My son is 17 and he'll be 18 in July. Hes finishing up his senior year of highschool. His guidence counselor recently approached him about a forgein exchange student. Hes been excited and asked me to allow him. It would only be for the summer but I'm so nervouse. My 15 year old wants to do it now...I told him if It went well for his brother he can maybe do it in a year or two that we'd see on his behavior and maturity. They told my 17 year old he could pick from many places he's been looking at places like Dublin, Ireland, Paris,France, Venice,Italy, Berlin Germany, Australia, London, England, and Monte Carlo. He took both French and Spanish through highschool but I want to know put of these what would be best for him. He's thrill seeking,athletic, smart, and very charsmatic. Everything "just works" for him. He's never used to being disappointed so I want to know what would be the best for him. Any suggestions?

There are different kinds of exchange programs. Summer exchange usually is not really exchange since the respective institutions are on vacation as well. It will be a (language) course at a school with accommodation provided usually by a family and sometimes through a boarding house. Make sure that the provider is approved and has a good reputation which nowadays is easily verifiable. There are also international youth camps, some of which have a religious background. Before deciding anything I would first set the target, e.g. improving (language) skills or experiencing cultural diversity?

In Western Europe you don't have to worry about safety except in the vicinity of certain suburbs of the larger cities mentioned. More important is to find a provider that delivers what it advertises. Those tend to be quite costly but that is not a sure identification criterion at all.

Please note that summers tend to be very hot in the Mediterranean and quite wet in the British Isles. In Germany, the legal age for buying beer and wine is just sixteen and Berlin is very popular as a party destination...

It will be an incredible experience for him. He will be placed with a family so he will be in good hands. He will be "on his own" for the 1st time in his life but will have someone taking him of him at the same time too.

It will broaden his world view. New culture, new thinking etc Plus it will give something for the younger one to aim for as well.

All of those countries you list will be perfectly safe for an 18-year-old.

depends on the program and country, but yeah, if you find a reputable one.