Many teenagers dream about studying abroad or exploring a foreign country. High school is a great time to spread your wings and discover the world. Teenagers can learn a new language, meet new people, and experience life in a totally new way.
There are dozens of programs available for adventurous teens. You can go to Europe, Asia, South America, Latin America, Africa, or Australia. Some programs last a few weeks, while others are months long.
How to choose?
First off, check in with your guidance counselor or foreign language teacher. They should be able to direct you to good information, both on study abroad programs and scholarships or financial aid. Your advisor may also be able to direct you to other students who have studied abroad and who can share their experiences with you.
There’s also plenty of information on the web. For instance:
Council on International Educational Exchange
CIEE offers programs in Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan and Spain. Students get to live with a host family, attend a local or private high school, and participate in community activities. Programs are available for the summer, a semester, or a full academic year.
Rotary Youth Exchange offers both short- and long-term programs that allow teenagers to live with host families abroad, go to school, take tours, attend an international camp, or do an internship—in more than 150 countries and geographical areas.
For those who like to go off the beaten path, Where There Be Dragons offers summer youth programs in China, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, Latin America and Africa. These programs allow students to discover strikingly different physical and cultural landscapes. Some focus on trekking and wilderness adventures, others on development and service, others on language.
YFU offers year, semester and summer programs in more than 40 countries, where students live with host families, attend local high schools, and go on local and regional trips.
Bold Earth runs international summer camps in Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and South America.
This organization offers study abroad, summer camp, tours, and homestays in Europe, Central America, Canada and Asia.
Other resources
Some websites provide comprehensive listings of lots of different kinds of study abroad and exchange programs. For example, Allen’s Guide provides links to websites for other organizations that offer both study abroad and overseas summer camps. TeenSummerCamps.com features a directory of summer camp and summer study.
Also, the U.S. State Department offers a number of exchange programs through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Broaden your horizons
After studying abroad, you’ll never be the same. Your outlook will be more international and you’ll make friends and memories that will last forever.
One last thing: many of these study and travel abroad programs are expensive, so—if you’re interested—start saving your money.
Bonne chance and bon voyage!
This article was reviewed by Tara Cousineau, Ph.D.
