AIBU to try and talk child out of work placement abroad

[Lycra60]

My child is in last year at Uni + is looking to take a work experience placement in Mexico City. I am hugely concerned as it seems to be a very dangerous place. AIBU to try and talk them out of it. Already I can’t sleep and it’s affecting my partner who thinks I am totally silly.

@viques

What work experience is available in Mexico that needs someone who doesn’t speak a word of Spanish!!!!

I used to deliver training in Mexico City to bank employees. It was all in English.

1. They are not a child.
2. Assumimg that they aren't asking you to fund it, it's none of your business where they go or what they do.

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence_against_women_in_Mexico

It's not that safe for women, the UN has rated it as one of the worst countries for violence against women

I too wonder at work placement in Mexico City for someone who doesn't speak a word of Spanish.

Unless they are a precocious genius, they cannot be a child and at university?

YABU. I live in Mexico City, and yes there are parts of the city and country that are dangerous. Same as in Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, London. I have never felt at risk here - the people are lovely, it's an amazing city with so much to do, I take Ubers regularly and always feel safe. I didn't speak Spanish when I got here but am learning and while it can be hard living in a city where you don't speak the language it's also character building and forces you to learn at least some of the language. There is a problem with violence against women here, but If she stays away from areas known to be rife with cartel violence and takes the normal precautions as she would in any busy city then I'm sure she'll be fine. The neighborhoods in Mexico City like Polanco, Santa Fe, Lomas, Condesa, Roma and the city center are all easy to walk around and I've explored those areas both on my own and with my husband and child - never felt unsafe. Lots and lots of Americans and Brits live here and love it - it is a beautiful country with so much going for it, so many parts of it are absolutely nothing like the media and movies make it out to be. I lived in South Africa too and feel a lot safer here than I ever did in Cape Town or Joburg (although I also loved South Africa and the problems there wouldn't put me off going again for a holiday).

YANBU to worry about your DC but you would be VU to try and stop them going!

I agree that you shouldn't try to stop them but ignore all the other crap spouted on this thread. Help them research so they are prepared. Talk to them about safety and keeping in touch (with someone not necessarily you).

Your child doesn't stop being your child just because they are 20, it's totally natural to worry. If they go armed with good information and a plan B chances are it will be a great experience for them.

YABU

I lived there for 5 years and absolutely loved it. Like any other big city take the usual precautions. I cycled all around Mexico as a solo female and felt totally safe

I’ve asked them to get as much info/detail as possible. I know I can’t stop them - and thank you for agreeing that just because they are young adults a Mothers worries don’t lessen (if anything grow with them!) Maybe it’s because it’s my youngest, maybe because older girl went on a much shorter exchange (China 4 weeks) yes I had sleepless nights, but this is off the scale. Maybe it’s the ‘movie/media’ view if the place, or my age + lack of exposure to travel or a career myself (always low paid jobs) or having no-one to ask/discuss with, but like all parents the thought of any risk to them literally terrifies me. It is all arranged through Uni (one of the biggest) + ‘sensible’ head tells me there’s no way they (or the companies involved) would risk their reputation or people, & I should be proud they have turned out so well & ambitious, but my stomach is still in knots almost constantly.

Well he's not actually s child if he's in his last year at uni he must be 20/21?
You can't tell him what to do I can understand your concerns but he's free to make his own decisions.

@hulahooper2
Are you in the same situation? Could I DM you?