High School Abroad Program
Location
Argentina: Buenos Aires, Cordoba
Australia: Canberra, Melbourne and 2 other cities
Belgium: Brussels
Brazil: Alphaville, Alta Floresta, Bauru and 25 other cities
Denmark: Copenhagen
Finland: Helsinki
France: Agen, Aix-en-Provence, Amboise and 67 other cities
Germany: Aachen, Argenbuehl, Augsburg and 54 other cities
Ireland: Ballincollig, Belfast, Bray and 16 other cities
Italy: Roma (Rome)
Japan: Hokkaido, Kanto, Okinawa
Netherlands: Amsterdam, Arnhem, Breda and 10 other cities
New Zealand: Auckland
Norway: Oslo
Spain: Alcala de Henares, Alicante, Almeria and 59 other cities
Sweden: Gothenburg, Kiruna, Linkoping and 4 other cities
Description
Experience the day to day life of a teen in one of 17 countries in Asia, Europe or Latin America. Greenheart Travel's High School Abroad Program enables you to strive for and develop linguistic fluency, independence, self-reliance, and tolerance within a well-established, secure structure.
During your program abroad, you will live with a host family, attend a local high school, and experience daily life in the country of your choice. You will gain an in-depth, first hand knowledge of your host country's culture, traditions, school systems and daily customs. Whether you attend school and live with a family in a suburb of Paris, in an Australian coastal city, or in an ancient Spanish village, studying abroad will be a life changing, enriching experience. Greenheart Travel offers a limited number of scholarships for its High School Abroad Program.
- Living with a Host Family -
For decades, the cross-cultural homestay has been considered the best educational vehicle for the development of real international understanding. Students accepted to Greenheart Travel's High School Abroad Program have profound opportunities for cultural immersion by living with a well-screened host family while attending a local high school abroad.
Host families are volunteer families with the exception of Ireland and Australia, where families receive a small remuneration for hosting. Each host family agrees to provide its international "son or daughter" with meals and his or her own bed. Just as in the US, every family is different. You may share a room with a host sibling or have your own room. You may have younger, older or no host siblings. Both parents may work or your host mother may work in the home. Many host families have hosted participants from a number of different countries over the years. For others, hosting is a first time experience. As you can see, host families represent all walks of life. Host families do not want or expect a "boarder," but rather a new friend and family member. They look forward to welcoming you into their family!
- School Enrollment -
Greenheart Travel will enroll you in a public high school abroad and documentation of school work done overseas will be provided. You are responsible for coordinating any transfer of credits from your high school abroad to your high school in the US. If you have questions or difficulties, Greenheart Travel's staff may be able to assist you in this process. Please note that we can not guarantee that your American school will accept your studies abroad as credit. You should see your guidance counselor to determine what credits you might need to take outside of your studies abroad to ensure that you graduate high school on time.
- Support of Local Representative -
Sometimes called a local representative or a counselor, there will be an adult outside of your host family who will support you throughout your stay abroad. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your local representative. He or she is there for you!
- Host Country Orientation -
Before you depart the US, you will need to learn as much as possible about the customs and culture of the country where you will be living. This will enable you to settle in easier within your host family and community. Upon acceptance to the program, Greenheart Travel will send you orientation, culture shock, and host country information, so that you can familiarize yourself with your destination. Greenheart Travel's National Office or local staff will also provide you with a thorough orientation before your departure. You should also read as much as possible about your host country and practice your language skills as much as you can!
-Visa and Travel Arrangements-
Upon acceptance to the program, Greenheart Travel will inform you of what you need to do in order to get a passport and visa. Along with your host family information, Greenheart Travel will notify you of your arrival city, travel dates, and any travel arrangements that need to be made. All passport, visa and travel arrangements are the responsibility of the participant and need to be made according to Greenheart Travel's instructions.
- Application Requirements -
Applicants must have an interest in other cultures and be willing to participate as fully as possible in the host country's culture and language, in school, and in host family activities. Other desirable characteristics include: flexibility, curiosity, motivation, and a good sense of humor. When applying for Greenheart Travel's High School Abroad Program, you should have studied the language of the host country for at least two years, have a good academic record and be in good mental and physical health. In addition:
* Applicants must be between 15 and 18 years.
* Applicants should possess a high school cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 / 4.0.
* For non-English speaking countries, good foreign language ability is required. Transcripts must indicate a minimum of a 3.0 language GPA or better over the past two years.
* Recommendations and extra-curricular activities will also assist in determining acceptance.
Highlights
Wondering why you should study abroad? Here are a few reasons to go for it!
* Make lifelong friends from around the world
* Experience what it's really like to live in another country
* Stand out on college and job applications
* Become fluent in another language
* Gain maturity, independence and a global perspective
Institution Affiliates:
