I was in school in Israel for two years and I always say that if parents knew half of what their child does in Israel they wouldnt sent him/her.
On the other hand, for me Israel was the best thing. I once commented to my father that I felt bad that I cost him so much money by going to Israel. He told me that he felt it was very worth it and he would do it again. I agree that I would not be the person I am today without having gone to Seminary.
However, Seminary is not for everyone- for some it can be a world of growth and for some it can cause tremendous destruction (I’ve seen that too).
Some bloggers brought up attending Sem in america or England- between me my sisters and friends we discovered that because there are scholarships offered to those going to Israel, Israel is actually cheaper for us out of towners, (who dont have a seminary where we live).
In general, every parent must know their child well before sending them off for ten months on their own. Make this disicion wisely and ask sheilos if necessary- don’t just bend to the pressure!