3. For any high school student who’s ever been enthralled by the prospect of studying beyond
the home country, a foreign exchange program is an excellent prospect. Even though the
period is for a few months, it plays an integral role in adolescent learning. Fortunately for
students in the US, this has become a reality as many colleges offer such programs.
Additionally, students can also lower their academic and accommodation expenses through
the right scholarships.
Gap Year
The period during which such students enroll in the program is known as a gap year. It is
used to denote the gap between high school and the beginning of college. This period is
designed to help high school and college students acquire professional, personal, and
practical awareness of themselves and formulate their career options. What makes foreign
exchange programs enrollment even more challenging and unique is that the program
takes place in a new country.
There are numerous reasons why studying abroad, particularly during the summer, is a
fantastic option. The program starts by enrolling in one of the best institutes that offer such
programs. This is when students meet many others from different cultures and learn from
each other, often unconsciously. They also learn how to manage finances on their own.
Students can do this by enrolling in one of the best high school summers abroad programs.
Getting Scholarships
4. Although enrolling in a reputable school may appear to be an expensive prospect, students
can also become eligible by getting scholarships, which would help save academic and
boarding fees. During a few weeks to several months, students will understand the benefits
of enrolling in such a program.
There are many students around the world who want to study abroad but are unable to do
so due to financial constraints. Isn’t it equally important for these students to get an
education at this stage? With the support of scholarships to study abroad, many deserving
students can gain admission to some of the most fantastic schools in the world.
Criteria for Receiving Scholarships
To become eligible to be considered for these scholarships, the following criteria (more than
one) need to be fulfilled across most universities:
Proof of Financial Hardships– Any bright student who is experiencing difficulties as a
result of being a member of the financially disadvantaged part of society must provide proof
of their current financial situation.
Citizenship– It is a requirement that students be citizens of a given country for them to
be considered eligible for a scholarship.
Community Service– According to the standards set forth by several colleges, all
deserving pupils must have spent a particular number of hours performing community
service.
5. Individual Awards– Certain students may be eligible for grants based on specific criteria
that are rarely disclosed.
Consistently Good Academic Grades-If school grades have been consistently good over
time for a person, it automatically gives a better chance to qualify for the scholarships. The
nature of CGPAs are likely to differ from one school to another.
Top Benefits of Summer Exchange Programs
The following list of benefits will help students and their parents understand how being part
of the summer exchange programs help groom students for the future:
Establishing Initial Leadership Qualities
Learning the Way to Live in a New Culture
Determining a higher feeling of purpose in life
Having a greater appreciation for the country of origin and culture than before.
Taking baby steps toward financial freedom
The ability to form lifelong friendships
As a result of interacting and mixing with people of diverse countries, students get to
acquire positive values from each other
Students can awaken their hidden desires to know and speak new languages. There are
several students for whom this is a matter of thrill.
6. Expected Expenses During a Gap Year Program
Students will get to encounter expenses of several types. Given below are the different
headings under which expenses for foreign exchange programs are likely to be classified:
1.Flights back and forth
2.Passports and visas, as well as other types of travel documentation
3.In case of an emergency, emergency funds need to be available.
4.Travel insurance that covers accident, illness, and medical coverage as required by the host
country
Tours and auxiliary trips are available as options in the country of the program. Students may
get to participate in different kinds of educational trips within the new country.
Care for the Child
Given the care and concerns, any parent would feel hesitant in sending their child to study in
another nation. However, it is critical to recognize the child’s ability and necessity to feel
independent after school. An exchange program also offers a bird’s eye view of the career in
front.
No planning can ever be sufficient for the life that lies ahead in another country, although
prevention will always be better than cure.