Studying Abroad H.S. in Spain?

Question

I'm going into my freshman year of high school and will be in Spanish 2. My Spanish skills are above average and my teacher has recommended that I go abroad. I've always thought about studding abroad. But is sophomore or junior year too young? And does anyone know of any good programs for this? And what are some ways people reduced the cost?

Answer 1

It's good that you already know some Spanish this will help a lot. Most exchange students are 16/17 years old when they go, this would be your Junior year so don't worry, it's not too young :) I strongly recommend going through AFS. They have 60 years of experience in international exchanges and have a terrific support system. The price is fairly expensive but definitely worth it! AFS has scholarships that you can apply for as well as a fundraising help site, you could also look at getting a temporary job to save up money. The Spain program only offers a full year or summer language study but definitely go with the full year to get the most out of your stay.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Sophomore and Junior year isn't to young. Most students usually do their exchanges then because they want to be home for their senior year. I'll be studying abroad as a Junior next year and I can't wait!

Programs I would recommend are Rotary and AFS.

Rotary costs only $3,900. That's it... really! And there isn't a specific website for Rotary. What you have to do is search your local district. For instance if you lived in Los Angeles you would search "Los Angeles, California Rotary" and then email someone from there and tell them your interested in the Youth Exchange.

Another program is AFS. Here is their website: http://www.usa.afs.org/usa_en/home AFS is alot more expensive but they do have financial aid. But your best bet is to go with Rotary.

Also here is a forum with a lot of exchange students and exchange student hopefuls. It's a very helpful website: http://www.cultures-shocked.org/forum/ If you need anything else feel free to email me.

Answer 3

the first time i studied abroad was when i was 8. there is no too young. i went to japan when i was a bout your age (did not speak a word of japanese), when between sophmore and jr year. it was amazing. go abraod.

my program was yfu.org i am sure they have spain. but you NEED to research. go online and spend this weekend just google searching study abroad programs to spain. you will see all sorts of programs.

some are reasonable some are dumb.

keep in mind every program will give you # to call or basically help if something happens. Ive seen some programs say that is the selling point for a 10k semester...

there are scholarships, and you can always petition local businesses for sponsorship. it is very possible.

i have a blog about study abroad, its new so it has few articles but it is growing. www.chineseseahorse.blogspot.com. good luck!