Is the study abroad UK a good foreign exchange program?

Study Abroad Without Going Through An Exchange Program?

• Can high school students study abroad without going through one of those exchange programs or something similar? I know you can in college/university but im not sure about high school. To clarify im talking about going over to another country alone, and living there, working and then going to school like any other kid. Just not being tied to an exchange program or host family. Is this possible? If so how would I go about it and what do I need to know? (rent, tax, visas, anything at all) Or maybe a program where a person over 18 can go with you as long as your parents okay it?

• Answer:

  No, it's not possible. Someone has to be held accountable for a minor, both for their actions abroad as well as for their safety and well-being. In order to go abroad almost every country requires proof that you can financially afford it, and saying, "I'll work when I get there" isn't enough to convince a foreign embassy to grant you a study visa. In order to work, most countries also require a work visa, which is an entirely different process than a study visa, and countries really aren't jumping at the chance to employ a foreign minor to work for them. In order to rent, you typically need to be over the age of 18 and, again, I can't imagine anyone but the shadiest of landlords being happy about renting to a foreign minor with no parents or anyone else in charge of them for thousands of miles.