Many young people want to leave their hometown and experience new cultures by traveling the world. It’s exciting to explore different countries, but how can you stay on track with your high school graduation plans?
You don’t have to wait until college to pack your suitcase. Here’s how to study abroad in high school and still walk across the graduation stage on time.
High schoolers have so many options to study abroad, but you won’t know which one is right for you if you can’t pick a destination. Most programs help students settle down in one location for months at a time. Make a list of cities you’d love to see. If one or two could hold your interest for a semester, they’re most likely the best places to study abroad.
You’ll need permission from your parents or guardians to travel, so they’ll have to get on board with the idea. They might feel nervous about their child being so far away or not being with them while they’re in another country. The best way to convince your parents to help you out is to address their biggest concerns, like if your education will stay on track and if you’ll be safe.
Find the answers to these questions by researching various programs you could join. Combine everything you discover into a letter or presentation so your discussion is as productive as possible.
Paying to study abroad is often the biggest obstacle for young people. High school programs abroad are expensive, but there are funding resources that can help. Merit-based scholarships can cover the most significant fees, while grants pay for things like living arrangements or plane tickets.
There are many great high school options for studying abroad, so don’t let financial issues keep you from living your dreams. See if your preferred programs have related funding methods or look into scholarships to expand your educational opportunities.
Another way to tackle financial challenges is to get an international job before leaving home. Apply to various positions that amplify your experience, like jobs that distribute food to underserved communities or support younger students in need. Paid posts expand opportunities for high schoolers to study abroad by providing them with a steady income and learning experiences that can’t happen in a classroom.
As you explore potential study abroad programs, think about which types interest you the most. They’ll each have unique focuses that could improve your education and future career.
Nine out of 10 U.S. employers value applicants with language skills outside of their native tongue. Signing up for a language immersion program will help you become fluent and land a job more easily after high school or college. You can also consider offerings focused on international community service to make your resume more robust while learning new skills that could influence your career choice.
While browsing your high school options for studying abroad, think about how they could support your college plans. You could find an esteemed university in your destination of choice that would value your high school study abroad experience. They could show preference to your future application over others because you’ve already shown commitment to their community.
These are just a few ways students figure out how to study abroad in high school. With the proper funding, parental support, and goals that align with your future educational plans, you can learn in another country without waiting until you start college.