1.

Short-term international exchange

A short-term exchange program is also known as summer/intensive or cultural exchange program. These focus on homestays,
language skills, community service, or cultural activities. High school and university students can apply for the programs through
various government or non-governmental organizations that organize the programs. A short-term exchange lasts from one week to
three months and doesn’t require that the student study in any particular school or institution. The students are exposed to an
intensive program that increases their understanding of other cultures, communities, and languages.

Long-term international exchange

A long-term exchange is one which lasts six to ten months or up to one full year. Participants attend high school in their host
countries, through a student visa. Students are expected to integrate themselves into the host family, immersing themselves in the
local community and surroundings. Upon their return to their home country they are expected to incorporate this knowledge into
their daily lives, as well as give a presentation on their experience to their sponsors. Many exchange programs expect students to be
able converse in the language of the host country, at least on a basic level. Some programs require students to pass a standardized
test for English language comprehension prior to being accepted into a program taking them to the United States. Other programs
do not examine language ability. Most exchange students become fluent in the language of the host country within a few months.
There has been some concern about the safety of foreign exchange students due to lack of regulation of the host families and legal
differences between the exchanging countries.

2. Study abroad in the United States

Studying abroad is the act of a student pursuing educational opportunities in a country other than one's own. This can include
primary, secondary and post-secondary students. The number of students studying abroad represents only about 1% of all students
enrolled at institutions of higher education in the United States. While the majority of foreign students who study in the United
States are pursuing a full degree, most outgoing U.S. students study abroad for one or two academic terms. The majority of US
students now choose short-term study abroad programs according to the most recent Institute of International Education Open
Doors Report. In the 2008–09 academic year, the five countries US students chose to study abroad in most were the United
Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, and China. However, the report also found that there were notable increases in the number of U.S.
students going to study in less traditional destinations. Fifteen of the top 25 destinations were outside of Western Europe and
nineteen were countries where English is not a primary language.

3. Study Abroad: A Summer, a Semester, or a Year

This seems to be a pretty big debate when students are considering studying abroad. While you may think a  year seems like a long
time to be abroad, a semester or summer term can be too short. In addition, most universities in Europe don't begin the school year
until late September, affording you only three months to get acclimated, travel, and still get your work done before you're heading
back home. I found that the longer I was abroad, the greater the academic, cultural and personal benefits I gained. By living in
another country for nine to ten months as opposed to three or four, I believe you will become more involved in the local scene and
get a better feel for the knowledge of the culture.

A Semester or Summer Term Abroad

There are some positives to studying abroad for a semester or summer term. First, the shorter duration means less expense. You will
only need to budget for three or four months abroad, while students studying abroad for a year have to take your budget and
stretch it out for another four to five months. You will also be more apt to take advantage of opportunities much quicker than year
abroad students. I had nine months in Scotland, so I tended to put things off because I knew I could do them at a later date. I actually
delayed going to see certain places and doing certain things so long that my last week was a bit of a rush. A semester or summer
abroad is also a good option if you’re excited about studying abroad, but not really sure if you can handle a whole year away from
home. It’s a great way to get your feet wet, and I’d be surprised if you didn’t embark on another study abroad adventure after
getting your first taste of the world outside the U.S.
4. A Year Abroad
Studying abroad for a year is a great option if you have the time and the budget. In my experience, I’ve realized that it takes almost
three months simply to adjust to a new school, and if you’re only there for a semester or summer, you will be gone just as you’re
getting comfortable. You will also have twice the time to travel, including a lengthy inter-semester break. While you may have to be
more frugal so you can make your money last, you'll still be able to visit more places than if you were only abroad for a summer or
semester. You’ll also be able to spend more time around your abroad university and experience the weekend life every now and
then, instead of having to use every Saturday and Sunday for traveling.

Studying abroad for a year allows you to have more time to be with your friends too. You'll undoubtedly meet a lot of new people in
your first few weeks abroad, and you'll be able to develop those friendships over the course of an entire academic year instead of a
span of a few months. Plus, if you’re interested in earning some money while studying abroad and gaining professional experience,
finding a part-time job or internship could be more meaningful if you’re able to work for an entire year abroad. Employers are much
more likely to hire you when they know they won't lose you a few weeks after training you.

Being away from home for nine to ten months versus three to four months will also require you to become much more
independent.  Knowing that you aren’t going home in three short months, studying abroad for a year allows you to have more time
to strengthen the life skills and begin applying them to your everyday life.

5. Destinations of International Students

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2009, Over 2.5 million students were
studying outside their home country. UNESCO also predicted that the number of international students might rise approximately to
7 million by the year 2020. The main destinations preferred by international students are the United States, United Kingdom,
Germany, France, Canada and Australia. Overall, the number of international students more than doubled to over 2 million between
2000 and 2007. However the sharpest percentage increases of international students have occurred in New Zealand, Korea, the
Netherlands, Greece, Spain, Italy and Ireland. In recent years, some countries in Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore and China, and
some in the Middle East have started to attract more international students. These regions have entered the market with declared
ambitions to become regional education centers by attracting as many as several hundred thousand international students to their
countries.

The UK, US, China, Australia, Canada are currently the most popular destinations for international students. The US is the undisputed
leader with approximately 723,277 foreign enrollments in 2010-11. Traditionally the U.S and U.K have been the most prestigious
choices, due to dominating university top 10 rankings with the likes of Harvard, Oxford, MIT and Cambridge. More recently however
they have had to compete with the rapidly growing Asian higher education market.

6. Where Do You Want to Study Abroad?

There’s a variety of factors that can impact where you want to study abroad. One of the most obvious will be whether or not your
home institution has a set list of approved schools to which they send students. My college has about 20 foreign schools from which
students can choose; however, if you wanted to study in a country in which the native language wasn’t English, you had to be
proficient in that language.
Here’s a list of other things you may want to consider:
Language: Are you going to be studying a language in a particular country? If not, will you be comfortable in a country where English
isn’t the native language? It’s not impossible, and if you’re determined to go to a non-English speaking country, and are confident in
your ability to communicate and find your way, by all means go for it.
Time Table: Summer, Semester, or Year? This is discussed at length in another section of the article.
Type of Program: Does your school have the type of program you are looking for? Is there a possibility you might have to go through
an independent program? Are you comfortable participating in a program where you won’t know any other students? Which
programs can you afford? How will you finance the cost of the study abroad program?
Major requirements: Will you be able to complete any major requirements while abroad? Will your degree progress suffer if you
can’t? Will your credits transfer either way?
Weather: This one’s pretty easy. What type of climate do you want to live in? If your idea of being abroad is on a beach under palm
trees, then Moscow probably isn’t for you.
7. Where Do You Want to Study Abroad?
There’s a variety of factors that can impact where you want to study abroad. One of the most obvious will be whether or not your
home institution has a set list of approved schools to which they send students. My college has about 20 foreign schools from which
students can choose; however, if you wanted to study in a country in which the native language wasn’t English, you had to be
proficient in that language.
Here’s a list of other things you may want to consider:
Living Situation: Do you want to live with a host family or in a dorm? There are positives and negatives to both.
Studying abroad and living in a dorm
In a dorm, you are more likely to interact with people your own age, who are going through the same adjustments you’re going
through, and who can relate with you on a greater level. In most dorms, there’s no curfew, and living in a dorm requires you to be
much more independent.
Studying abroad and living with a host family
If you’re studying a language, living with a host family will vastly increase the amount of interactive situations in which you’ll speak
that language. There’s also a greater possibility that you’ll experience more local culture first-hand.
Housing
A university student involved in an exchange program can choose to live on campus or off campus. Living off campus is a popular
choice, because students are more independent and learn more about the new culture when they are on their own. Universities that
host exchange students will offer assistance in obtaining accommodation. Universities in Asia have on-campus housing for
international students on exchange or studying full time. Temporary options include hostels, hotels, or renting. Homestays, paid
accommodation with a host family, are available in some countries.

8. Where Do You Want to Study Abroad?

There’s a variety of factors that can impact where you want to study abroad. One of the most obvious will be whether or not your
home institution has a set list of approved schools to which they send students. My college has about 20 foreign schools from which
students can choose; however, if you wanted to study in a country in which the native language wasn’t English, you had to be
proficient in that language.
Here’s a list of other things you may want to consider:
Local Life: Do you want to study abroad in a big city or small town? What is the campus like? Are there any famous landmarks, sights
or tourist attractions close by that you'd like to visit? How's the night life? What is there to do when you’re not in class?
Travel: How close will you be to an airport? Are there low cost airlines flying out of those airports? Do you want to visit nearby
countries/cities in your free time? If so, are you close to countries/cities you want to visit? How long will it take you to travel to
different locations?
Food: Do you like the food common to that country? Can you get by on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? While this shouldn’t be
the deciding factor, I would go somewhere where you can appreciate local cuisine as it’s definitely a big part of the overall
immersion experience.
Talk to people from your school or just people that you know that have been there before and ask their opinion. They’ll probably be
very happy to share their experience. The most important thing is to go with your gut feeling. If there’s a place that you’ve wanted
to go since you were nine years old, then go. Do the research needed to be sure you know what you’re getting into so you can be as
prepared and confident as possible when making your decision.
9. The Study Abroad Application
While not every school will use the same application, I am willing to bet that most applications will use pretty  similar components.
Based on my own experience with the application process, I’ve compiled a few helpful hints to get you thinking on the right track, as
well as provide guidance in case you run into some difficulties. The study abroad application will look almost like a regular college
application. Remember how much work you put into those?  Put the same amount of effort into your abroad application. Unlike the
college selection process, there’s no back up or safety net… you only get one shot at this so you need to do it right. More than likely,
it will consist of the following: A personal statement or statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, possible course selections,
health clearance forms and a general information form.

General Information Forms: This will probably be just a generic form requiring the basics like personal information, emergency
contacts, degree information, etc. Nothing complicated. Just fill in the blanks.

Letters of Recommendation: Depending on how many are required, ask your favorite professors and mentors if they would be
willing to write you a letter of recommendation. Even if you don’t have a close relationship with any professors, it’s ok to choose a
few that you think may have liked you, or in whose class you did particularly well. If they don’t really know you, don’t worry.
Professors are used to writing recommendation letters, and will probably have a generic letter that they can use. In which case, if
your personal statement is already done, give them a copy along with anything else you think might help them get a better picture of
who you are and why you want to go abroad.

10. The Study Abroad Application

Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose: This is the part of the application that some people dread, and some people love. Don’t
worry; I’ll break it down step by step. You already know the reasons you want to go abroad, now you just have to put them on paper
to try and convince your school that you should go. Here’s writing your study abroad essay 101:
First, in a nice intro paragraph, explain your reasons for studying abroad. Just give a general overview since you’ll be getting into the
specifics later in the essay. Include why you want to go abroad, what originally interested you in going abroad, what school you plan
on attending, along with anything else that seems relevant.
Academics are always going to be number one in the minds of your deans, advisors and faculty, so it’s not a bad idea to go there
next. Explain how going to class in a different culture will expand your capacity to learn and interpret new information. Let them
know if by going abroad, you’ll be able to complete certain requirements for your major or just make progress toward your degree in
general. Be sure to mention if there are classes offered abroad that aren’t available at your home school.
Next, go into depth about why you chose the location and the school that you did. Does the school have a great reputation
internationally? Do you have family roots in a particular country? Really get into the fact that you want to explore the specific
culture of that country or region. The more sincere and direct you are about why you want to go where you’re going, the more likely
the study abroad admissions staff will approve your application.
Don’t forget to include personal reasons and interests as well. You still need to be selective in what you write – the study abroad
admissions office will need to see that you’re mature enough to live in another country, but don’t be afraid to go beyond academics.
11. The Challenges for International Students in English-Speaking Countries
There is a trend for more and more students to go abroad to study in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia to gain a broader
education. English is the only common language spoken at universities in these countries. International students not only need to
acquire good communication skills and fluent English both in writing and speaking, but also absorb the Western academic writing
culture in style, structure, reference, and the local policy toward academic integrity in academic writing. International students may
have difficulty completing satisfactory assignments because of the difficulty with grammar and spelling, differences in culture, or a
lack of confidence in English academic writing. Insightful opinions may lose the original meaning when transformed from the
student's native language to English. Even if international students acquire good scores in English proficiency exams or are able to
communicate with native American students frequently in class, they often find that the wording and formatting of academic papers
in English-speaking universities are different from what they are used to.

Most international students encounter difficulties in language use. Such issues make it difficult for the student to make domestic
friends and gain familiarity with the local culture. Sometimes, these language barriers can subject international students to
ignorance or disrespect from native speakers. Most international students are also lacking a support groups in the country they are
studying. Although all the colleges in North America that are in a student exchange programs do have International Student Offices,
they sometimes do not have the resources and capability to consider their students' individual needs when it comes to adapting the
new environment. The more a particular college has students coming from the same country the better the support is for getting
involved to the new culture.

12. The Challenges for International Students in English-Speaking Countries

International students have several challenges in their academic studies at North American universities. Studies have shown that
these challenges include several different factors: inadequate English proficiency; unfamiliarity with North American culture; lack of
appropriate study skills or strategies; academic learning anxiety; low social self-efficacy; financial difficulties; and separation from
family and friends. Despite the general perception that American culture is characterized more by diversity than by homogeneity,
the American ideology of cultural homogeneity implies an American mindset that because Eurocentric cultures are superior to
others, people with different cultures should conform to the dominant monocultural canon and norms.

Chinese international students face other challenges besides language proficiency. The Chinese educational structure focuses on
exam-oriented education, with educational thinking and activities aimed towards meeting the entrance examination. Students stress
more on exam performance, and teachers are inclined to focus on lecturing to teach students what may be on the test. In addition,
“parents are also convinced that the more students listened to the lectures, the better they would score on the finals.” Though the
Western educational system also features exams, standardized testing, and lectures, the Chinese exam system leads students and
teachers to ignore the importance of practical activities, such as group work, because these skills will not be tested on the exams.
When Chinese students first come to the U.S, the emphasis on group work in the U.S educational system causes new difficulties.
These students often show passivity attitude towards group projects. This is simultaneously aggravated by varying degrees of English
proficiency.

Drawbacks
Even though exchange students learn to improve themselves through the experience of studying and staying in another country,
there are also many difficulties to be encountered. Even with preparation and knowledge about the new environment, they could
still experience culture shock, which can affect them in different ways. Students from a completely different culture can also
encounter homesickness for a longer period of time. Lack of transportation can also become a major problem, because the chances
that students buying a car during a short period of stay is less likely to happen.

taken and adapted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_student

http://www.studyabroad.com/student-guide/international-student-id.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_exchange_program