Is it worth becoming an exchange student to miss most of your senior year?

Question

I really want to become an exchange student for the first semester of my senior year (09-10) I just want to know other peoples experiences and if its a good idea. I would love to go to England or Australia. I am kinda scared to go for more than a semester incase i dont like and i really dont want to miss graduating with all my friends. If anyone is an exchange student i would really like some advice! Thanks

Answer 1

im not an exchage student, but i'd say go for it.  its a once in a lifetime oppertunity. especially if you are going home for your second semester

Answer 2

No england sucks. Don't know about Australia never been there. But always remember that if you don't do something new you may not get another chance. But also remember that it up to you.

Answer 3

Its a wonderful experience, it only happens once. And so does senior year, do a few months then focus on graduating?

Answer 4

I did almost exactly what you want to do. From Aug 06 until Jan 07 (the first semester of me senior year) I was an exchange student in Ireland.

I chose to do one semester because I didn't want to miss out on my second semester, which included prom, my 18th birthday, and graduation. I am really glad that I made the choice that I did because my experience was life changing and I will never forget it. One thing you may want to consider is if you can get the credits from studying abroad. I could not, but because I was back at my High School second semester I was able to complete the credits that I needed to graduate. If you can do the same I say go for it! Yes, you'll miss your friends and some fun activities like Homecoming, Thanksgiving and probably Christmas, but you'll also make life long friends wherever you go, and be able to experience a different culture and also be able to share your own.

Make sure you start doing your research now though. The deadline for the organization that I used (CCI) was in April but I applied early in January. Being an exchange student is also expensive and England and Australia are two of the most expensive places you can go (Ireland is as well). One semester is a lot cheaper than a whole year, so that might be a deciding factor for you. If you end up not being able to go, or just don't want to miss out on your High School experience, look into Home Stays. They are 1 to 4 week experiences with living with a host family and having the independence to explore surrounding areas. You don't attend school but you still get the change to explore a culture. You could do this after you graduate, and it’s much cheaper than being an exchange student.

Well I hope this helped! Good luck!

Answer 5

Go for it!

I've been an exchange student and had to postpone writing my thesis because of it, but it was the best experience all through my studies!

It's great to get to know a new country and a different type of educational system. It opened my mind for possibilities I've never considered before.

Really the best semester of my uni years:)