What are the best high school student exchange programs?

What are the best study abroad/exchange student programs for high school students?

• I'm a 15 and I'd really love to study abroad next year, my junior year. Right now, I'm just looking into what programs I should go through because my school doesn't have a main sponsor such as rotary, lions club, etc. but i can contact local ones by my self. I looked up some online and I was looking at YFU and IEUSA? If you have any suggestions or experience with student studying abroad, please let me know!!!

• Answer:

  When it comes to looking for quality high school exchange programs, in addition to finding a company that offers a program you're interested in at a price that's within your budget, you'll want to make sure that they have a long strong record of student safety, support, and satisfaction. The Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (csiet.org) routinely audits all exchange providers to ensure that they are providing quality and safe experiences for their students. I'm unfamiliar with IEUSA, but YFU is a reputable program. One other program you may want to consider is Ayusa -- we have 30 years of experience in providing quality exchange programs for high school students, and we offer a wide range of programs at competitive and inclusive prices. In addition to having full listing status with the CSIET, we are also have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and can provide parent and alumni references. A list of all of Ayusa's programs, their prices, duration, and application deadline can be found at http://www.ayusa.org/students/study-abroad/program-fees. From there you can navigate towards a detailed description of any program that catches your eye. Student stories and blogs can be found at http://www.ayusa.org/students/study-abroad/blogs and http://www.ayusa.org/media/outbound-student. Once you’ve selected your program, application instructions, and the link to our online application, can be found at http://www.ayusa.org/students/study-abroad/how-apply. If you want to study abroad during the school year, be sure to speak with your guidance counselor to figure out how it will affect your graduation requirements and timing. Depending on where you go, language barriers and curriculum differences could mean that you won't necessarily have the same understanding (or course availability) that you did back home. You may need to make alternative arrangements for core classes like English, Math, Science, and US History or Government. Try to shift these courses into other semesters when you'll be in the US, or look at the possibility of taking them over the summer, online, or through a local community college. Once you've sorted out your core classes, ask your school if you get elective credit for the classes you take overseas. If so, how will they convert your grades, which will likely be much lower than you’re used to receiving back home? Make sure that once you and your counselor have made plans, you get them in writing with his or her signature. Ayusa's expert program advisors would be delighted to discuss our programs in more detail and answer any questions you, your family, or your school may have about you becoming an exchange student. You can reach us at 1-800-579-1709 or by emailing [email protected]. Good luck!