How do I become a foreign exchange student?

How do I become a foreign exchange student?

• I'm an american student. But while I'm in college I want to become a Foreign Exchange student and go to Seoul, South Korea. I was wondering where do I sign up for that or if its even possible?

• Answer:

  I was an American college student who went to Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea during fall 2009. There are many different ways you can do this. The best way would be to see if your college or university has a study abroad program. These programs already negotiated all the academic, foreign and other issues you need for a successful exchange. Another way would be to research for-profit programs on line like CEA. I bet many of those programs have already visited your school and have posted fliers around campus advertising their services. Sadly, many of them focus on European, Japanese and Chinese exchanges, but there might be a few that have set up negotiations to Korea. Another resource would be to speak to the people at the International Institute of Education (www.iie.org). This organization is sponsored by the U.S. State Department, and has many programs to help qualified students find places to study with monetary support. Also, ask your college or universities language department professors to see if they know of any colleagues or partnering universities who you can represent your exchange. Many universities advertise open spots within their programs. That way, they can keep money flowing into it and the program alive. Just make sure that you negotiate with your university's academic records program to make sure your credits are valid. Look also in this program called "TALK" ("Teach and Learn in Korea") program. It's designed to bring native speaking English students to learn in their universities as well as teach classes there for a small stipend. The thing about Korea is that their basic focus is on recruiting people to their country is to teach in their public schools versus bringing students to learn in their universities. So, if the exchange student idea doesn't work, consider teaching once you've graduated. And if you have student loans, it would be a great opportunity to help pay off those debts. Best of luck to you.