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Study abroad programs advantages and disadvantagesby MariaAbroad in Study Abroad

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Studying abroad has many advantages, you already know that. If you are still not so sureabout that, read more here about the advantages of studying abroad. But once you made thedecision to go study abroad, you have to decide whether you want to go with one of the manystudy abroad programs or rather organize it yourself. I studied abroad myself and I wasrecruited by a representative (ISOgermany) of my American University (CIBU) inGermany. The difference however was, that I was not shipped to the US with 60 otherGerman students from my university, but I went there as an independent student.ISOgermany helped me with the necessary paperworks, the visa process and gave me adviceon moving to the US. I believe very much in their way of recruiting students that I actuallystarted to work for them. I am now Director of International Programs at ISOgermany.

However, I am very much against organizations that promise cultural immersion in a 3week study abroad program with 50 other students from the same country. It alwaysdepends, whether you should organize your study abroad time Do-it-yourself-style or if itmakes sense to use an organized study abroad program. Both of course have their pros andcons, so here a short and hopefuly helpful overview over the advantages and disadvantages ofstudy abroad programs:

Advantages of study abroad programs:- Less work intensive; as the study abroad program will take care of most of the things foryou

- Acceptance of credits; usually with a study abroad program, they will tell you exactly,what you need to do to transfer your study abroad credits back to your home university. Thiswill safe you time, energy and will let you finish your degree in the same time as withoutstudy abroad break.

- Structure and Safety; as most likely you will be studying abroad in a group, you willalways have a safety net and better structure. Of course, it will also be easier to convince your

parents to let you go study abroad half way around the world!

- Network; you wont be alone and probably have some students from you university in yourgroup with whom it will be easier to connect. You share a common background, the languageand in case of a problem, you have somebody you can talk to and who understands youwithout the language difficulties and cultural barriers.

Disadvantages of study abroad programs:-Too much structure and organization; you will be studying abroad in a group of peoplefrom your home country and get less language practice, cultural immersion and might missout on the true experience of studying abroad.

- Expensive; study abroad programs are usually very expensive and charge you your regulartuition fee, even though your tuition fee abroad may be way cheaper. For example, if you go
http://mariaabroad.com/2009/05/study-abroad-programs-advantages-and-disadvantages/http://mariaabroad.com/author/mariaabroad/http://mariaabroad.com/category/studyabroad/http://mariaabroad.com/feed/http://mariaabroad.com/feed/http://mariaabroad.com/2009/11/advantages-of-studying-abroad/http://mariaabroad.com/2009/11/advantages-of-studying-abroad/http://www.isogermany.com/http://www.cibu.edu/http://mariaabroad.com/author/mariaabroad/http://mariaabroad.com/category/studyabroad/http://mariaabroad.com/feed/http://mariaabroad.com/2009/11/advantages-of-studying-abroad/http://www.isogermany.com/http://www.cibu.edu/http://mariaabroad.com/2009/05/study-abroad-programs-advantages-and-disadvantages/


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to Germany, the tuition at a public university is 1,000 Euros per year, however mostuniversities from abroad will still charge you their regular tuition.

-Group structure; as always when you travel in a group, there is less time and chance forindividual experiences and adventures during your study abroad and you might miss out on agreat learning experience of taking care of things yourself!

- Meeting locals; when you travel in a group of other international students, it will be veryhard to get to know locals. As it is easier to connect with other people from your country orother exchange students that have a similar experience as you, it will be hard to really get toknow locals, especially if you are put up with all other foreign exchange students in theinternational domitory. A better way to connect with locals is to stay with a host family.Learn more about the advantages of living with a host family here.

As you can see, study abroad programs have their advantages and disadvantages and itdepends on what kind of study abroad experience you want to have, what choice is right for

you! However, considering to organize your study abroad time yourself, is definitely worthit!

Youth hostel or student exchange?Posted on March 11, 2011 by bestexchange

1

You are in your teens, prepared to explore our globe, too old to still journey with your motherand father, too young to journey on your own. Now you like to plan your up-coming nexttrip, but you dont know how to go about it.

Generally you have three alternatives:
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1. you may join a youth group / summer camp

2. you and your best buddy could go youth hosteling in a country of your choice

3. you decide to go on a private summer vacation student exchange

Lets talk about advantages and drawbacks:

Youth Group / Summer Camp:

Advantages: Every little thing is planned for, supervisors are in place, you are joined withother youngsters speaking your language, likely you will not get bored, even though theremight not be much time to surf on the internet

Disadvantages: mostly activities are all outside and planned around sports, those organizedvacations are somewhat expensive (here 1.000$ or more $ can easily be spent), and you are

bound to the time-frames given by the organizer

Youth Hostel Vacation:

Advantages: you can pick the country or even countries you like best, if you are on a lower

spending budget you can be confident that with approx 300$ per week you will make it, alsoyou will meet up with many people from all over the world

Disadvantages: rooms sleep often 6 12 people and in quite a few European countries menand women often have to sleep in the very same room. You might not get very much sleepduring the night at all, because of people coming and going all night long

Private Vacation Exchange Student Program:

Advantages: a private foreign exchange student program is very reasonably priced and thebest option of all when it comes to pricing (you could be a foreign exchange student for aslittle as 50 per year), you stay with a host family who will do their best to make you feel athome, you get to really see how locals live and you will be integrated in local activities, a

private student exchange has the additional benefit that you can arrange as many exchangesyou like, any duration you like and even multi country visits within one long summer are

possible (family-hopping-option). A private exchange leaves you the alternative to decide ifyou want to go to school or not, because there is no rule that you have to go to school.Another advantage is, that the exchange is mutual, following the concept: I visit you youvisit me, which enables you to share your home with an exchange student from abroad.International student exchangeis one of the most popular ideas nowadays, because itcombines lowest cost with highest flexibility. We recommend www.best-student-exchange.com, which is a family friendly portal, low cost and easy to use.Disadvantages: you must take initiative yourself to contact your host families directly throughan exchange student portal and you will have to arrange your own health insurance, flight

tickets etc.
http://www.best-student-exchange.com/http://www.best-student-exchange.com/http://www.best-student-exchange.com/http://www.best-student-exchange.com/http://www.best-student-exchange.com/http://www.best-student-exchange.com/


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Summary: If you still have no plans for your next vacation, consider being an exchangestudent joining a private foreign exchange student program!

Posted in Australia, Canada, Education, England, Europe, Exchange Student

Programs, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy,Japan, Languages, New Zealand,

Spain, Student Exchange, Student Exchange Program, Study, Summer,

Switzerland,Travel, UK, USA, Vacation | Tagged education, exchange, exchange

program, exchange programs, exchange programs for high school students,

exchange student, exchange student program, exchange student programs,

foreign exchange student, foreign exchange student program, foreign student

exchange, going abroad, high school student exchange program, international,

international student exchange, international student exchange program,

languages, learn, private student exchange, student, student exchange, student

exchange program, student exchange programs, study, travel, www.best-

student-exchange.com | 1 Reply

Student Exchange new and improved at lowest costPosted on March 9, 2011 by bestexchange

Reply

In todays competitive international society teenagers need to have cross cultural exchangesat a very early stage in their lives. A student exchange can work wonders for our younggeneration to have a more global perspective on a variety of issues in life. Self-esteemimproves as well as a positive lookout towards other countries, languages and life itself. It is

famously said the more you see, the more you know. The earth has becomes a wellnetworked global village where knowing skills outside ones average domain is a MUST.Student exchange is one of the most popular ways to do so.

A global student exchange program has become a normal trend in great educationalinstitutions. Teenagers of both the developed and the developing countries share not onlyclassrooms and sport activities, but also their lives. This cross cultural exchange at a veryearly stage in life assists produce leadership qualities in teenagers.

Teenagers throughout the globe are encouraged to talk and interact with their peer groupsfrom far away places. But foreign journeys and international schools being expensive, arentan easy thing to do for a lot of people. In many countries the students exchange programs are

used by less than 5 % of the students. In such places a student exchange scholarship comesto the rescue of the gifted teenagers.
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Student exchange scholarships have increased the amount of students who go to far offeducational institutions. Students from different corners of the world get to work and livewith each other thanks to such student exchange initiatives. They are funded by theeducational institutions, government bodies and other non governmental bodies. There is alsocorporate funding for worldwide student exchange in some cases.

Student exchange privately organized has become quite popular nowadays. Also known asvacationstudent exchange, it is a widespread educational step in the developed world. Inthis kind offoreign student exchangeprogram,teenagers travel to a new location living witha host family and understanding many new things in life. Such vacation student exchange

programs are organized between two households on the same internet portal withoutinvolving any agents. This is the lowest cost possibility of all student exchange alternateoptions.

It is also a safe way for a teenager to visit new areas as they live with a host family and notalone. It offers the independence to examine new items in life, which are not a usual part oftheir standard habitat. These student exchange programs are excellent for youngsters whoare too old to vacation with their families and get bored, yet too young to make journeysalone going abroad.

Another main explanation for the acceptance ofprivate programs for the foreign exchangestudent is the expense advantage that it gives. Since the exchange is arranged privately,without expensive fees charging agencies these low cost student exchange programs are theideal alternative. The fee is only a small portion of a standard exchange student program andon top of that it gives complete versatility in planning the exchange.

Go on a student exchange: Find yourself a host family now!

Low cost student exchange programs are one of the greatest means to make teenager travelto far off places and discover new things in life which prepare them for a competitive lifewhich awaits them in the near future. We recommend www.best-student-exchange.com,which is a family friendly portal, low cost and easy to use.

Summary: Vacation student exchange has become very well-liked these days as a low costalternative to widespread international student exchange programs. This assists students to

journey all across the world during their trip and learn about new cultures and ways of life ata small portion of the common fee.
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Taking a gap year before tertiary studyA year off - or gap year - after secondary school is becoming more common in New Zealand.Find out what you can do during your gap year, and the advantages and disadvantages oftaking time out.

Contents:[hide]

What are the advantages of taking a year out?

What are the disadvantages of doing a gap year?

What sort of things can I do in my gap year?

Where can I find out more about my gap year options?

Find out more

What are the advantages of taking a year out?There are many reasons for taking a year out. After 10 years in school you may feel like it'stime for a break from study! Or maybe you want to save some money to help cover yourtertiary fees, and avoid a student loan.

There are several advantages to having a working year or a gap year. You can:

experience the world of work in a real way

become more mature

become more independent and experienced in your decision-making

clarify your study and career future, and make new or more informeddecisions

work with people from different walks of life

experience different types of workplaces

learn new skills.

Stuff website - gap year students 'perform better at uni'
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After Seventh Form, William Arlidge spent five months doing a job he didn't enjoy. He saysit pushed him to enrol at university, and work hard at his study.

"I saw the difference when I looked at my classmates in first year. I got really good grades. Isat down and did all my homework while everyone else was slacking off."

William Arlidge, University Student

Read more about William's gap year

What are the disadvantages of doing a gap year?

You may: be a year behind your former friends and classmates who have gone on to

study

find it hard to pick up certain subjects again, or get back into the studyhabit

be tempted by a good offer when it may be in your best interests to enterstudy instead

not earn as much money as you hoped you might.

What sort of things can I do in my gap year?

A year off from studying might be spent in your home town, perhaps working full-time in ajob that was previously a part-time job. Or it might involve going to live with friends orrelatives in another town or city where there are more opportunities for full-time work. These

jobs are often practical or labouring positions that may not relate to future study.

A gap year can also involve some component of working or travelling overseas. This couldinclude:

working at summer camps in the USA such as Camp America

spending a year overseas as a high school exchange student

being involved in volunteer social, environmental or conservation projects

participating in sporting or other cultural exchanges

working overseas as an au pair or nanny

teaching English overseas.

Sam Langton had finished Seventh Form but hadn't decided on a career.

"I needed a job, so I had a look around to see what was going. My mum told me that therewere jobs going at the hospital for orderlies.
http://www2.careers.govt.nz/plan-your-career/im-at-school-and-need-ideas/taking-a-gap-year/gap-year-helped-william-arlidges-decide-on-study/http://www2.careers.govt.nz/plan-your-career/im-at-school-and-need-ideas/taking-a-gap-year/gap-year-helped-william-arlidges-decide-on-study/


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"It's good experience. You're interacting with a lot of people, so you find out more about howpeople are - instead of just stereotyping people. It's good for students who want to do a gapyear."

Sam Langton, Hospital Orderly

DISadvantages of being an Exchange student25. nora 2009 v 1:08 | MartinThis article is a continuing of "Advantages of being an Exchange student". As well as thereare many possitive things of being one, there is also a great number of disadvanges. I hadthought (and sometimes been afraid) of most of them before I came here. Some, like notgetting along with my host family, have really happened, but most of them have not. I have

been able to understand people and make some friends, none of my planes has crashed:) and Ihave not been homesick almost at all. However, there are different problems for exchangestudent than just those. Problems that may not look like a big diffuculty for a short term, butwhen you have to deal with it every day for a year, it becomes more important.

The first and for me the the biggest disadvantage is that I do not have a car here. There isnothing that can be done about it, so I may as well take it how it is and dont fuss about it, but

because it is so annoying I will. As always when there is some problem, the main point is notto be the only one who has it. It wouldnt matter if the driving age was 18 like in Czech,actually I am quite used to not having a car for I never had one and I can barely drive it. Buteveryone here who is my age, and especially all boys, has a car and that makes the kind oflife they are all living. They drive to school, to eat, to go to parties, to go pick up a girl and togo see one another. Often they just drive around without any purpose and wait to seesomeone driving too..So unless I want to live home-school-home life, I have to keep up with others and get around

by car also. My host parents and my host brother are more than willing to give me a ride, butof course they need to know it in advance. They can take me when I tell them the day before,

but that is not the way it usually works here. I often get a message if I can be in 20 minutessomewhere or if I can stay after school and go eat or something (today I missed a free

pancakes day one of the fast foods was making, just because I didnt have a ride home:). Attimes like this I can try to call my family, but it is not always possible for them to pick me up.There is another way how to move around - to find someone who picks you up and thendrops you off. I sometimes ask my friends to do that, but not too often. First, we live quite farfrom the town and they usually have to pay for their gas. And even when I offer them I will

pay it, it is always rather odd (Most of the people dont want anything, but once one guywanted 10 dollars!! Fuck off, I am not gonna let myself get bitched out of money like this:)Second, by saying yes, they are automaticaly taking the responsibility for me. They are boundto return me home and no one knows what might be going on in several hours. The biggest

problem is to get a ride to a party. I usually go with my host brother who takes us back, but ifhe is not going, someone has to take me. In situations like this I try to sleep over -the last


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thing people want is to drive around the town at night, tired and possibly drunked from theparty, and drop people off.Only once have I tried to organize something myself - there was a movie I wanted to see andI thought how nice it would be to invite others. Everything went smoothly until the only car Ihad managed to get broke down. The girl who owned it didnt know how to repair it and as

there was no one else avaiable, I had to call it off. Since then I have always left theorganizing to someone else, it is just too much for me:)

The second problem is that the house in which I live is not mine. That is again obvious, buthaving a free house is one of the most valuable things a teenager can have here. You might bea total idiot, but as long as you can have a party from time to time, you are in the center ofeverything. A party doesnt have to neccesserally mean fifty drunked people throwing up allover the house like in movies. Even a small number of friends over, just playing pool orvideogames, can change your possition from being sort of a burden to being the chief. Afterall this is not so suprising - people just like to hang out with someone they can profit fromrather then with one whom they need to provide a taxi service. I miss the independence I had

in Czech, where - though I did not have a car - I could at least get myself home. Again, Itechnically can have people over - my family wouldnt be against it - but I just need to havethe feeling that it is up to me what we will do and who will come. And also that if somethingsgoes wrong, it will be my problem and not my host family's.

The third difficulty is more of a psychicall sort. As an exchange student, you have not onlyleft behind all your friends and people you had known for years, but also everything else youhad been used to. All the buildings, shops, roads and parks and trees, everything is gone andyou dont have anything "for sure". The language is different, the tv is different, there is nohistory you could share with others. Everything is new and though I have been here over 6months, I still cannot call it home. On the other hand, this has changed a lot in past few yearsand it is probably better than it has ever been. Internet, movies and music help overcame thatfeeling of being foreign. It came to me almost like a shock to hear people discuss the Lord ofthe rings or Queen, and being able to talk about it too. All this must have been much worsewhen internet wasnt as common as it is now. However, I sometimes wonder if things aregoing to stay like this. I have the feeling that most of the people have not realized howunusuall the situation today is -everything is working, no war or hunger, freedom,.. I justcannot imagine what I would do if things went wrong and all these crises became reallyserious. So far I have always lived with the image of having a peacefull life from the

beginning to the end and I dont want to change it...but this is off topic and hopefully will nothappen.

The last but not the least ;) negative is that almost the whole school knows me. That could be

considered like an advantage and it often is, but it gets on my nerves sometimes. It was I whomade sure people would know me, that I am the Exchange. Generally I dont regret it, butthere are times I wish I hadnt done it. For example, after I had gone to my first party, the nextday I felt like some zoo creature. People were shouting: Maartiin, I heard you were drinking,is it true? Maartinn, I saw a picture of you on facebook, Maartin.. One girl got so excited thatshe couldnt wait till the class was over and started yelling across the whole classroom. Theteacher wasnt paying atention but heard "alcohol" and "Martin" and kicked me out of theclass, just to make sure I guess. Nothing serious but it wasnt fair.

Being an exchange is definitely not fun all year long. For me, however, bad things are asimportant as good ones. For one, if there were no bad times I would have nothing to write

about. As you have probably noticed, this blog (though often in funny ways) tells mostly


10/21

about all kinds of unpleasant situations that have happened to me. It stands to reason - Whowould want to read how wonderful time I am having while they are stuck in Czech? :)

What are disadvantage of study abroad?I already know how good it is to study abroad so Do Not Tell me how good it was

or saying that there aren't any problems about studying abroad O.K.

3 years ago

Report Abuse

clareapp...

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I was an exchange student. Disadvantages? (though, really, the advantagesoutweigh them)

-- learning a foreign language, and having to totally assimilate into that

language. My head hurt every day for the first month. It was HARD for the first

six months. It eventually got better, but it was a HARD road. And at the end of it,

my English had degraded!

-- host family problems. Many students have them. I did. These range and are

too many to go into, but no situation is perfect or fool proof and there is ALWAYS

potential to have problems. (but if you're exchange organization does its job,they should help you solve them)

-- school credits not transferring. Especially if you're an American going to

another country -- it can be like PULLING TEETH to get credits to transfer. In my

experience, most US students get NO CREDIT for their year abroad, and have to

repeat a year. It can be much easier if you're a European going to another

country, depending on your school system and the country you go to.

-- school problems in general. Some schools have no idea what to do with

exchange students. Despite your age, you may be put in a class several years

below you. You may find your classes ridiculously hard (or easy) and find there is
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/report;_ylt=AhcUtjZcc5dzpKjGa_rMLnXMxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080904073651AAsbJhO&kid=NbZSGmTNNjXRPVGkOJ5o&date=2008-09-04+07:36:51&.crumb=srdK8qIgKwJ&s=qhttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=AoCcOqxemxE7RgCEruFpPmjMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=4gctYnoAaahttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=AlFaGg3qJzbwwFI_M54mdMHMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=4gctYnoAaahttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/report;_ylt=AhcUtjZcc5dzpKjGa_rMLnXMxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080904073651AAsbJhO&kid=NbZSGmTNNjXRPVGkOJ5o&date=2008-09-04+07:36:51&.crumb=srdK8qIgKwJ&s=qhttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=AoCcOqxemxE7RgCEruFpPmjMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=4gctYnoAaa


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no one to help you. You may fail. At some schools, people will ignore you and it is

hard to make friends. At some you become a celebrity. Goes both ways.

-- culture shock. It sucks, and most students experience it. Symptoms of this

include depression, anger and loneliness.

-- if you're a European (or from any country other than the US, really), when you

get here you suddenly won't be able to drink or smoke, even if you can at home.

(conversely, as an American going abroad, things suddenly become more lax for

you!)

-- you could get placed in the middle of nowhere, and live in a farm town. Most

exchange students are NOT placed in major cities.

-- it can be expensive.

Like I said -- I don't care one whit about these disadvantages because being an

exchange student was so completely amazing. But they are the down-and-dirty

truth about things that can go wrong. Hope I answered your question!

Source(s):

personal experience

3 years ago

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Other Answers (3)

Feisty

I work with high school kids. I'm not sure if these are disadvantages, but

definitely challenges:
http://answers.yahoo.com/answer/report;_ylt=ApI6Mwn7aqHXBwc.590gMx7MxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080904073651AAsbJhO&kid=QJN9HlviDkHOYjqZJKZt&.crumb=.srdK8qIgKwJhttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=AmHPj2Uo4mTBb8wKedh.PKTMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=xfqHi1tRaahttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=Ao9hdnSZhu_nmf3MLn0PlPDMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=xfqHi1tRaahttp://answers.yahoo.com/answer/report;_ylt=ApI6Mwn7aqHXBwc.590gMx7MxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080904073651AAsbJhO&kid=QJN9HlviDkHOYjqZJKZt&.crumb=.srdK8qIgKwJhttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=AmHPj2Uo4mTBb8wKedh.PKTMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=xfqHi1tRaa


12/21

Language -- you have to be willing to work at learning the language and

stay away from your native language as much as possible.

Loneliness -- depending upon where you study, you may find it somewhat

hard to be accepted. You will have to work at inviting people and making

friends. Don't expect everyone to come to you. It doesn't work that way.

Missing a year -- many European countries (and some Asian ones) will not

accept the year you spend abroad. You may have to repeat it when you

get home.

Classes -- classes in different countries are taught in different ways and

you'll have to learn how to adapt to that.

Source(s):

14 years hosting/repping exchange students.

3 years ago

Report Abuse

Schoggol...

If not studying in another language (if you're not sure of yourself), then

studying in a different school system can be seen as one. In the US, FT

meant 12-15 or more credit hours per week. In another country, you may

end up going to class 30-40 hours a week.

Source(s):

experience

3 years ago

Report Abuse

Max433you have to be regular to classes no bunking,finish assignments in time

have to cope up with environment,language culture etc there..And if you

are not studying in a accredited college your life will get bad....

3 years ago
http://answers.yahoo.com/answer/report;_ylt=ArtuO.XfcWp9HxQ.hDU3NuvMxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080904073651AAsbJhO&kid=DJJvImu9FVJcADduCIzw&.crumb=.srdK8qIgKwJhttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=AmHPj2Uo4mTBb8wKedh.PKTMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=da77b33f26934200f834675f449d0279aahttp://answers.yahoo.com/answer/report;_ylt=ArtuO.XfcWp9HxQ.hDU3NuvMxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080904073651AAsbJhO&kid=EJUpXWC_UmbG6yd_nGx0rd7c__yegeMxDQzoxR.uJE_4k.nwzNCJ&.crumb=.srdK8qIgKwJhttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=AmHPj2Uo4mTBb8wKedh.PKTMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=AA11031451http://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=Ao9hdnSZhu_nmf3MLn0PlPDMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=AA11031451http://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=Ao9hdnSZhu_nmf3MLn0PlPDMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=da77b33f26934200f834675f449d0279aahttp://answers.yahoo.com/answer/report;_ylt=ArtuO.XfcWp9HxQ.hDU3NuvMxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080904073651AAsbJhO&kid=DJJvImu9FVJcADduCIzw&.crumb=.srdK8qIgKwJhttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=AmHPj2Uo4mTBb8wKedh.PKTMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=da77b33f26934200f834675f449d0279aahttp://answers.yahoo.com/answer/report;_ylt=ArtuO.XfcWp9HxQ.hDU3NuvMxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080904073651AAsbJhO&kid=EJUpXWC_UmbG6yd_nGx0rd7c__yegeMxDQzoxR.uJE_4k.nwzNCJ&.crumb=.srdK8qIgKwJhttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=AmHPj2Uo4mTBb8wKedh.PKTMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=AA11031451


13/21

Hello right now I'm a freshman in highschool, but I'm planning to become an

exchange within a year or two. I am hoping that I can travel to Japan for a whole

academic year. I was wondering if it was difficult to actually become an

exchange student. Without a scholarship,if it was paid for yourself. I've seen acouple sites that did an application process, but I'm not really sure if they accept

just anyone that applies. Please give me all the details of your application

process or even your exprience in becoming an exchange student.


14/21

Upon arrival, language will make things harder. However, since you know NOW

you want to go to Japan, begin some language training. If your school doesn't

offer it, try the Rosetta Stone program. It's pricey, but a small investment in the

scheme of things and knowing some Japanese will help in being accepted to that

country to say nothing of making things much easier when you get there!

Here are some websites to check out -- exchange organizations PLUS one on

being an exchange student.

http://www.yfu.org/

http://www.afs.org/afs_or/home

http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYout

http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

Source(s):

14 years hosting/repping exchange students

3 years ago

Report Abuse

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thank you that helped. I just realized that the program I wanted to enter

REQUIRES you to have a year in japanese so I'm in a bind, but I'll figure it

out.
http://www.yfu.org/http://www.afs.org/afs_or/homehttp://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/youthprograms/RotaryYouthExchange/Pages/ridefault.aspxhttp://www.exchangestudentworld.com/http://answers.yahoo.com/answer/report;_ylt=ApI6Mwn7aqHXBwc.590gMx7MxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080914203811AA30O5I&kid=DJJvImu9FVJcADduCIzw&.crumb=.srdK8qIgKwJhttp://www.yfu.org/http://www.afs.org/afs_or/homehttp://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/youthprograms/RotaryYouthExchange/Pages/ridefault.aspxhttp://www.exchangestudentworld.com/http://answers.yahoo.com/answer/report;_ylt=ApI6Mwn7aqHXBwc.590gMx7MxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080914203811AA30O5I&kid=DJJvImu9FVJcADduCIzw&.crumb=.srdK8qIgKwJ


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BENEFITS

So, you're considering becoming an exchange student and want to know what kind of benefitsyou would gain? How would it enrich your life and change your perspective as you've heardme go on and on about? What makes it all worth it?

First off, in living abroad in another culture, you'd have the opportunity to learn anotherculture from an insiders perspective, something that you wouldn't really gain just by movingthere. As an exchange student, many of the programs have you living with a host family,taking part in their daily lives, and learning how different cultures families go about living.You learn to pay attention to the little details of how you live your daily life, even down tohow you take a shower (like, in Japan, you shower first THEN bath in the bath tub).

Next, the relationships you gain with your host family, your friends you gain from thatculture and with other exchange students, other citizens, and your exchange program will

have a profound influence on your life and your perspective as a world citizen.And, as I pointed out in stories with my story about food, living abroad definitely forces youout of your comfort zone and into new, uncharted territory for you which allows you to growand expand as a person. I am pretty sure that if I had never moved abroad I'd still be a pickyeatter and have less of a world perspective and understanding for different cultures as I dofrom living in one.

Also, a major bonus in living abroad, especially in a country where English is not the mainlanguage, you will learn a new language and often become fluent! At first there will be majorcommunication issues, however, you learn to adapt and work around it, learning thatcommunication isn't only about words but about gestures, signs, and in my case, sometimes

drawings! The ability to talk to someone in another language other than your native one isamazing and, in living abroad, it'd force you to have the 24-7 contact and give you the abilityto pick on rather quickly!

Although there are many more benefits, the one that I'll end this list with is this: in being anexchange student, living away from home, and just everything that I listed above, gives yousuch a strong sense of self and understanding of things around the world. When I came backfrom America I did have troubles re-adjusting into American high school life due to myexperience, and it wasn't always peaches and cream, however, the good definitely outweightsthe bad. You make mistakes, you get frustrated that you can't be understood, but you learn,adapt, and find ways around it and listen. Listening is the key and the more you listen, themore you learn to speak, and the more you learn to understand the culture.

Being an exchange student was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It was hard,but the hard made the end result all the more worthwhile.
http://www.happy-dinosaur.com/exchange/japan/stories.htmlhttp://www.happy-dinosaur.com/exchange/japan/stories.html


16/21

A High School Study Abroad program is a program in which a student, typically insecondary or higher education, chooses to live in a foreign country to learn and study, amongother things, language and culture. These programs are sometimes called 'student exchange'

because in some cases different countries participating in the program will trade off studentsin this fashion. The students live with a host family, who are usually unpaid volunteers andoften have a child the same age who has also participated (or is going to participate) in asimilar exchange program. Host families are provided by Two Worlds United, the program.

High School Study Abroad programs became popular after World War II, but stared as earlyas the 17th century in Europe. This programs have the aim of helping to increase the

participants' understanding and tolerance of other cultures, as well as improving theirlanguage skills and broadening their social horizons.

An exchange student typically stays in the host country for a relatively short period of time,often 6 to 10 months, in contrast to international students or those on study abroad programswhich often last for several years.

Two Worlds United High School Study Abroad Philosophy

The future of our world depends on our youth. Young people need experiences in real lifewhich complement their classroom learning and which help them to develop an awareness oftheir role as world citizens. High School Study Abroad opportunities for learning about

people must be easily accessible and affordable to a wide range of people.

Experiencing the life of its people is the best way to become acquainted with another country,its heritage and its values. Living with a family provides a warm, secure and relevant settingfor experiencing the culture of another country.

Communication is key to understanding the culture. A knowledge of the language peoplespeak, an eagerness to improve communication skills and a curiosity for learning permit agreater level of understanding. The friendships which result from the sharing of family lifeencourage continued communication, growth and better understanding of other people.

Two Worlds United High School Study Abroad Objectives:

1. To promote international understanding through high school study abroad experiences

and cultural tour programs. Our goal is to help people discard stereotypes and todiscover the present realities of another culture.

2. To increase awareness of the importance of understanding other cultures and tostimulate interest in community support of language and global education.

3. To offer an opportunity for language students to learn first-hand about the culture ofthe country whose language they are studying and to improve their communicationskills thru the high school study abroad programs.

4. To provide well-formulated educational programs which offer affordableopportunities to many students and families.

5. To make participation in High School Study Abroad Programs a rewarding

experience for both students and families by providing preparation for participants,organized transportation, and a well-structured support network.


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Studying abroad is a tough decision to be made within your future career. Taking a chanceto be an exchange student is a great experience in enhancing your cultural horizon, meetnew people and the best way to find yourself. This is also the great way to boost your career

position. But then again, you have to think twice being a student exchange because you haveto leave your family and it takes time to adjust in another culture. Exchange Student has lotsof benefits offers in embarking with this international adventure. There is always a great dealof being independent innate in the exchange program. Going and study abroad without your

parents and stepping beyond social network will able to develop your sense of responsibility,accountability for your actions and initiative.

The benefits that you can get being an exchange student is you learn to work through theactions to adapt to another culture, increased maturity of the students within the host familyand school and enhance the flexibility and confidence. An exchange student developsunderstanding of the countrys relations and self-awareness. Student exchange is a realitylearning and living without the competitive environments. Exchange student program is a

learning of total immersion through cognitive and emotional where exchange students aredirectly concerned with the human differences explanations. In Australia exchangeprogram offers student an inbound in Australia a full fee study. World Education Programin Australia provides and arranged a trip for international students. It is also a greatopportunity to the exchange students to go for a travel to Uluru, Melbourne and AliceSprings. World Education Program in Australia offers between three and twelve monthsstudy in Australia and exchange students are positioned with a volunteer host families andgoing to attend secondary school locally. One benefits of the program also offers to exchangestudents a chance to participate in a selected part tour of Australia.

Along with this exchange student program benefits, these substantial experiences andattributes merge to yield an improvement over peers, get off the ground on your future career

and enhance knowledge about in a political and business interest and molding the youth tobecome future leaders.


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Why should you leave the comfort of home, all your friends and a great school to studyabroad for a year? Because its a fantastic, fun and good experience! Learning a newlanguage and culture will really use your high school time to its best advantage.

A good exchangesstudent?There is not one sort of person who is more suitable than another. Of course its easier if youare happy, outgoing, open minded and find it easy to adjust to new situations. But, to be anexchange student is not about who you are right now, its about who you will become. Youmay be shy in your home country, but when you go to another place you will grow as a

person and take huge steps in your personal development.

AwarenessAn exchange year is not all fun and games! Without meaning to scare you, you must beaware that the year will not go as you thought. Overly high expectations, combined with a

bad beginning with your host parents or school, could be a catastrophic combination! Youwill not go to a problem free family, community or school! You should be open with yourrepresentative and tell him or her if you are having problems. If you dont, they cant helpyou. But also remember, there is no perfect family, school or town. Its up to you to make the

best of what you have! Everyone will not get the year of their life, or may not think so thetime. But every year has potential ... including yours!


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Experiences on becoming an exchange student?how did your first day go as an exchange student?

where is the best country to be an exchange student? in usa?? in europe, if,

what's the best country in europe?? or in latin america, if, what country is the

best country in latin america??? what do i need to do to be an exchange

student?? did you haveany breaks like christmas vacations or whatever?? how

much would it probably cost?? please just add more informations...

4 years ago

Report Abuse

Feisty

Best Answer - Chosen by AskerWow! A lot of questions.

There really is no BEST country in which to do an exchange. It depends upon

your reasons. If English is your main concern, then you would probably do well to

go to England, the U.S., Canada or Australia. Right now, the U.S. is a good

bargain because the dollar is so low.

If you are looking at Latin America, Argentina and Brasil are quite popular. I'd

stay away from the Colombia/Equador/Venezula area right now as they might beon the verge of war.

As to Europe, well, I've traveled all over and hosted students from most of the

countries there -- you can't go wrong anywhere!

I can tell you that costs range from $7,000 - $10,000 and that's in USD for most

programs. Rotary is cheaper, but it's more competitive and operates a bit

differently. In addition to program fees, you will have monthly expenses. Most

organizations expect you to have at least USD $200 per month.

Your first step is finding a program. Since I don't know what country you're

writing from, I can't say which ones are available for you. However, if you plan to

come to the U.S., make sure that the program you choose is on the CSIET list

(www.csiet.org). If it is not, you could run into some problems.

Generally speaking, AFS, Aspect Foundation, Rotary and YFU are good

everywhere. ASSE can be OK in many places. AYUSA (which I understand

operates with INTRAX) is not recommended in many places in the U.S. including

where I live.

As to how the year goes, generally you will arrive in your country before school
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/report;_ylt=A0S00_OJAdNOSHYAwrfMxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080404183850AArbGvF&kid=DIduPzvOClYz.kZj_C2I&date=2008-04-04+18:38:50&.crumb=srdK8qIgKwJ&s=qhttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=A0S00_OJAdNOSHYAxLfMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=xfqHi1tRaahttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=A0S00_OJAdNOSHYAw7fMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=xfqHi1tRaahttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/report;_ylt=A0S00_OJAdNOSHYAwrfMxQt.;_ylv=3?qid=20080404183850AArbGvF&kid=DIduPzvOClYz.kZj_C2I&date=2008-04-04+18:38:50&.crumb=srdK8qIgKwJ&s=qhttp://answers.yahoo.com/my/profile;_ylt=A0S00_OJAdNOSHYAxLfMxQt.;_ylv=3?show=xfqHi1tRaa


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starts in the fall. Some programs will have a language or orientation camp before

you go to your host family. You will go to school just like students do in that

country. If they wear uniforms, you will wear uniforms. If they play sports in

school, you can too if you like.

You will live with a family as a member of that family and be expected toparticipate in family activities -- including household chores!

Your holiday schedule will be the same as your host country. If they celebrate

Christmas there -- you will have a Christmas vacation. However, few if any

programs will allow you to return home during that time. You will stay and

celebrate the holidays with your host family.

For lots more info on being an exchange student, check out this on-line

community of current and former exchange students!


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Become Exchange Students

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