What are some exchange programs to the UK?

High school UK exchange student? INFORMATION/EXPERIENCES? HELP!?

• Okay so im 16 currently a sophore in a high school in Georgia. i have always had such a huge passion for the UK and its country/cultures and my mom came up with the idea for becoming an exchange student for the beginning of my jounir year. its a total dream to me im a fun socail girl and it would be so cool to meet people and have that experience. i am completely new to any of these exchange student programs. i have a 3.0 average if that matters. also we cant afford a 7 to 5,000 fee is any scholarships or financial aid? ANY INFORMATION about how to go about this, what the experienceis like, etc...? ***Also i dont really want to get involved in a big club/program thing were i tell about my country and culture, etc... i just want to have a cool experience living with another family and going to a high school as well as meeting friends. Do your host families let you hang out with friends you meet and stuff? how strictly are you watched?***

• Answer:

  Hey, you want to check out http://www.cultures-shocked.org/ If you're looking for scholarships, there are a TON. But, they usually are not for the UK. There are some for other countries. Here are a few: NSLI-Y YES Abroad Kennedy-Lugar Then there is the option of going with the rotary programs, which have been reliable in the past for other students I know of. I am currently on the YES Abroad Exchange program in Oman. I'm applying for two more programs for next year as well. I live with a host family and I am a US Ambassador here. No matter what program you go on, every exchange student is an ambassador of some sort, and every student is required to be involved in "a big club/program" regardless of who you go with. Whatever you do, you will be having a cool experience, but I suggest you do your research on where you go. I want to warn you: The UK is a very safe choice for study abroad, but not very impressive to colleges. In fact some colleges are turned off by students who "take a vacation". On the other programs like NSLI-Y, AFS, YES Abroad, and Rotary, Universities are extremely impressed. But being an exchange student is extremely difficult! Its only my fourth month in Oman, and I've faced the hardest challenges I NEVER expected. All in all, it has made me a stronger person, and it's paying off when I apply to colleges and other scholarships. I hope you continue your Study Abroad search! Good luck!!