All Abroad: The Benefits of Studying Overseas - Big Y® World Class Market®

All Abroad: The Benefits of Studying Overseas

Has your child always dreamed of traveling to faraway places or been interested in learning about another country or corner of the world? If so, then your teenager may want to consider spending some time during their high school years studying abroad. There are numerous programs available, including semester, school year, summer and yearlong programs. Studying abroad gives students a chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, where they can perfect a foreign language, learn an art or simply get an education in another country. With a wide variety of programs available, there is sure to be one that will interest your teen.

Step 1: Candidate Criteria

Before you sign up your child for a study abroad program, it’s a good idea to determine if he or she is a good candidate. Student exchange programs vary in terms of what they look for in participants. Some have academic (minimum grade point average or GPA) and/or foreign language requirements, while others, such as some of the summer programs, don’t. Not surprisingly, the type of person your child is will likely be a factor in determining if he or she is a good match for an international study program. To help determine if your child is ready to exchange his or her baseball cap for a beret, you need to ask your teen (and yourself) some key questions.

• Does your son or daughter enjoy meeting new people and is he or she willing to try new things, even something as basic as new food?

• Is your teenager comfortable making his or her own decisions? And does your child make sound judgments?

• Is your son or daughter a risk taker?

• How has your teen adapted to or handled complex and/or new situations in the past?

Even if your teen answers “no” to some of these questions, don’t totally rule him or her out as a candidate for overseas study. It’s important not to let your child’s anxiety prevent him or her from pursuing an experience that could be fascinating and rewarding.

Step 2: Finding a Program

To find a student exchange program, it’s most logical to have your teen check with his or her high school counselor, as many schools already work with study abroad organizations. If your child’s school doesn’t, or the organization doesn’t offer the program your teen is interested in, you may have to find one on your own. Here are a few reputable ones that have a lot of experience in international student exchange programs:

• American Field Service (AFS): Among the world’s oldest student exchange programs, AFS offers programs in over 50 countries. You can contact them by calling 1-800-AFS-INFO or visiting www.afs.org.

• Youth for Understanding (YFU): Each year this program sends 6,000 students to live abroad. Call 1-800-TEENAGE or visit www.yfu-usa.org for more information.

• American Institute for Foreign Study: Currently in its 40th year, this cultural exchange program has had over a million student and teacher participants during its history. Call 1-800-727-AIFS or log on to www.aifs.org.

• Student Exchange through Rotary Club: Sends about 8,000 students to 82 countries each year. Call 847-866-3000 or contact your hometown Rotary Club for a brochure and an application. Or visit www.rotary.org and click on Youth Exchange.

All four of these student exchange organizations rigorously screen host families through an extensive application process and interview. Host families also have to provide references. In addition, these organizations have staff members that work in the countries students visit. So your teen will always have a counselor they can contact. Counselors also regularly monitor students and host families.

Step 3: Getting into a Program

Specific procedures will vary from program to program, but all organizations require your child to start with filling out an application. Your teen can expect to answer some questions about dealing with challenges in his or her life. Your teen will also have to provide personal and school references, and health information. Some organizations also require the applicant to write an introductory letter.

In addition, many programs (but not all) require students to have minimum academic requirements. For instance, Youth for Understanding requires students to have a “B” or 3.0 (out of a 4.0 scale) grade point average for most year and semester-long programs. For summer programs, YFU requires a minimum “C” or 2.0 G.P.A. The age requirement for most study abroad programs is between 15-19 years old.

After your teen sends in the application, it will be reviewed and if they are interested in your child, your son or daughter will be interviewed by a program counselor. Admission to most study abroad programs is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s extremely important to pay attention to application deadlines. Timelines vary among the student exchange programs, but it’s a good rule of thumb to have your teenager apply at least four months in advance.

You can also expect to pay an application fee, typically in the $75 range. Total program costs can vary greatly depending on where your child is traveling and his or her length of stay. Realistically, the minimum cost for a short-term program, a few months for example, is at least $2000. Program prices typically include airfare, tuition, meals and room and board, if your child is staying in a school. If your child is staying with a host family, they will provide meals and room and board.

If the cost of the program seems prohibitive, remember to inquire about scholarships. Many student exchange programs offer financial help through grants or scholarships. If your child plans to travel as part of a high school group, there will probably be fund-raisers to help offset the cost of the trip as well.

Step 4: Preparing To Go

There are a few things your teen will need to take care of before going global! First, it’s imperative your child obtains a passport and, depending on the country he or she is traveling to, a visa if necessary. The student exchange organization you’re working with should advise you if a visa is required. Secondly, your teenager may need some immunizations. This will also depend on where your child is traveling.

Well before the big departure day, your teen will receive some background information on the program, rules of conduct and his or her host family. In addition, the study abroad organization may also have your child attend an orientation meeting.

Studying abroad can be an enriching, eye-opening experience for your child. Those that have studied abroad say there’s no substitute for living and learning in a foreign country. Your teen is sure to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for other people, cultures, customs and languages. As well as make some fascinating memories to last a lifetime.

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