GoAbroad

High School Study Abroad Programs

High school, for many, is a period of concentrated self-development, a time where the realization begins to take place that there is a great big world around us. In fact, there’s nothing that can put into perspective your own high school experience like going abroad! In uprooting from familiarity and venturing out to experience life in another culture, you will realize many valuable lessons about yourself and wherever it is that you call home. Are youth travel programs the right move for you? Start looking for the best high school program abroad now!
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Featured High School Program Provider of the Month

This Month’s Recommended High School Programs

Maximo Nivel high school students
4.693274 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

MAXIMO NIVEL logo
Spanish Camp—Summer Camp in Costa Rica!

Turn your summer into an immersive adventure with Maximo Nivel’s teen Summer Camp programs in Costa Rica. Designed for teens aged 13 to 17, you can choose between two impactful tracks—Spanish Camp or Volunteer Camp—and explore the beauty of Manuel Anto...

Think Global School
00 reviews

THINK Global School

THINK Global School logo
THINK Global School: The World's First Traveling High School

Imagine spending Grades 11 and 12 living and learning across eight different countries. At THINK Global School (TGS), the world’s first traveling high school, students discover just how much the world has to teach them, broadening their perspectives an...

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4.82261 reviews

Global Leadership Adventures

Global Leadership Adventures logo
GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerin...

students in China
4.7575 reviews

Go Abroad China Ltd.

Go Abroad China Ltd. logo
High School Chinese | Homestay & Study Tours

Go Abroad China’s High School Chinese Language Immersion Program is designed for international students aged 13–18 who want to learn Chinese in China while experiencing authentic Chinese culture in a safe and supportive environment. Students can choose...

Barcelona
4.55115 reviews

Expanish

Expanish logo
Young Adults Summer Program in Barcelona

Discover the magic of Spain this summer with Expanish! Our Young Adults Spanish Immersion Program invites students aged 16-20 to one of Europe's most iconic cities for a unique blend of language learning, cultural exploration, and personal growth.Wheth...

Seville Abroad
4.7567 reviews

Seville Abroad

Seville Abroad logo
High School Program in Spain with Seville Abroad

Our “High School in Spain” program lets you study at a top-quality Spanish high school in one of Seville’s most vibrant neighborhoods. You’ll live with a carefully selected host family, enjoy cultural activities and excursions, and have the full suppor...

Arcos Journeys Abroad
4.8414 reviews

Arcos Journeys Abroad

Arcos Journeys Abroad logo
Spanish Immersion in Oaxaca, Mexico

Travel to the enchanting colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico for an unforgettable Spanish immersion experience. Delve into the language and learn about Mexican culture in this activity-rich program. Take daily classes at the prestigious University of Oaxac...

Greenheart Travel
4.47264 reviews

Greenheart Travel

Greenheart Travel logo
Teen Summer Language Camp + Sailing in Saint Malo, France

Have you always dreamed of learning French while exploring iconic cities like Bordeaux? Want to learn a language with the added option to learn to surf or sail? Now is your chance to experience the culture of France while perfecting your language skill...

Travel For Teens
4.81428 reviews

Travel For Teens

Travel For Teens logo
Travel For Teens: Australia and New Zealand Service

Fly across the International Dateline and arrive in the Land Down Under! Our journey to Australia and New Zealand is a TFT favorite, combining adventure with cultural exploration and major travel destinations with little-known gems. In New Zealand, we ...

How to Study High School Programs Abroad

Overview

Can you study abroad in high school?

You can absolutely study abroad in high school! Your best options for participating in teen travel programs are to either go abroad during a school break, like summer or spring break, or to go on an exchange program for a full academic year. The right choice for you will depend on your budget, how old you are, and your GPA.

Doing high school study abroad during a school break is considerably cheaper than studying abroad for an entire year, and there aren’t as many logistics to consider, like making sure you’ll get the school credit you need. However, if you have serious academic goals for yourself in college, a high school exchange program will leave college admissions officers impressed!

The requirements to study abroad in high school are usually:

  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Permission from your parents and/or school
  • Financial capability
  • A certain level of maturity and sense of responsibility

Finances

How much does it cost to study abroad in high school?

The cost of studying abroad in high school will depend on your program duration. If you’re only going abroad for spring break, you can probably expect programs to be $2000-$3000 (not including airfare). Summer programs will be a bit pricier, and probably start at around $5000. Full academic years will be a serious investment, and cost $10000 or more. Is it possible to study abroad in high school for free? Kind of. If you apply for the right scholarships and grants, you could get a decent amount of your tuition covered.

Getting Started

How to study abroad in high school

If you have your mind set on studying abroad in high school, here are some vital steps to take towards making your dreams a reality:

  • Figure out why you’re interested in high school travel programs. Studying abroad in high school sounds awesome (and it is!), but that shouldn’t be your only reason for pursuing teen travel programs. Do you have academic goals, like taking an extra class you can use for college? Or personal goals, like learning a new language? Figuring out why you want to study abroad in high school will not only make your experience more fulfilling—it’ll also make it a lot easier to sell the idea to your parents.
  • Decide where you want to go. You might already have a destination in mind, but don’t forget that this is one of the most important decisions you can make prior to high school study abroad. Do you want to stay somewhat close to home, or head to the complete opposite side of the world? Is there a culture you’ve always wanted to experience firsthand, or are you open to anything? Deciding where to go will obviously shape your entire experience!
  • Talk to your parents or guardians. This might be the hardest step to studying abroad in high school, but it’s one you can’t skip—especially since your parents will most likely be the ones funding your trip. Luckily, if you prepare and anticipate their reactions or questions, there’s no reason the conversation can’t go well! 
  • Apply for high school study abroad programs. Once you know where you want to go, what you want to do, and you’ve secured your parents’ permission, it’s time to start applying! There are hundreds of high school travel programs out there, so you may need a bit of help finding the right one for you. 

Benefits

What are the benefits of studying abroad in high school?

The benefits of studying abroad in high school are many. There’s no denying that traveling abroad can open your eyes to the world and give you perspective on what really matters. You’ll mature faster, gain confidence in yourself earlier, and maybe find that your goals for the future have completely changed! The culture shock can be challenging to cope with, and it may be difficult leaving your comfort zone, but trust us when we say those feelings are always 100% worth it.

Locations

Where are the best places to study abroad in high school?

The best place to study abroad in high school for you will depend on your goals and budget. If you’re not interested in learning a new language, maybe the United Kingdom, Australia, or South Africa are the destinations for you. Or, if you’re trying to stay within a reasonable budget, maybe you’ll want to stay closer to home and head to Canada, Mexico, or Central America. Truly, there’s no wrong place to go for youth travel programs—but there are some destinations that will fit you better than others.

When

What is the best year to study abroad in high school?

Most likely, you’ll want to study abroad later in high school. Being 16-18 years old will afford you a bit more freedom and independence during your teen travel program. However, the best year to study abroad in high school is any year! There’s no wrong time to study abroad as long as you have clear intentions and focused goals for your experience abroad.

And don’t forget that after high school travel programs also exist! You can go abroad during the summer after high school, take a full gap year, or even wait to study abroad in college. The latter is sometimes the better option, since there’s a chance you can apply your financial aid or student loans to cover part of your study abroad tuition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study abroad in high school?

Yes, you can study abroad in high school! There are numerous exchange and study abroad programs around the world that are geared towards teen travelers, like Travel For Teens and Abbey Road Programs.

How can I study abroad in high school?

Common ways to study abroad in high school are to participate in programs abroad during summer, winter, and spring breaks. You can become a long-term exchange student through programs like AFS and Nacel International.

How to be a foreign exchange student in high school?

For Americans, there are opportunities to be a foreign high school exchange student through the Department of State. Additionally, you can go through private companies like AFS and Nacel International.

Latest Program Reviews

It was so fun, I loved it so, so much!!!

October 23, 2026by: Meriah Bloom - United States

Program: Travel For Teens : Greece and Italy

5

My trip to Italy in Greece was the trip of a lifetime. I met so many amazing people who I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life! Spending two weeks abroad with people my age was one of the funnest times ever!!! I loved getting to go to new places, try new foods, buy way too many souvenirs and take so many photos and videos!!!

This was the best thing that ever happed to me

October 22, 2026by: zayden greiner - American Samoa

Program: Caribbean Scuba and Sailing Voyage

5

this was a really fun trip and opens my eyes to new adventures and i believe that if you are i need of a trip of a lifetime and to find new friends and people of similar intrest that you should consider the broad reach trips because they bring life. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

5

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

5

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

Walking the pretty streets of Paris.BFFS.

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

5

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

Walking the pretty streets of Paris.

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

5

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

BFFS.

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

5

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

BFFS.Walking the pretty streets of Paris.

my love for traveling started here

October 21, 2026by: Etta Thomas - United States

Program: TFT: France - French Language Immersion (21 Days)

5

Going on this trip was something I wish everyone the experience of. Not only did I feel confident in my growth of French I made life long friends and got to experience the French way of living, a pain au chocolat every morning 😜. And see so much beautiful art in museums like the Musée d'Orsay and of course The Louvre. I also got to get some shopping in and as a teen girl that has passion for fashion you know I LOVE my shopping.

Walking the pretty streets of Paris.BFFS.

Most Valuble Experiance

October 19, 2026by: Portia Gill - United States

Program: Travel For Teens : Amsterdam, Belgium and Paris

5

This trip changed my life and allowed me to grow in more ways than one. I met my best friends, learned independence, and became a more global citizen. This trip was the highlight of my high school experience, creating lasting friendships with people I still talk to today. Each day was filled with fun, new activities and gave me the chance to be independent with the support of my trip director and the other TFT staff. The program could not have been more memorable.

Best time of my loce

October 17, 2026by: Mary Tanghe - United States

Program: CIEE HS Summer Abroad: Creative Writing & Culture in London

5

This program made 2026 the best summer of my life. London is my favorite city and this program couldn’t have been more perfect. A perfect mixture of education (classes were so much fun, and I also loved our workshops too where we learned about British culture) and free time to explore the city. We also did so much fun things as a group in the city, but you get a lot of free time with your friends. I learned so much in the creative writing classes and all the lessons were fun rather than boring. I really felt like I got to see London inside and out and get a real Londoner experience rather than as a tourist. I also loved our trips to Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon as well. I made so many friends and many great memories. The staff are also very caring and awesome. Overall, everything about it was perfect and I miss it everyday. Thank you CIEE for this trip of a lifetime!

AMAZING TIME!

October 15, 2026by: Maggie Maclean - United Kingdom

Program: TFT for Older Teens: Amsterdam, Munich, Swiss Alps & Venice

5

I had a life changing trip. I met so many friends that I am still friends with now two years later. I learned so much about the countries I went to and how to navigate internal travel in Europe. Seeing different cities and cultures broaden my horizons of the world and what I want to do in life.

One of my favorite trips of all time!!

October 15, 2026by: Lilly Del Guidice - United States

Program: Travel For Teens: Barcelona and Paris

5

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

One of my favorite trips of all time!!

October 15, 2026by: Lilly Del Guidice - United States

Program: Travel For Teens: Barcelona and Paris

5

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

One of my favorite trips of all time!!

October 15, 2026by: Lilly Del Guidice - United States

Program: Travel For Teens: Barcelona and Paris

5

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

One of our planned activities: a cooking class/competition in Barcelona!!

One of my favorite trips of all time!!

October 15, 2026by: Lilly Del Guidice - United States

Program: Travel For Teens: Barcelona and Paris

5

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

One of our planned activities: a cooking class/competition in Barcelona!!

One of my favorite trips of all time!!

October 15, 2026by: Lilly Del Guidice - United States

Program: Travel For Teens: Barcelona and Paris

5

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

One of my favorite trips of all time!!

October 15, 2026by: Lilly Del Guidice - United States

Program: Travel For Teens: Barcelona and Paris

5

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

One of my favorite trips of all time!!

October 15, 2026by: Lilly Del Guidice - United States

Program: Travel For Teens: Barcelona and Paris

5

My trip with TFT was truly one of my best travel experiences I’ve ever had! I was so anxious before I went, but after meeting the staff at the airport and all the other kids, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I made friends very quickly and built great relationships with my counselors. We obviously had a bunch of planned activities, but we also got to have a lot of free time to shop, get food, and just explore the city with our friends. We saw all the sights in both cities while learning about the culture and trying traditional food. This trip is perfect for teens who aren’t super adventurous but still want to travel the world!!

Our daughter had a beautiful experience!

October 07, 2026by: Adam Amante - United States

Program: High School Program in Spain with Seville Abroad

5

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!

Life changing experience

October 07, 2026by: Calvin Fellows - United States

Program: Summer Break Abroad with a Host Family

5

My son participated in this progam in 2026 and had an amazing experience in France. He lived with a volunteer host family and i think that makes the difference. More and more families are paid but with Oui-COnnect they find only volunteers that open their hearts and homes . They Actually care!

in strasbougt France

Latest Interviews

Sarah Preston

Sarah Preston

School the World

Alumni

As a high school student, there were not many opportunities to travel to a new place, experience a different culture, and step outside of my comfort z...

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Lowa-Joe Hobeiche

Lowa-Joe Hobeiche

ISSOS International

Alumni

What inspired me to go abroad was the desire to step out of my comfort zone and discover a world beyond what I was used to. I wanted to meet new peopl...

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Sandra Monk

Sandra Monk

Youth For Understanding (YFU)

Alumni

I wanted to experience a culture that contrasted with our own and have the opportunity to learn firsthand about that culture and language.

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Brittany Hall

Brittany Hall

Oui-Connect

Alumni

I love the French culture and the language, but I was having a hard time speaking it even after taking French class in school. I could read it fairly ...

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Megan Frye

Megan Frye

AFS-USA

Alumni

My mother went abroad with AFS when she was my age, and I grew up hearing stories and listening to her read me some children's books in Danish. I've a...

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Selina Ranade

Selina Ranade

AFS-USA

Alumni

I have a lot of family who live abroad, specifically one who goes to uni in Amsterdam. After being confined to my home for two years due to Covid-19 m...

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Reilly Klug

Reilly Klug

World Class Programs

Alumni

Derek Tano, co-owner of World Class Programs, was a past teacher of mine and the previous head coach of the speech team at my school. He is an excepti...

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Grace Fogle

Grace Fogle

Nacel International

Alumni

My mother traveled abroad in high school and felt this would be a great experience for me to immerse myself in the Spanish language and experience bei...

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Kate Ilumin

Kate Ilumin

The Experiment in International Living

Alumni

I love to travel and experience other cultures. I have traveled to the Philippines to see my family and experience Filipino culture. I used to live in...

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Cecilia Daniele

Cecilia Daniele

Global Works

Alumni

I went to Costa Rica last year with SPI for two weeks and I knew I wanted to help the world and improve my Spanish. 

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Evelina Ogro

Evelina Ogro

Travel For Teens

Alumni

Both of my parents are from Europe, so I’ve always had a desire to see Europe, but no one my age to go with. 

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Juliana Ferrer

Juliana Ferrer

Outward Bound Costa Rica

Alumni

I was inspired by my love of adventure and I wanted to have a chance to step out of my comfort zone. 

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Miranda Lozano

Miranda Lozano

University of Dallas

Alumni

BEST DECISION EVER. I knew I always wanted to travel, but I did not know how it was going to be accomplished until I came across the University of Dal...

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Sofia Casale

Sofia Casale

Travel For Teens

Alumni

I've always had a passion for traveling and dreamed about going overseas. Last winter I was planning out my summer and stumbled upon TFT and immediate...

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Natalie Finfer

Natalie Finfer

Travel For Teens

Alumni

I've never traveled out of North America and really wanted to see new places in the world with new people.

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Olivia Haan 2017

Olivia Haan 2017

Travel For Teens

Alumni

I have always loved traveling and learning about new people and cultures. I have traveled with this company before and had an amazing experience so wh...

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Nataleena Daily

Nataleena Daily

Travel For Teens

Alumni

When I was younger I had gone overseas to Europe and really enjoyed being immersed in a different culture and meeting new people which inspired me to ...

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Jaden Nogee

Jaden Nogee

Travel For Teens

Alumni

It has always been a dream of mine to travel to Australia. I have always been fascinated with that country. I decided one year to begin saving up to t...

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Grace Crema

Grace Crema

ARCC Programs

Alumni

I've always wanted to travel and I found asian culture interesting. I wanted to experience it for myself. Also my school didn't offer a service trip t...

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Jeremias Figueroa

Jeremias Figueroa

The Experiment in International Living

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I got inspired to go abroad because I wanted to expand my worldview and I am deeply interested in seeing the politics/international relations of a cou...

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