Child issues

If he is involved with any school, there are often educational trips that can be a lot of fun. I know that I have come across many summer school coursed 'taught' in Europe. Another choice is AFC (American Field Service) .. they organize all sorts of summer trips with learning a language as a focus; home stays are part of that experience, and generally the homes and locations are considered safe. Contiki is a travel group for the young crowd that travels through various countries by bus, but those trips can be a fueled a bit too much by pub tours! There are also some organizations that have the young crowd working on the tall ships.. travel, work, have fun..and not too terribly expensive.

Has he ever been away from home for a while, alone?

I live in Spain. I recommend kids backpack solo, for two or three months, in Europe.Youth hostels are age friendly, and more family oriented these days. Whole families do it together.

Its a great, in person way, to learn that a country's people are different, than thier government's reputation. They are just folks.
Lots of Europeans I meet, lived stateside for years

I know a Turkish girl, here in Seville. She says, "I'm from a small village. We're Muslim. But we drink alcahol and eat ham, and all that."

It could change the focus or put fire under a youngun's education. Give him a rudder, for his scholastic ship.

If he wants to hear about street sense and how to eat cheap and for health; git 'im on here.

Hostels aren't just full of skin heads etc.

He'll prob'ly come home a different, more mature guy.

You should backpack. Its the most fun, down to earth, cheap, at your own pace.

I only book ahead during holidays and high tourist season.

A good going away gift;
www.ricksteves.com money belt. Mine saved my passport, plane tic., atm and other things in the funny instructions. <--3 times in 3 years.

Special design.

JKust have him atm it. Use only atm mchines that don't charge on the Europe end.

Like going gambling; :Never carry more cash on you, than hyou can afford to lose.

You can buy the Rick Steves mb at good camping stores.

Youth hostels should be a right of passage. Fantastic fun, educational, and free breakfast b4 ten a.m.

Rule of threes; Pack only 3 changes of clothes. Stay at least three nights in each digs.
He's sure to buy a t-shirt or two, along the way. Many times the souvenier T-shirts are made by Friut of the Loom.

STREET SENSE AND SERENDIPITY (HAPPY ACCIDENTS) RULE!

We learn more about a place, and other places and cultures, our first night in each hostel.

Plus some geezer, like my humble self, can say things and grow-up hints, that only result in screaming contests back home.

We all learn from each other.

I dare YOU to try it, pop. You'd absolutely love it !!!

I do not know your religious affiliation, if any; however, my 20 year old niece has traveled many places throughout Latin America, Africa and Europe with various church groups. Generally there is a volunteer / religious aspect to her travels, but she's always with a group of like minded souls. I't's a good way for her to travel and experience the world while still having a support group to be with.

Depending on the kid's maturity and travel experience (even with the folks!), I would kinda agree with Gawkabout. Travelling and using hostels is a great experience. And since i don't know where you are from, it's kinda hard to make suggestions as to where. HOWEVER, combining a volunteer group with a bit of independent travel could be the way to go. First things first: Let him tell you where he is interested in going. THEN google and look for a travel company that offers a 'volunteer' experience. To tell the truth, most of these volunteer thinggies for teens are kinda hokie and contrived. To be honest, what does an inexperienced 19 year old have to offer to an impoverished, third world village? HOWEVER they do exist, and they would provide a 'safe' comfortable environment for your son while he learned the ropes of living and travelling in a foreign, probably second or third world country. Then allow him some time at the end to travel/hostel on his own before coming home.

If you go this way, thorougly check them out before hand...

Also you might want to look into WOOFing. Its a volunteer thing where you arrange to work for board and room on organic farms all over the world... mostly I think in the Englich speaking parts (Oz, NZ and Canada i know about...not much else)

there are documentaries on the Celts, medieval life, Art History and lots of other syuff on google video, youtube and other sights. Might help put meat on the bones of stuff to relate to, in Europe.