin

mountainofdebt wrote: »

Junior in his 1st year of a 4 yr university course with the 3rd year being a year in a university abroad.

The course can be done without this year (so is effectively a 3yr course) and I've had it confirmed today that the year abroad has no bearing on the classification of the degree - ie so long as he passes the exams in the host university he can proceed to the 4th year back in this country.

I can't see any advantage in him doing the 4yr course either academically or financially and I think of many other (practical) reasons why its a bad idea. I've also had it confirmed that it possible to switch to the 3 yr course.

Any tips on how to approach this?

For a start, I can't really see that the decision has anything to do with you
- I'd stay well out of it.

Secondly, I can't see how a year abroad could be anything other than advantageous to someone and I cant see why you're not in favour of it..

January20

What course is he doing?

Would the year abroad make him more employable?

Have you thought about what he would gain in terms of personal experience by spending a year abroad?

Why do you think it is a bad idea for him to go abroad for a year? Is it a financial issue?

Have you thought that if you meddle with his choices, and make him do what you want him to do, in later life he may blame you and never forgive you if he thinks he's chosen the wrong path?

dingdongavoncalling

I have friends who have done similar courses with a year abroad that have got a lot out of it. They gained practical experiences, life skills, contacts, references and even jobs.

He may be at a disadvantage to peers when entering his fourth year as he may have less experiences and skills to draw on than others.

Shouldn't it be your son deciding this rather than you?

*max*

Why would you not want for him to have this opportunity? A year abroad is a fantastic experience for most, it should be embraced and enjoyed. Not everyone has the opportunity.

He'll have the rest of his life to slog away in the UK.

Anyway, it's his choice, your opinion should have no bearing on the matter (unless you are funding his studies of course).

VestanPance

Financially it could be costly and in terms on the level of degree he gets it may not count, but as a life experience a year living in a different culture is something to be valued.

If costs are the issue and it's something he really wants to experience then talk with him and work something out. It's not unheard of for students to get part-time jobs and put money away for years like this, or to get part-time work while away.

Sambucus_Nigra

mountainofdebt wrote: »

Junior in his 1st year of a 4 yr university course with the 3rd year being a year in a university abroad.

The course can be done without this year (so is effectively a 3yr course) and I've had it confirmed today that the year abroad has no bearing on the classification of the degree - ie so long as he passes the exams in the host university he can proceed to the 4th year back in this country.

I can't see any advantage in him doing the 4yr course either academically or financially and I think of many other (practical) reasons why its a bad idea. I've also had it confirmed that it possible to switch to the 3 yr course.

Any tips on how to approach this?

What are you approaching and why?

podperson

What is that you're objecting to about the year abroad? Is it cost, worries about your son going etc or do you just feel there is no benefit to it? Does he live with you or in halls? Does he have a part time job or anything that he could be saving up from to helps with costs?

I think it would be worth sitting down and discussing with your son - he's at uni so pretty much an adult so try treating him like one. If he wants to go then ask him what he thinks the benefits are. If you have issues with him going then discuss them with him - ask him what you think you can do to resolve them. Try not to 'convince' him to your pov but keep an open mind. I wouldn't write off the benefits off the extra year tbh, it could give him valuable experience and with so many graduates job hunting at the moment may give him an edge when he does finish and get out into the working world.