would you send a 17 yr old to Laos alone?

[MrsJackAubrey]

My DS is lazy, witless about the house, a good student, and with a great moral compass. He's suffered a couple of terrible years, depression, threats of suicide - seems to be getting more balance now after 2 years of therapy and just the passing of time getting through the vile years from 14 to 16.

I'm interested in helping him grow up further, both practically and emotionally, and wondered about sending him/letting him go on a volunteering trip abroad this summer. He'd get to see people far far less fortunate than him; feel useful and do meaningful work rather than 'just' studying; he'd be doing something exciting and challenging that will build self-esteem; and he'll need to wash his own socks.

There's the opportunity for him to go to Laos for a month to teach novice Buddhist monks English and Maths; he's keen to go.

Its a long flight H'row to Hanoi then change to Loas. There is a good volunteer base in Laos which would take care of him/collect/house him. He'd share a house with other volunteers.

Would you let you child do this? Do you think this kind of experience might be good for him?

thank you

[justonemoretime2p]

I would absolutely let him do it, I would actively encourage him.
Just make sure he is going to be working for a charity with lots of information online and make sure he has good insurance.

[LuckyLuckyMe]

Once the charity/ volunteer organisation checked out I would definitely send a 17 year old there. It would be an amazing experience for him.

[MrsJackAubrey]

thank you for your positive replies - I'm not the most confident of mothers in relation to him (I've got some stuff badly wrong) so it really helps to hear what others think. It's a really well organised charity i think - and thanks for the reminder about insurance!

[ShanghaiDiva]

I have been to Laos and second the need for decent insurance. In the event of serious illness or accident he would need to be evacuated to Bangkok. Take a comprehensive first aid kit too.
Sounds like a fantastic opportunity for your son.

[Hels20]

Yes! Although I went 15 years ago when I was early 20s. It is a beautiful place, and I found the people very friendly. Far preferred it to Vietnam who are so used to tourists.

They didn't have street lighting when I was there at end of millennium - am sure it's changed. So night life was very limited. But it gave for a very simple existence.

I honestly thought the local people were the loveliest I had come across - and I have travelled to all those countries in that area.
Agree about insurance.