7-12 Month High School Programs Abroad

In 1965 we in the US had a negative view of Germans. Immersing myself in their language and world helped me see them as wonderful people, full of strength and resilience. I also learned a perspective from outside our own limited experience. AFS takes you to another level of humanity.

My junior year of high school was single handedly the most impactful experience of my life. The lessons I learned throughout that year I take with me in everything I do. At 15 years old, I spent the school year abroad as an exchange student with AFS-USA. Before getting on the plane to Bangkok I had a thought, I was traveling thousands of miles to live in a new country, with a new family, to go to a new school and I didn’t even know how to say ‘hello’ in their language. Fast forward to the end of my year abroad. I was now 16 and I no longer needed my Thai-English dictionary to communicate, I navigated the Bangkok streets with confidence. I built relationships in my community with the bus drivers, 7-Eleven workers, and market vendors that I would encounter daily. Thinking back I can remember how many people told me about how scary the world is. How many “bad things” can happen, especially to a young Black girl like myself. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to the naysayers. My experience with AFS introduced me to an amazing host family who I’m still very close with despite it being 15 years since my exchange year. I made lifelong friends with the other students on the same program as me. After returning to the US I got my first job working at a Thai restaurant. I’ve maintained my Thai language skills, and after my year abroad I haven’t viewed the world the same. Yes, I was nervous to go abroad. Yes, I was the only Black person in my home, school, and community in Thailand. And yes, I missed my family and friends. But one year truly goes by in the blink of an eye and if I let the nerves, anxiety and fear of missing out hold me back, I would still probably be in my hometown, still nervous and still letting fear of the unknown stop me. I recommend studying abroad to anyone that is even a tiny bit curious. And I especially recommend the year abroad in Thailand. The culture, the food, the language and the people are unmatched and as someone who has traveled all over the world to nearly 40 countries, Thailand is still my favorite. And my year abroad with AFS to Thailand was an incredible one that I still talk about to this day!

Even if my experience was cut short by 4 months thanks to COVID, I still carry the takeaways from my time in Germany today, seven years later. During my year, I lived with the most wonderful host mother who invited me into every aspect of her life! Together, we spent time with her children and friends, played volleyball and German scrabble together, joined a local choir, and took many trips to Berlin for sports games, concerts, and historical excursions! One especially touching moment was when she planned a Christmas trip for us to go visit the city where my grandfather was born and getting to see the exact apartment where he spent his early childhood. We also got to spend time with extended family in Dresden, and even to this day I send holiday messages to her family. In school, I was so warmly welcomed by classmates and teachers. I didn't know any German when I arrived, so I was so thankful for the leniency and patience they showed me- traits I hadn't expected given my stereotypes of Germans. So, this was a great way to really experience the culture and people and change my mind about them. However, one of the best parts has been the relationships I've made through AFS, even if not in the traditional way. After my year abroad, my hostmother hosted another student, and I got to meet her when I went back for a visit. That was five years ago, but we still talk every day, and last summer I took a trip to Norway to see her again:) Additionally, my family hosted a student from Germany, and I got to go visit her in Germany, where I met her local friends, one of who I was just texting the other day to try to make plans to see in Switzerland! Another fun relationship was a girl I met during my exchange year who was from Russia. At the time, I didn't have any experience with Russian, but now I've been studying it for four years, so I reached out to her to re-connect and practice, and it was so interesting to hear about her life in Russia and get to know her through her native language. Overall, my seven months in Germany were really a catapult into what would become a lifelong passion of mine- exploring cultures and meeting new people. I grew immensely and really came away valuing my new relationships and being unafraid to initiate conversations and create new bonds with people who seem very different from me on the surface. Once we got to know each other, we found we are all just people who want to learn and build connections, and I'm so grateful I got this opportunity and that I have these new perspectives and people in my life. Thank you!

No words can explain the impact that studying abroad has on our lives. The opportunities and challenges we encountered along the way helped us create better version of ourselves. Whether you go abroad a year, a month, or a few weeks its an experience that will stick with you for the rest of your life. For me France has a special place in my heart not only for welcoming me but because it became a home. Going abroad with AFS allowed me to have a community around me that has become family even now after my exchange I get to volunteer and continue to share my experience. My exchange helped open my eyes to a new world that you can't get from just traveling. It made me a better person in so many ways and I am forever grateful for the people I met along the way.

I was placed with a family in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul; a small town at the southern tip of Brasil. Driving there in the bus, we saw a lot of cows! There were so many different things to experience there. The seasons were different - I had left Missouri in the summer and arrived in winter. My new school had uniforms, and the students stayed in their classrooms while the teachers were rotated around during the day. The food in Brasil was amazing and I definitely became ‘Another Fat Student’, but I quickly lost the excess weight when I returned home. It was an amazing experience and definitely recommend that every high school student should have a study abroad experience !!

I was hesitant to send my 16-year-old son, Matteo, halfway across the world for a month, but the GAC team was incredibly reassuring from the very first phone call. Any parent knows the anxiety of not being able to just drive over if something goes wrong, but their 24/7 local support genuinely put my mind at ease. Matteo was placed with a host family in Beijing who treated him like their own grandson. He called me every few days completely buzzing—not just about the Great Wall or the Forbidden City, but about the local street food and playing video games with his host brother to practice his Chinese. The morning classes must have been good because he actually came home being able to hold basic conversations, which is way more than he ever learned in his high school language classes here. It was a huge step for his independence, and he came back noticeably more confident and mature. If you are a nervous parent reading this, I can't recommend this program enough.

Our daughter had a beautiful experience, increased her Spanish proficiency a lot, and enjoyed the travel set up. Additional gems were the beloved team at Seville Abroad--Pepa, Ena, Chelo, and Ana, and her incredible host family. It was a transition for her to make from being an American to being an American in a Spanish High School. Her relationships in the High School did not really happen. Among the students in the Seville Abroad, connections and fun did happen. And with the real life, amazing host family. I did see a divide in attention between friends at the Seville Center and outside of the center. With the center being a comfort zone, that helped her adapt and slowed assimilation into Spanish culture. This is something that happens with many high school study programs. The trips, the outings, the dance, and Pepa, Ena, Chelo, and Ana, and her host family were standouts. If you can not tell, we enthusiastically recommend Seville Abroad for the High School Program!

Great experience but not because of AFS. Communication was terrible throughout the entire process. Completely disorganized- I arrived a week AFTER school had started. Significant program fee for zero support from the company. I would strongly recommend the experience, but don't use AFS.

AFS-USA responded to this reviewNovember 02, 2026

Thank you for sharing your feedback. While we’re glad to hear you had a positive overall experience, we’re truly sorry that the communication and support you received from AFS did not meet your expectations. Arriving a week after school had started is understandably frustrating, and we recognize how important timely communication and reliable support are throughout the exchange experience. We take your concerns seriously and would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about what happened and how we can improve. If you’re willing, please contact our team at [email protected] so we can better understand your experience. Thank you again for your feedback and for recommending the exchange experience itself. We’re sorry that our support fell short of the experience you deserved.

My experience studying abroad in Costa Rica was truly unforgettable, and I am so grateful for the support and opportunities provided by my program. From the very beginning, the agency made sure I felt safe, supported, and prepared. They genuinely cared about my experience and my individual needs. Anytime I had a question or needed assistance, they were quick to respond and took action right away. Throughout my time abroad, I had countless opportunities to explore Costa Rica both within the city where I lived and beyond. The program provided many cultural activities that allowed me to better understand the country, experience new traditions, and practice my Spanish in real-life situations. These experiences helped me grow more confident and connected to the culture. My host family was another incredible part of my journey. They were kind, welcoming, and made me feel like a part of their family. They included me in everyday activities like grocery shopping, family game nights, and other moments that allowed me to experience authentic Costa Rican life. This program gave me memories, friendships, and personal growth that I will carry with me forever. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and supportive study abroad experience.

My time in France was absolutely beautiful, I loved it and I would do it again 100 times, just with a different organization. While I was in France, there was no support for harsh times and host family abuse/toxicity, Many other AFSers who came to france this year have said the same—changing families is insanely difficult because AFS takes the side of the family, leaving a lack of support for the student. On the other hand, I learned so much about myself on this program. I fell in love, I became fluent in French, I have a university program chosen already, this program has really made me fall in love with the world around me, and I will forever be grateful. I just wish AFS was there for me more (Sorry if the wording of this is confusing, i’m still getting used to speaking english) I will forever cherish this time I spent abroad!!!

AFS-USA responded to this reviewNovember 02, 2026

Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re so glad your time in France was transformative and that you’ll carry those memories and connections with you for years to come. At the same time, we’re deeply sorry you felt unsupported during difficult experiences with your host family. Every student deserves to feel heard and supported, and we take these concerns seriously. We appreciate your honesty and would welcome the opportunity to learn more about your experience. Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you’re comfortable sharing more. We wish you all the best in your next chapter!

Before coming to Argentina, I was excited but also nervous because it was my first time living in another country for such a long time. Looking back now, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. My host family welcomed me from day one and quickly made me feel like part of their family. They introduced me to Argentine traditions, food, and everyday life, and I built memories that I'll always carry with me. Attending school in Argentina gave me the chance to improve my Spanish, make friends from around the world, and experience a completely different education system. Outside of school, I loved traveling, exploring new places, going to football matches, drinking mate, and learning about the country's culture and history. There were definitely moments when I missed home, but those challenges helped me become more independent, confident, and adaptable. I learned that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. I'm incredibly thankful to Greenheart Travel for making this experience possible. They were supportive throughout the process and helped me achieve a dream I had for years. I would recommend this program to anyone thinking about studying abroad. You'll make lifelong friends, gain a new perspective on the world, and come home as a different person in the best way possible.

My year abroad was an experience filled with highs, lows, and surprises. Looking back, my experience was mixed, it didn't fully meet my expectations in some areas, but in others, I was pleasantly surprised. The good parts were incredible, living in a different country allowed me to experience a new culture, meet people from different countries and backgrounds, and gain a greater sense of independence. I enjoyed exploring new cities, trying local foods, and learning more about how people live and study outside of my home country. These experiences helped me grow personally and become more adaptable. However, there were also challenges that made the experience difficult at times. Adjusting to a new environment was harder than expected, and there were moments when I felt disconnected from my new life abroad or frustrated. I faced challenges I wasn't prepared to confront by myself, such as sudden loss, anxiety, and homesickness. While I had my host family and friends to support me, I was sure being at home with my family would help me with my problems. But, even though I struggled with these things, it added to my experience here and helped me learn how to rely on others, myself, and trust in the process. One of the most unexpected parts was noticing how my behavior changed in a new environment. In America, I tended to be louder and more active in class discussions. In Italy, I became more observant and passive, spending more time listening, translating, and noticing my surroundings. While this was not a change I anticipated, it taught me that growth can happen in ways you don't expect. I wouldn't count this as a positive or negative aspect, because in ways I feel like I lost a large part of who I am by being quieter, but I also just learned how to express myself in ways that I hadn't in my home country. Although my experience was mixed, I don't regret it. The challenges, lessons, and memories all contributed to a chapter of my life that helped me better understand both the world and myself. Overall, this year made me face problems I never expected to deal with, especially on my own; but I learned more this year than I planned to, so I am happy I went out of my comfort zone, tried a year abroad, and learned about myself.

I would 100% recommend this program. Not only can you become fluent in a second language, you learn the type of person you are and how to live independently. The trips we took with the people in the program were some of the most fun i’ve ever had and I have gained so many different perspectives on the world. Everyone of the Staff; Pepa, Ena, Ana, and Chelo are so nice and easy to talk too.

Our daughter had a lm incredible experience with Seville abroad for a semester in Seville. Her family was fantastic, the program staff are supportive and encouraging and really got to know our daughter as a person. While the regular connection with Americans was sometimes a barrier to fully immersing in Spanish life, it provided a deep safety net for social connection and friendship. The thing that most impressed us were the staff at Seville Abroad - they are truly incredible people who seem to always go the extra mile (kilometer!) for the students and their families. We feel so lucky to have found them.

My name is Jadie, I did one highschool year abroad in Italy with the help of Greenheart. With the experience I had using Greenheart travel, I am very happy and satisfied. If I ever had a problem, issue, or anything that I was stressed out about, they were there. If i sent an email they would respond almost immediately, and if the time change didn’t align they have a 24/7 hotline. I am very pleased with their company and would highly recommend this program to anyone who is wanting to go abroad for however long. My parents can confirm this, as Greenheart always updated them even if I didn’t. I would one hundred percent recommend this program to students trying to get out of their comfort zone and grow their future.

I'm 17 and was nervous about spending 4 weeks in China without my parents. But honestly, it was incredible. My homestay family was so welcoming – my host mum packed me lunch every day. Mandarin classes were actually fun, not boring. We learned phrases we could use right away. Weekends we visited the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. I made friends from France, Germany, and Brazil. Came home speaking basic Mandarin and feeling way more confident. Already saving up to go back for a gap year. Highly recommend.

This experience has been the best most educational and formative of my life. It has changed me as a person and permanently altered my mindset for the rest of my life. If you choose to do this it will be something you never forget. You will gain memories, friends, and a new home no matter how long you stay.

Our daughter spent an entire year with Seville Abroad, and we cannot speak highly enough about the program. Pepa and her team were excellent from the first contact my daughter made, answering all of our questions and meeting with us to discuss the various school placement options. She worked hard to match our daughter with a host family, and when an issue arose with the initial placement, she immediately addressed the situation and found a replacement host family for the remainder of the year - the transition couldn’t have been smoother. Seville Abroad provides wonderful opportunities for the students to travel both within and outside of Spain, as well as language and cultural immersion opportunities in Seville itself, forging strong bonds among the students participating in the program. Our daughter returned to us happy, confident, mature and incredibly independent (not to mention nearly fluent in Spanish). So grateful that she had this opportunity!

During grade 11, I decided to go to Asia for my spring semester with MEI and transitioned to Europe in the fall of grade 12. This ‘reverse’ big year approach set me apart from my peers, yet I found myself enjoying it just as much. I chose to apply for MEI because I was looking for deeper knowledge than what was available at my local public schools. I went into it pretty blindly, not knowing anyone, as most of the students do. My high school experience has been anything but ordinary, as I have attended four different high schools, including MEI Academy. It was during the two MEI programs, where I discovered an incomparable educational experience. The teacher’s high expectations fueled my growth as a student, thinker, and peer. Coming from an online school, I initially lacked certain public speaking skills and certain social abilities. However, the immersive and supportive environment at MEI sparked my personal transformation. I came out of my programs, not only as a more articulate individual but also as someone who can easily speak for myself and confidently form friendships with people who I might not have connected with otherwise. One aspect of the program that particularly resonates with me to this day was the structured routine of our days, which was nothing like my life at home. Waking up each day surrounded by individuals who were equally as eager to embrace the new experiences was a breath of fresh air. From daily morning workouts in constantly changing locations to reflective writing and collaborative projects, I truly would not have found this anywhere else. Unlike a conventional school setting where teacher interaction is limited to the class period, with MEI I had constant engagement with both educators and students, creating meaningful relationships that extended far beyond the classroom. Not only did my relationships extend beyond the classroom, but so did my education. MEI stands out as a transformative educational experience. Something I had never experienced in a traditional classroom, but had the opportunity to learn on my MEI program was the blend of courses with real-world application. The academic skills –from public speaking to essay writing– that were taught during my time with MEI, I continue to actively apply to all of my courses at home. These are valuable skills that will continue to allow me to prosper as I begin post-secondary education. For those who want to broaden their horizons and grow as an individual and as a student, MEI Academy is the perfect place to do that. I wholeheartedly recommend these programs for anyone who is considering it. I would not be the same without this experience.

“Thank you Lisa for everything. I am currently at my layover in Toronto and I am leaving for Germany in an hour. Thank you for the amazing time in Canada and all the organization. I really enjoyed my trip here and i am so sad to leave. But at least i have these amazing memories and a lot of new connections to people from all over the world. That all would not have been possible without you and i am so grateful for you and that you pour your whole heart into the kids experiences in Canada. Thank you so much!!” Aylin - Germany