What a kind note, Joe. Thanks.

Mudcat--

Is he doing the IES program in Vienna? Our daugher did this 5 or 6 years ago and was much more lonesome than she let on. We went to visit her and were so glad we did.

It's a Trinity College semester abroad program at the University of Vienna. Judging from his glowing e-mail descriptions of friends, parties, jazz cafes and ice skating emporia, I get the impression that he's not suffering.

some of us who answered you have gotten a sharp response, but reading over your posts, i guess i am surprised you are even asking this, since you had already experienced this exchange with your daughter.

sorry i had interpreted your asking for advice as from a concerned mother not having had the experience already..

Not quite sure I understand, lincas. I was asking for advice on air fares.

you are absolutely right. my sincere apologies. i got distracted by the "going home "part, and lost touch of your initial request.
sorry.

Do your son a favor and plan a visit there. I was an exchange student and it is really difficult to come home and then go back. I can understand how hard it is for you (my parents were a wreck), but you need to stand strong for him as it can get very difficult at times. Plan a trip to see him so he will have something to look forward to.

It amazes me how often posters on this board offer unsolicited advice about things that are really none of their business.

You asked for advice about airfare information, and here comes this throng, presuming to tell you how to raise your child. At some point in most of these types of threads comes the suggestion that your family is dysfunctional and badly in need of family counseling

Who have you been talking to, Mary?

But seriously, one of the things I love about this forum is the jostling. It's kinda like foreign travel. Yes, there are misunderstandings and occasional bruisings, but you take it all in and in the end it's somehow good and engaging and even fun. Maybe it comes down to this: If you can't handle the Fodors forum, stay home.