Sending your child abroad is difficult for any parent but for Irish Mammies, it’s that little bit harder to let go and let them take flight. We tend to be pretty independent as young people in Ireland but for the life of us we can’t cook a wholesome meal to save our lives or do the weekly washing if our life depended on it…..Okay maybe we could do those things but without our Mammy we’d never have a chance out there!
I’m heading off to California this summer thanks to EazyCity and I wasn’t too sure how my Mother would take the news so I was asked to see if she would give us an insight into what her thoughts were about the whole thing. Here are some of the questions she answered.
Have you ever studied or lived abroad for a long period of time?
I have never studied or lived abroad before in my lifetime. Back then we didn’t have the same opportunities or financial means to go to California like my son Eric is doing this Summer. They were different times we lived in, we worked harder and got less whereas now it’s the opposite!
What countries have you visited?
The few countries that I’ve been lucky enough to visit have been America where I’ve been to New York where I have two brothers living, New Jersey, where I have another two brothers living and Florida, where we went on a family holiday. I’ve also been to Italy twice & Greece for a wedding.
What important things have you learned travelling?
The Important things that I’ve learned from travelling are how to communicate to people from different cultures and how to respect other cultures as well. Also, it feels good to travel and get away from home but at the same time, it allows you to appreciate home even more as you start to see how much little space in the world you occupy which is quite humbling.
How do you feel about your son going to California?
I was nervous at the beginning when I found out he was going to California but Eric is 21 years old so I wish him well. I know that he’ll work hard and keep his head on his shoulders. I believe he will enjoy his trip immensely and will come back with a broadened mind for sure with lots of stories to tell me (only the appropriate ones of course!).
Do you think you’ll find it hard being away from him for 3 months?
I feel I will miss him terribly but I know 3 months will fly and he will be back home soon, he will probably miss my cooking more than me but I can live with that!
Do think it will be difficult saying goodbye?
Yes, of course, it will be difficult saying goodbye but I know he wants to go so I will be happy for him.
What are the main worries that you have?
My main worries are that I hope he will stay healthy and he will work well and not party too much!
Do you think this will be beneficial for your son?
I think this experience will be very beneficial for him, as he will gain more confidence, become more Independent, responsible and learn to keep himself safe!
Do you plan on staying in contact with your son regularly?
He promised he’ll be staying in touch with me through video chat and knowing that I have family in America helps!
How do you think your son will cope with being independent in another country like the US?
I think he will do well being independent as he will learn time management, money management (which he is awful at doing!) and obviously he will meet lots of new people from different walks of life that are sure to have a big impact on him! He might get homesick, yes, but he will get an experience of a lifetime and an opportunity to thrive.
Well, for once she didn’t embarrass me and she’s right about the cooking I’m going to miss that like no tommorow…time to hit the cookbooks to learn a thing or two! Seriously though, I like my time alone but 3 months without seeing my mother or the rest of my family is going to be the new challenge for me but I’m excited to start my new adventure and ready for the challenges ahead!!
