High school year abroad?

Question

I was just wondering if anyone knows of any programs for high schoolers to go to other countries (I want to go to Japan) that send you to another country for a whole year (not just an academic year, I mean twelve months)? I already know of EF High School Year Abroad, but would I still get credit for that school year if I went through that program?

Answer 1

An exchange program will send you for an Academic Year, which is generally 11 months. That is the standard length of student visas and why it's considered an "academic" year. Most visas however will let you stay an additional time period (usually 30-60 days) as a "tourist".

You can find a program certified to operate in the U.S. at www.csiet.org. However, that's still a pretty long list, so I'd also advise checking with your school counselor for a recommendation. A program is only as good as its local representatives. Generally speaking, AFS, Aspect, Rotary and YFU are reliable everywhere. ASSE is reliable in some places. AYUSA (which I understand is associated with INTRAX) has lots of problems -- their students are not admitted into our schools.

Most U.S. high schools will grant credit for an exchange year if it's done through an accredited program. That would include foreign language, social studies, and independent study. Also, depending upon what classes you would take in Japan, you school might also grant English, math and science credit.

If you wish to go next year (2008-09) it may be too late to apply -- programs are already placing students -- but it's worth a try!

For more information on exchange programs, here's an on-line community you can check out!

http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

(For those of you who would like to "violate" this for "solicitation" be aware that this is not a company selling anything, but a forum for high school and college students to exchange information on their experiences).

Good luck!