I want to become an exchange student?
I want to study abroad next year (i'm a freshman now, 10th grade next year). I was thinking either Sweden, The Netherlands, or London. I have family in Sweden and Holland and I want to learn both of the languages (I don't speak Swedish or Dutch at all, except for a few words). My councilor said that if I want to go to a American School, then I would have to withdraw from my current high school, apply to the American School that I want to go to, and then after the year or semester of being wherever I am, I have to apply to my current high school again, because I can't be enrolled at two high schools. With an exchange program, I'm still with my current high school but I would have to go to a local high school (if it was in Sweden or Holland, I wouldn't know what the teachers and students are saying since it is taught all in the target language. I could however take classes before next year or summer classes there). The thing with the exchange program is that the school might not have the requirements I need to graduate back at my current high school. What I'm having trouble deciding is what to do: be an exchange student or go to an american school?? Do you guys know any good exchange programs that would give me the option of either studying in London, Sweden, or The Netherlands? Where should I go? What would be the best place? Have you been or know anyone who was/is an exchange student and what you/their experience was like? Thank you in advance! or any summer programs I could take at either of those places instead?
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
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Studying abroad in Europe is a great idea! I'm not too familiar with American high schools abroad, but I am familiar with exchange programs. I'm actually a study abroad advisor for AYUSA Study Abroad and we help US and Canadian high school students become exchange students. AYUSA offers both a great academic and summer program for our students. While abroad you will be living with a local host family and attending either a local high school (academic) or international language school (summer). While we don't offer any programs in London or Sweden, we do offer academic programs in the Netherlands. If you are really interested in studying in Holland and you would like to have your family be your host family, AYUSA can arrange for you to do so. For our study abroad program in Holland, there is no language requirement. However with that said, you will still be taking classes in the local language, Dutch. When you first arrive in Holland you will be participating in an intensive one week language program with other international students before going to your respective school. Yes, it is true that the classes offered abroad won't necessarily meet up with your courses here, but you should talk to your high school guidance counselor and see how you can study abroad into your graduation. Another great option is to bulk up on courses during the school year, take summer school courses, attend a local community college, and/or take classes online. Below are some of our requirements to become an exchange student (other companies have more or less similar requirements): 1) Be a high school student 2) Be 15-18 years old 3) 2.5GPA on a 4.0 scale (exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis) 4) meet language requirement (none for the Netherlands) 5) Sound and stable mental and physical health 6) Responsible, mature, adaptable, resilient, and excited about cultural exchange 7) Have parent & school support Also, if you decide to participate in an exchange program, our program fees include the following: *international airfare *health insurance *room & board *placement in school and host family *pre-departure guidance and preparation *in country support & assistance *pre-departure and arrival orientations *global student course If you want to check out student stories and experiences, check our our student stories page and our facebook group! Good luck!
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