Do you have to be exceptionally smart to stuby abroad?

Question

I was thinking about studying something that takes me to other countries. I'm from the US and I'd love to learn other cultures than the everyday American culture.

But I was wondering, do you have to rich or exceptionally intelligent?

Because to be honest I'm far from either.

I suppose I excel in English but that's about it, and even that is mediocre in my opinion.

How do you go exactly about studying abroad?

Thanks!

Answer 1

No, you don't have to be exceptionally smart.  You just have to be willing to take chances, go out on a limb.  Plenty of exceptionally smart people aren't willing to do that, and it works in your favor that you are!

A lot of foreign exchange programs exist.  You don't have to be rich, but you usually have to have some money to cover plane tickets and your entertainment once you arrive.  It totally depends on where you go.  If you are in high school, you will probably stay with a host family that will feed you and house you.

My friend went to Guatemala for a few months to learn Spanish.  He stayed with a family that fed him six days a week and had to get his own food on Sundays.  He went through a program that had a weekly cost for all this.  One month in Guatemala (classes, meals, and excursions) caught him HALF of what I pay for rent!  Amazing!  That being said, Guatemala is less expensive than say, France or Italy.

If you google "foreign exchange programs" you can find out more about expected costs.  If you are in school and can get a job outside of school, you'll probably be able to save up enough money in a semester or two.

Answer 2

This is good, I guess. I come from India to the States, and you go somewhere else. :)

No, you do not have to be exceptionally smart. All you need to do is show the other country (I am guessing this proves the same for every country where you wish to go to) that you have adequate funds to cover your studies, and you at least have already maintained a decent Grade, and I doubt if C or anything above would not be considered as 'exceptional.'

If it is about learning other cultures, why don't you email me, and we can share more stuff?

Surely, I am not stopping you to go to another country, but it turns out that your interest in knowing another culture interests me, and I'd be glad to exchange.

Good luck!