I want to go to france for exchange student?

Question

i'm in 9th grade rightnow, so i'm interest to doing this, but should i go in my 10th grade ,or 11, or 12?? because 11th grade is a important year, because all the college thing, but 10th, i'm afraid is not enough time for me to fill the application everything, so i'm thinking 12th grade.

ok, and i feel so embarrass to be in a family that i don't know, is like, if i want to drink a glass of milk, i need to ask them first, i'm afraid i 'll feel like a stranger in the host family (this is big thing that make me don't want to go,)

and what i need to pay when i'm in the family, ??

and in those exchange program like rotary, and EF, do you have to be an american in order to be an exchange student??

Answer 1

Definitely go Rotary!  I'm going to be an exchange student next year to Brazil, and from what I've heard, Rotary is the best. Plus it's pretty cheap.  You only pay for your plane ticket and spending money, and a few Rotary fees.  It's an awesome opportunity.  No, you don't have to be an American. Rotary has youth exchange all over the world.  There are inbounds from all over the world in the US and in many other countries.

Answer 2

I dont know much about this, but I know this girl who went to France as a foreign exchange student. She recently got married with a guy from France.

Answer 3

Hi!

Your timing has really made your decision for you. It's too late to apply for a program for the 2008-2009 school year (unless you just want to go second semester).

This is not a bad thing however, as it gives you the opportunity to look around and make a good decisions. Some programs, like Rotary, will require an application by around October for the FOLLOWING school year!. One thing you should be aware of -- French speaking countries require two years of high school French (or demonstrated ability). So if you don't have that, you might consider Germany or some other place.

Ok, as to what year you should go -- your junior year is actually a good choice. It's easy to work around required classes as you are probably just creating your schedule for next year. You can double up on an English class or American History class in your sophomore year for example. Also, if you wish to take the SAT, you can do that overseas or wait until you return home. This has the advantage that you can also have the fun of your senior year and graduate with your class.

As to living with a host family, you behave as a member of that family. You don't need to ask permission for a glass of milk for example. My kids (and I've hosted 13 of them) behave just like any other teenager. They go out with their friends, leave their room a mess (LOL), eat here, do chores here, etc. The big things I tell kids is make sure you new family doesn't have to go to a lot of extra work for you! Pick up after yourself (that one usually doesn't last long LOL), offer to help around the house, etc. You will feel strange in the beginning, but the more you contact your family before you go, the less strange you'll feel when you get there! I've been communicating with our "son" for next year almost daily since February.

As to what you pay with your family, that will vary a little bit depending upon your program and individual family. But in general, you do NOT pay any money for room, food, and general transportation. However, if you go on any extended, expensive vacations you should offer to pay your way. You should also make sure you get Christmas/birthday gifts for the members of your host families and, before you leave, take them out for a nice dinner to show your appreciation. You will also cover all of your own personal expenses -- shampoo, make-up, clothes, personal products, entertainment; and any school related fees not covered by your exchange organization.

For most exchange organizations, if you are leaving from the U.S. you must be either a U.S. citizen OR a legal resident of the U.S. You need to check with the individual program on this one.

To select a program, first make sure it's CSIET listed (www.csiet.org). That will save you a lot of hassles, especially with your school granting credit for your exchange. Also, chances are good you have exchange students in your school, so you can check with your counselor for a program recommendation. A program is only as good as its local representatives. Generally, AFS, Aspect, Rotary and YFU are reliable everywhere and ASSE in most places. AYUSA/INTRAX has difficulties and I don't recommend that one. Be careful, you'll see people up here offering "cheaper" programs. Well, they are cheaper. But remember, you get what you pay for, so don't fall for it! The exception is Rotary, a very good program. It IS much cheaper, but set up very differently. However, it is also very highly competitive.

For lots more info on being an exchange student, visit this site: http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

It's an on line community of current and former exchange students and has lots of advice on the whole process -- it's not program specific, so won't try to sell you anything and is quite unbiased!

Good luck!