Question about studying abroad whilte in high school?

Question

If I were to go and study abroad for a semester, would I graduate a semester late in high school? Or would I have to take all the classes I'm going to miss while being in Japan the summer before I leave? Would it be better just to wait until college or would I have the same problem as above? (graduating late) Is there a way for the classes that I take that semester in Japan to count as a credit for high school?

I have even more questions so if you can answer them, just give me your e-mail address and I'll contact to you.

Answer 1

I'm studying abroad this upcoming year, i leave in about 2 weeks for Brazil. Transferring credits all depends on your school..if your school strongly supports students doing exchanges then they will do all they can to help you transfer credits to graduate on time, however some schools are also strongly opposed to student exchanges and may even say that they don't do exchanges and don't allow there students to do exchanges (if they say this, do not believe them, it is not up to them if you go or not). Some schools will allow you to transfer many credits (typlically not all) and some will only allow maybe one or two. You need to talk to your guidance counsler about doing an exchange and ask about what requirments you have to meet to graduate with your class and see what credits you can transfer back. most likley you will need to get a discription of each course your taking in Japan and show it to your teachers and see if they will accept it. Most schools will accept credits as long as its not a repeat of what youve already done in USA.

If you want to do an exchange i recommend doing it in highschool. typically it shouldnt be hard to graduate with your class and it's a much better experiance durring highschool then in college. and if worse comes to worse, you can always make up credits in summer school

Answer 2

It depends on the course of studies that you take in Japan. Some credits will transfer, but usually they do not all transfer. If you go in college then it is more costly.

Even your guidance counselors will not be able to answer you questions with absolute certainty. They will not know for sure until after you return. You could always take a couple classes in summer school after you return, or you can double up on requirements like English. Take fewer electives and you would likely still have enough to graduate.

Personally, I studied for an extra year. I graduated at 17 and then went to live in Mexico for a year and attend high school. When I returned I was able to test out of so much Spanish that I became a sophomore in college immediately and ended up not losing any time.

Answer 3

It all depends on your school. Make an appointment with your guidance couselor and talk to her about if your credits will transfer over or not. And to be honest it's harder to transfer over if your only doing a semester, a year is much easier. But I do recommend you go in high school! I'm going abroad next year and I can't wait.

Well if you still have other questions feel free to email me :)

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