So You Want to Study Abroad?

Studying abroad is a great way to experience the world while being a student. Sitting in a classroom is a good way to learn things like history, culture, and languages, but it cannot possibly compare with the experience and adventure of traveling to a foreign country and making that country your home for an extended period of time, whether it be a month, a summer, or an entire year.

The best time to study abroad is while you are still in High School. At this age, you are generally still somewhat sheltered and have limited experience in life. A year abroad in your junior year, for example, will be a lasting experience as you grow older. At the formative high school age, you will be much more willing and ready to experience all the trials and joys your time abroad will bring.

Generally when you study abroad in High School, you are placed with a host family. Host families are people living in the area you wish to go which willingly open their home to you, to introduce you into their culture and city. The benefits to this is that you have a source to introduce you to people, help you with the mundane activities you will almost definitely encounter, (like registering for your school, registering with the town, etc.), and providing a loving, and more importantly safe environment for you to start your journey.

I studied abroad during my junior year of High School in Germany. I went through Youth for Understanding (YFU), a great program which helps students enter countries and provides them with families, and a network of resources, like "Guardians", which are volunteers living in the town or city you are placed, who check in on you, and help you with the transition.