You probably have a LOT of questions about high school abroad in England for your teenage son or daughter. Luckily, we have answers! ☆ If your teen has approached you with the idea of studying abroad during high school, or you’ve simply read about the benefits of such a program and have decided to let your child have a go at it, why not do it in England? It’s a country with a rich cultural and historical background, where your child will have no problem getting by with English. (Granted, they speak with a different accent, but that’s the whole beauty of it, init?)
Study abroad in England for high school students will foster growth and independence!
You’ve come to the perfect place to learn all there is to know about high school abroad in England. We’ve done the research for you, to ensure that all your questions are answered, your fears and worries can be put at ease, we have found some of the best programs for your teen to check out, and we’ve also given you some tips on how to make this a great experience for your child. You can thank us later!
But before we start, let us just tell you how proud we are of you for wanting to give your child the opportunity to mature, to develop their global knowledge, to explore the world and develop skills that will make them shine in their future careers and life endeavors. It is a huge and very important step for them in life and their personal development, and you are doing a great job if you’re encouraging it.
Why should your teen study abroad in high school?
We understand your worry. Trust us, we do. Your teen is still... well, a teen. Still at a young age, the thought of him by himself in a foreign country is scary. But try to remember that they are going with a professional program, and will be placed in a safe environment. And at some point, you know very well that she will have to leave your nest and go to college. There is no way around it.
So why not offer him or her the chance to figure out if they’re capable of taking care of themselves away from home, and most importantly, if they enjoy being away from home? There’s a sneaky benefit to study abroad in England for high school students: He or she might surprise you and decide to attend a nearby college! But they won’t know their preferences if they don’t get the chance to try.
An experience like this as a teenager is an invaluable self-care skill and a lesson that will set at ease both yours and his or her worries about how college life will feel. The beauty of high school programs is that you can ease into them and start with a short program of a few weeks, followed by a summer semester, up to possibly a whole year(!).
Completing high school abroad in England will provide a challenging and incredible educational experience for any student.
Your teen will get a once-in-a-lifetime chance that few people do; to experience a country beyond being a tourist, and actually live like a local and immerse himself in a new language and culture—both great skills that will further help him or her in life and career. Give your teen the chance to break out of their comfort zone and widen their social network of friends even before they go to college. Learning early on about other people’s culture, interests, lifestyle, priorities, and beliefs will help your child understand that, although everyone is different, we all also have many similarities that unite us.
9 FAQs about high school abroad in England
1. Where in England should my teen study abroad?
Of course the very first place that pops into everyone’s mind when they think of England is London, with its cultural attractions like Big Ben, the British Museum, or Buckingham Palace (so close to royalthy!). But there are other great academic places in England you should consider, like Cambridge or Oxford that offer some of the top educational facilities in the world. Or, how about Liverpool or Manchester, which can offer your teen an authentic experience of English life.
2. Are summer programs the best?
Summer programs in England are some of the best and most popular choices for teenage travelers. Thanks to summer break, summer programs provide the perfect amount of time for a teen to really take advantage of high school abroad in England. Two to four weeks is the perfect amount of time to make the most of a summer program; you and your teen can even choose a program that is oriented on a specific field, like British literature, science, language immersion, music, history, or sports. Your teen will be involved in so many exciting activities and busy making new friends that they’ll be heading back home to you before they know it.
3. What are some awesome study abroad programs in England for teens?
Shopping around for study abroad programs should be an exciting experience, and you’re in the right place. If you’re gonna send your teen on a study abroad England high school program, might as well be the best, right? Luckily for you, there are countless awesome programs for study abroad in England for high school students. Some of the best organizations that offer top study abroad programs in England are Oxford University, Nacel International, Reach Cambridge International Summer School, and Academic Programs International. Check them out, compare them, and make your choice!
Expect to experience a green, peaceful campus and a few thunderstorms!
4. What’s the average cost — and how do we afford it?
The budget you will have to consider depends on different factors, such as the type of program your teen will be going on, the locations of the placement, the duration of the program, and what the program includes. That being said, prices can start at about $1,000 for a two week program, about $8,000 for a summer program, and over $20,000 for a whole semester (though there are many programs more affordable than that!).
Touch base with the program provider (which may be a coordinator, advisor, or teacher at the high school your teen goes too) and find out if you can apply for financial aid, like scholarships and grants. Other options to cover these costs include fundraising, putting your child up with a family friend in the area, or signing up with a homestay.
5. How do I know my child will be safe?
We’re sure that you’ve done your research thoroughly before you decide on a suitable program for your child. You’ve read the reviews, you’ve weighed your options, and safety was the decision factor for sure. So you already know that your teen will be in a safe environment, either with a host family or in a dorm with 24-hour security.
Now it’s time to trust the program or chaperones, and understand that your teen is in good hands. Most programs also offer 24/7 support in case of emergency. There will almost always be teachers and other adults around to offer all the help and support your teen might need.
Before your child departs, make sure they have current vaccinations, and a supply of any prescriptions they may take. (Although, getting these in England might be as easy as getting them back home—make sure to ask your program provider.) In case of emergencies, your program provider is guaranteed to provide support. Now all you gotta do is trust the program and let your kid have fun!
6. Do all programs provide the basics?
Completing high school abroad in England means walking through or living in dreamy neighborhoods like this!
Most program fees include accommodation, which can mean living with a host family, on a campus dorm, or in rare occasions, in an individual apartment. Depending on accommodation, meals may also be provided, as well as transportation to and from school. That makes it easy, doesn’t it? Inquire with your program provider for full details on what’s included BEFORE you pay any fees.
There are, however, programs that only include accommodation, and meals and transportation will come out of your own pocket. This could be a chance to teach your teen how to budget! They will want to go to museums, hang out with friends, and do some shopping; once you’ve narrowed down the program fees, concentrate on the spending budget—and don’t forget to factor in exchange rates.
7. What kinds of scams or warning signs should I watch for?
With so many providers out there, there are some chances that you might stumble on a “scam provider” and that is an oh-no-no in our books. So how do you distinguish the good ones from the rotten ones? You start with reading reviews. Lots of reviews! Check out both the highest rated programs and the lowest rated ones to get a better idea of what a good experience should include or avoid.
You can also contact the school directly and ask for more information or a brochure. A legit provider will offer you a polite and most detailed response, and they should direct you towards their website or invite you to give them a call. (Which, you should do. You know, just to make sure!) See who’s answering the phone, how they are answering your questions, and the amount of information they are giving you. Ask as many questions as possible until you have no doubt that this is the real deal.
And to be sure without a doubt that your teen is in good hands, you can contact parents from past participants and hear their stories and experiences. You might be able to give your teen some useful tips on what to expect and how to prepare!
The right preparation leads to a smooth transition with more smiles!
8. Can I keep in touch with my child while they study abroad?
With today’s technology, you most definitely can keep in touch with your child during high school abroad in England. Messaging and FaceTiming are great tools to check up on your kid, but it won’t hurt if you give them a bit of space to enjoy their time abroad. We know you want to hear about everything, but he or she can tell you in person when they come home. Let them breathe a bit!
Also, don’t forget that your child also has class most days, and will be busy with school activities and hanging out with friends. Therefore, a missed call doesn’t mean something is wrong. It just means your child is having fun. Be patient! They will get back to you.
9. How can I help my teen get the most from this experience?
The most important thing you can do to help your teen get the most out of study abroad in England for high school students is to plan this experience together with them, step by step. If you are committed to offering this unique opportunity to your teen, then make it about their needs and desires, not yours. Let them pursue their passions.
Be by their side all the way, but don’t push it. Your child will come to you themselves when they need you. You are allowed, however, to remind them of necessary safety measures, such as avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of their surroundings, and keeping their valuables close or in a safe place.
Also, help them pack! Remember that this is high school abroad in England, so they will definitely need a raincoat and an umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, at least one nice set of clothes for going out or school events, and a light jacket even if it’s the summer season. Make sure they have their passport, exchanged money, and a charging battery in case their phone dies. Pro tip: Set expectations for communication, whether it’s a text every other day, or FaceTime once a week.
[Find 5 High School Abroad in England Programs for Your Teen for FREE]
You’re ready to help your teen study abroad in England!
High school abroad in England will be one of the most influential journeys of a teen’s life.
You can now sit down with your teen and check out your options based on their preferences. They will be impressed that you’ve done your homework, and he or she will feel so much better knowing that they have your support. You go, you!
Programs for high school abroad in England are world-renowned and will add a bit of glam to your child’s resume, or some hard-earned credits to their college transcript. It’s an experience that will pay dividends.
Set your child on a path of success and they will forever reap the benefits of it. Such an experience will grow your child’s confidence and your trust that they will always be able to take care of themselves no matter where life will take them in the future. It’s an absolute win-win, right?
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