The Life vs The Adventure (A play-by-play?)

Hey you,

Do you know what I should do? Is a month on the shore of the Cote d'Azur comparable to six in the countryside? Is a shared dorm room as comfortable as a home? Once again I am faced with unexpected, blindsiding questions when my mom suddenly suggests a summer program. I am shocked, but I'm not disappointed. I'm not entirely sure why.. Maybe the fear I've been feeling about the exchange was more intense than I had previously allowed myself to believe. She won't pressure me into the sumer program, but I have to admit there are some pros to consider.

The pressures of college acceptance have been weighing me down recently. The summer program may well solve some of my worries by allowing me more time to devote to my applications. However, I'm home schooled so I don't have to worry about credits and the like. So I'd really been looking forward to getting back to a public school, even if it be one entirely foreign to those I have known. Three to eight weeks is hardly enough time to learn how to say hello in another language, let alone become fluent. Honestly, the pros and cons make a list that stretches farther than my eyes can see (Not saying much by my optometrist's standards). The only major concern I will voice right now, is the cost. Is it feasible to spend the same amount of money on an adventure barely spanning a summer or on the opportunity to build a life within a host community lasting five times longer. I will have far fewer chances to travel if I choose a year long program with a different foreign exchange program that is half the price of AFS, yet AFS has an abundance of excursions and weekend trips planned for their summer programs (Along with some culinary classes, which yes, my cooking skills sorely need).

These are all entirely valid concerns and as I had never ever considered a summer program before, they are a bit unsettling. The doubts I have due to my mom's simple suggestion have left me reeling. I am adaptable and prepared for either choice, yet they are so extremely different. It seems the closer I come to deadlines, the farther I go from answers. Anyway, I need to do some more research. I hope your concerns are fewer than mine.

Best,
Savannah