Study abroad programs advantages and disadvantages

by MariaAbroad in Study Abroad If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting! Studying abroad has many advantages, you already know that. If you are still not so sure about that, read more here about the advantages of studying abroad. But once you made the decision to go study abroad, you have to decide whether you want to go with one of the many study abroad programs or rather organize it yourself. I studied abroad myself and I was recruited by a representative (ISOgermany) of my American University (CIBU) in Germany. The difference however was, that I was not shipped to the US with 60 other German 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 advice on moving to the US. I believe very much in their way of recruiting students that I actually started 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 3 week study abroad program with 50 other students from the same country. It always depends, whether you should organize your study abroad time Do-it-yourself-style or if it makes sense to use an organized study abroad program. Both of course have their pros and cons, so here a short and hopefuly helpful overview over the advantages and disadvantages of study abroad programs:

Advantages of study abroad programs:

- Less work intensive; as the study abroad program will take care of most of the things for you - 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. This will safe you time, energy and will let you finish your degree in the same time as without study abroad break.

- Structure and Safety; as most likely you will be studying abroad in a group, you will always 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 your group with whom it will be easier to connect. You share a common background, the language and in case of a problem, you have somebody you can talk to and who understands you without 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 people from your home country and get less language practice, cultural immersion and might miss out on the true experience of studying abroad. - Expensive; study abroad programs are usually very expensive and charge you your regular tuition fee, even though your tuition fee abroad may be way cheaper. For example, if you go

to Germany, the tuition at a public university is 1,000 Euros per year, however most universities 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 for individual experiences and adventures during your study abroad and you might miss out on a great learning experience of taking care of things yourself!

- Meeting locals; when you travel in a group of other international students, it will be very hard to get to know locals. As it is easier to connect with other people from your country or other exchange students that have a similar experience as you, it will be hard to really get to know locals, especially if you are put up with all other foreign exchange students in the international 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 it depends 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 worth it!

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 mother and father, too young to journey on your own. Now you like to plan your up-coming next trip, but you dont know how to go about it.

Generally you have three alternatives:

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 with other youngsters speaking your language, likely you will not get bored, even though there might not be much time to surf on the internet Disadvantages: mostly activities are all outside and planned around sports, those organized vacations 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, also you 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 men and women often have to sleep in the very same room. You might not get very much sleep during 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 the best option of all when it comes to pricing (you could be a foreign exchange student for as little as 50 per year), you stay with a host family who will do their best to make you feel at home, 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 exchanges you 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 if you 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 you visit me, which enables you to share your home with an exchange student from abroad. International student exchange is one of the most popular ideas nowadays, because it combines lowest cost with highest flexibility. We recommend www.best-studentexchange.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 through an exchange student portal and you will have to arrange your own health insurance, flight tickets etc.

Summary: If you still have no plans for your next vacation, consider being an exchange student 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.beststudent-exchange.com | 1 Reply

Student Exchange new and improved at lowest cost

Posted on March 9, 2011 by bestexchange Reply

In todays competitive international society teenagers need to have cross cultural exchanges at a very early stage in their lives. A student exchange can work wonders for our young generation to have a more global perspective on a variety of issues in life. Self-esteem improves 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 well networked 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 educational institutions. Teenagers of both the developed and the developing countries share not only classrooms and sport activities, but also their lives. This cross cultural exchange at a very early stage in life assists produce leadership qualities in teenagers. Teenagers throughout the globe are encouraged to talk and interact with their peer groups from far away places. But foreign journeys and international schools being expensive, arent an 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 comes to the rescue of the gifted teenagers.

Student exchange scholarships have increased the amount of students who go to far off educational institutions. Students from different corners of the world get to work and live with each other thanks to such student exchange initiatives. They are funded by the educational institutions, government bodies and other non governmental bodies. There is also corporate funding for worldwide student exchange in some cases. Student exchange privately organized has become quite popular nowadays. Also known as vacation student exchange, it is a widespread educational step in the developed world. In this kind of foreign student exchange program,teenagers travel to a new location living with a host family and understanding many new things in life. Such vacation student exchange programs are organized between two households on the same internet portal without involving any agents. This is the lowest cost possibility of all student exchange alternate options. It is also a safe way for a teenager to visit new areas as they live with a host family and not alone. It offers the independence to examine new items in life, which are not a usual part of their standard habitat. These student exchange programs are excellent for youngsters who are too old to vacation with their families and get bored, yet too young to make journeys alone going abroad. Another main explanation for the acceptance of private programs for the foreign exchange student 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 the ideal alternative. The fee is only a small portion of a standard exchange student program and on 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 travel to far off places and discover new things in life which prepare them for a competitive life which 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 cost alternative 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 at a small portion of the common fee.

Taking a gap year before tertiary study

A 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 of taking 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's time for a break from study! Or maybe you want to save some money to help cover your tertiary 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 informed decisions 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'

After Seventh Form, William Arlidge spent five months doing a job he didn't enjoy. He says it 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. I sat 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 study habit be tempted by a good offer when it may be in your best interests to enter study 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 a job that was previously a part-time job. Or it might involve going to live with friends or relatives 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 could include:
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 there were jobs going at the hospital for orderlies.

"It's good experience. You're interacting with a lot of people, so you find out more about how people are - instead of just stereotyping people. It's good for students who want to do a gap year." Sam Langton, Hospital Orderly

DISadvantages of being an Exchange student

25. nora 2009 v 1:08 | Martin This article is a continuing of "Advantages of being an Exchange student". As well as there are many possitive things of being one, there is also a great number of disadvanges. I had thought (and sometimes been afraid) of most of them before I came here. Some, like not getting 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 I have not been homesick almost at all. However, there are different problems for exchange student than just those. Problems that may not look like a big diffuculty for a short term, but when 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 is nothing 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 not to 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. But everyone here who is my age, and especially all boys, has a car and that makes the kind of life they are all living. They drive to school, to eat, to go to parties, to go pick up a girl and to go see one another. Often they just drive around without any purpose and wait to see someone 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, but of 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 minutes somewhere 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:). At times 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 then drops you off. I sometimes ask my friends to do that, but not too often. First, we live quite far from 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 guy wanted 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 bound to 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 if he is not going, someone has to take me. In situations like this I try to sleep over -the last

thing people want is to drive around the town at night, tired and possibly drunked from the party, and drop people off. Only once have I tried to organize something myself - there was a movie I wanted to see and I thought how nice it would be to invite others. Everything went smoothly until the only car I had 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 the organizing 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, but having a free house is one of the most valuable things a teenager can have here. You might be a total idiot, but as long as you can have a party from time to time, you are in the center of everything. A party doesnt have to neccesserally mean fifty drunked people throwing up all over the house like in movies. Even a small number of friends over, just playing pool or videogames, can change your possition from being sort of a burden to being the chief. After all this is not so suprising - people just like to hang out with someone they can profit from rather 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, I technically can have people over - my family wouldnt be against it - but I just need to have the feeling that it is up to me what we will do and who will come. And also that if somethings goes 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 only left behind all your friends and people you had known for years, but also everything else you had been used to. All the buildings, shops, roads and parks and trees, everything is gone and you dont have anything "for sure". The language is different, the tv is different, there is no history you could share with others. Everything is new and though I have been here over 6 months, I still cannot call it home. On the other hand, this has changed a lot in past few years and it is probably better than it has ever been. Internet, movies and music help overcame that feeling of being foreign. It came to me almost like a shock to hear people discuss the Lord of the rings or Queen, and being able to talk about it too. All this must have been much worse when internet wasnt as common as it is now. However, I sometimes wonder if things are going to stay like this. I have the feeling that most of the people have not realized how unusuall the situation today is -everything is working, no war or hunger, freedom,.. I just cannot imagine what I would do if things went wrong and all these crises became really serious. 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 not happen. 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 who made sure people would know me, that I am the Exchange. Generally I dont regret it, but there are times I wish I hadnt done it. For example, after I had gone to my first party, the next day 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 that she couldnt wait till the class was over and started yelling across the whole classroom. The teacher wasnt paying atention but heard "alcohol" and "Martin" and kicked me out of the class, 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 as important 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

about all kinds of unpleasant situations that have happened to me. It stands to reason - Who would 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...

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I was an exchange student. Disadvantages? (though, really, the advantages outweigh 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

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 Report Abuse 1 person rated this as good

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

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

Max433 you 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

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 a couple 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.<especially if you didn't speak the language.> 3 years ago Report Abuse

Feisty

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All programs have an application process. And yes, SOME "bad" kids get through. I've hosted 13 kids, with one not-so-good experience. One of the tricks is to get into a good program. I always recommend the premier ones: AFS, YFU and Rotary. Your guidance counselor can also help there. The other poster was right about one thing -- make sure you tell the truth! If you're not a skier, don't say you want to be one because you want to learn! The allergy example was not the best because MANY exchange students develop allergies after arriving in the US. However, definitely put it down if you know about it! After you submit your application, you will undergo an interview by an organization representative. They will want to see independence, open mindedness, and a willingness to learn. Possibly one of the biggest drawbacks to an exchange year is the money. It's expensive! However, there are several good scholarships from YFU to Japan and Rotary Exchange is also surprisingly affordable.

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

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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.

BENEFITS
So, you're considering becoming an exchange student and want to know what kind of benefits you would gain? How would it enrich your life and change your perspective as you've heard me 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 another culture from an insiders perspective, something that you wouldn't really gain just by moving there. 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 to how 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 that culture 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 you out of your comfort zone and into new, uncharted territory for you which allows you to grow and expand as a person. I am pretty sure that if I had never moved abroad I'd still be a picky eatter and have less of a world perspective and understanding for different cultures as I do from living in one. Also, a major bonus in living abroad, especially in a country where English is not the main language, you will learn a new language and often become fluent! At first there will be major communication issues, however, you learn to adapt and work around it, learning that communication 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 is amazing and, in living abroad, it'd force you to have the 24-7 contact and give you the ability to pick on rather quickly! Although there are many more benefits, the one that I'll end this list with is this: in being an exchange student, living away from home, and just everything that I listed above, gives you such a strong sense of self and understanding of things around the world. When I came back from America I did have troubles re-adjusting into American high school life due to my experience, and it wasn't always peaches and cream, however, the good definitely outweights the 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, the more 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.

A High School Study Abroad program is a program in which a student, typically in secondary or higher education, chooses to live in a foreign country to learn and study, among other things, language and culture. These programs are sometimes called 'student exchange' because in some cases different countries participating in the program will trade off students in this fashion. The students live with a host family, who are usually unpaid volunteers and often have a child the same age who has also participated (or is going to participate) in a similar 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 early as 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 their language 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 programs which 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 life which complement their classroom learning and which help them to develop an awareness of their 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 setting for experiencing the culture of another country. Communication is key to understanding the culture. A knowledge of the language people speak, an eagerness to improve communication skills and a curiosity for learning permit a greater level of understanding. The friendships which result from the sharing of family life encourage 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 to discover the present realities of another culture. 2. To increase awareness of the importance of understanding other cultures and to stimulate interest in community support of language and global education. 3. To offer an opportunity for language students to learn first-hand about the culture of the country whose language they are studying and to improve their communication skills thru the high school study abroad programs. 4. To provide well-formulated educational programs which offer affordable opportunities 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.

Studying abroad is a tough decision to be made within your future career. Taking a chance to be an exchange student is a great experience in enhancing your cultural horizon, meet new 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 have to leave your family and it takes time to adjust in another culture. Exchange Student has lots of benefits offers in embarking with this international adventure. There is always a great deal of 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 the actions to adapt to another culture, increased maturity of the students within the host family and school and enhance the flexibility and confidence. An exchange student develops understanding of the countrys relations and self-awareness. Student exchange is a reality learning and living without the competitive environments. Exchange student program is a learning of total immersion through cognitive and emotional where exchange students are directly concerned with the human differences explanations. In Australia exchange program offers student an inbound in Australia a full fee study. World Education Program in Australia provides and arranged a trip for international students. It is also a great opportunity to the exchange students to go for a travel to Uluru, Melbourne and Alice Springs. World Education Program in Australia offers between three and twelve months study in Australia and exchange students are positioned with a volunteer host families and going to attend secondary school locally. One benefits of the program also offers to exchange students a chance to participate in a selected part tour of Australia. Along with this exchange student program benefits, these substantial experiences and attributes 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 to become future leaders.

Why should you leave the comfort of home, all your friends and a great school to study abroad for a year? Because its a fantastic, fun and good experience! Learning a new language 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 you are happy, outgoing, open minded and find it easy to adjust to new situations. But, to be an exchange student is not about who you are right now, its about who you will become. You may 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. Awareness An exchange year is not all fun and games! Without meaning to scare you, you must be aware 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! You will not go to a problem free family, community or school! You should be open with your representative and tell him or her if you are having problems. If you dont, they cant help you. 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 the time. But every year has potential ... including yours!

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 Asker

Wow! 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 be on 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

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 to participate 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!