DEAR HARRIETTE: My 16-year-old daughter wants to participate in a summer study abroad program, and while I want to support her, I can’t shake my concerns. She’s never lived away from home before, and the idea of her being in another country without me nearby feels like a big leap for both of us. I do see the value in this experience. It could help her grow, become more independent and see the world in a way she hasn’t yet. I don’t want my fears to stand in the way of something that could be truly transformative for her. At the same time, I worry about whether she’s prepared to take care of herself and handle unexpected situations on her own. How can I best support her in this decision while also making sure she’s ready? And how can I prepare myself for letting her go for the first time? – Study Abroad DEAR STUDY ABROAD: Learn more about the program through your daughter and her school (or whatever organization is sponsoring it). Find out about the curriculum and location of the program as well as housing. Who else is going? How many roommates will she have? Who is chaperoning? Typically, these programs are tightly run. For high school, often a teacher from the school accompanies the group.