High School Student Exchange Programs Abroad

Understand benefits

Going abroad as a young traveler, there’s a lot to learn and there’s lots to gain!

• Care and guidance beyond the classroom. Through an exchange program, you have support and guidance from everyone involved, making it an excellent option for a young traveler.
• Transcripts travel with you. Your transcripts should be translated between two affiliated schools easily. Attending an unaffiliated school abroad, credits and subjects may be harder to translate into your school’s curriculum.
• Trust the process and gain independence. These programs help break through any fears you may have about the experience. It can actually increase your confidence and independence.

Things to know

Equip yourself with as much information as possible as you prepare for your student exchange. Here are some essentials to keep in mind:

• Language - Worried about not speaking the language? Most programs don’t require you to know it beforehand. Depending on your studies, you can dive into full immersion or take language classes as an elective.
• Accommodations - You’ll likely stay with a host family or in dorm-style housing. What’s available really depends on the program and the time of year you’re going.
• Visas - Some countries require student visas, especially for longer stays. It’s a good idea to check with your embassy ASAP for the latest info. You can easily find embassies through GoAbroad's Embassy Directory.
• Costs - The price tag depends on where you're headed, how long you'll be there, and a few other factors. Worried about covering the cost? Try starting a crowdfunding campaign with FundMyTravel to help out.