How do I apply for an exchange student program?

Question

Particularly overseas? This is the first time I'm considering this and honestly have no idea how it works... have u been an exchange student overseas, what's your experience and advice for me? thanks..! :)

Answer 1

There are several programs to go through.

I personally recommend AFS: an exchange program with the mission for world peace, basically.

You'll have to look around and compare several exchange services, though. Most differ in what they offer, how long they offer it, and what they charge. Some are non-profit, some aren't, etc. Try and think about what languages you know, or what you think you could learn.

Apply sparsely; most exchange services charge a very steep application fee.

I myself haven't been an exchange student, but I am scheduled to depart to France in August. (:

Answer 2

Easy.

Just search online for the different programs. Read about them. Decide which one suits you best. Contact them. They will tell you about enrollment forms etc... and after that you are in.

Some programs you can search for are:

www.yfu.org

www.beautifulspain.com

I participated in this second one, and other kids in the first one but we ended up being in the same, in Santander. What a fantastic place. LOVED IT. The experience was amazing. Everything so well organized. Host families are extremely well screened and very loving. This program gets returnees year after year, so great it is.

Cost is really reasonable considering everything included (as long as you sign up with this program through their web site as there are organizations that sell the same program for much more so high quality it is).

Some of the activities and excursions it offers besides Spanish, cooking and dancing classes are: Guggenheim Museum, paella dinner, bullfight, fireworks on the beach, city tour, medieval towns, fishing villages, many beach days, Aquarium, tall ship vessel excursion, Roman village hiking trip, canoening down the river, shopping, and much more.

It offers you the possibility of enrolling with a friend with whom to share same host family home, or for you to stay alone at host family. Many host families count on children of similar age to participating students.