What is a good foreign exchange program?

What's A Good Foreign Exchange Program?

• I'm really interested in studying abroad in England, Ireland, or France. Does anyone know any reputable programs? Also, for people who have done exchanges to countries where you didn't study the language prior to leaving... was that challenging? How long did adjusting take?

• Answer:

  There are quite a large number of exchange programs operating in the U.S. The list of those certified can be found at www.csiet.org. Don't use one NOT on that list! You should also check with your high school counselor as any organization is only as good as the local people you would work with. Good organizations are Aspect, AFS, Rotary (the cheapest, but most competitive), 4-H, YFU. I would highly suggest studying where you are immersed in a foreign language. That is one of the biggest benefits of an exchange year and the one that will remain with you the longest. As an added bonus, many colleges and universities offer preferred admissions and/or scholarship opportunities to former exchange students -- especially those who have studied a foreign language. Yes, it does take time if you have not studied the language before. A word of caution on that subject -- France and the French part of Switzerland generally require two years of French before you are eligible for programs there (except summer cultural programs). Most other countries do not have that restriction. For more information on being an exchange student, check out www.exchangestudentworld.com Good luck!