Foreign exchange programs?

Question

I am from ohio, u.s. and I am looking to do a foreign exchange program but I obviously need to do some basic research first. So it would greatly help if you told me everything you know about it; like requirments you may know of, any good sites to look at, would people actually want to come here?, where you would suggest I go, what is it like generally, and just some details that you think you help the process move along. Thanks!

Answer 1

You're too young to do one right now (I checked your profile and it said you were 13), but you could do your research now if you wanted to.  The four major programs here in the U.S. are AFS, Rotary Exchange, YFU and EF.  You can google any of those to get info.  AFS, YFU and EF are more expensive than Rotary, but Rotary is more selective and you need to have good grades to be selected.  While AFS, YFU and EF are national programs that can send you a brochure from their national headquarters, Rotary is a little bit different.  Although Rotary is an international program and they have clubs all over the country, the requirements for different clubs can be different so you'll have to check with your local club to see what the requirements are.  I was a Rotary exchange student in Ecuador a few years back, and I think the youngest students there in my group were 15, although there were very few of them.  The average age was 16-17, and I was 18 when I left and turned 19 a few months after I got there.  I guess you'll have some time to convince your parents before you can go, so maybe that's a good thing. :)