Too young to study abroad??

Question

Do you think it is too early for a freshman or sophomore to study abroad??

Answer 1

Go to Europe, you'll have a good time at any age ;) I recommend Congress-Bundestag. It's free and also awesome.

Answer 2

Freshman year in college may be too early. But, I think that your sophomore year is a really good time to study abroad.

Answer 3

Yes. Just wait until you're over 18 and in college; you'll have a much better time ;-).  And watch out -- a lot of non-school affiliated high school study abroad programs are pretty sketchy if not outright scams.

Answer 4

Any reputable exchange program will not take you as a freshman. The age requirements for a certified program are 15 to 18 1/2. So, that kind of eliminates your freshman year. If you are a mature sophomore, that might be OK. However, from experience I can tell you your junior year is the best one! Especially if you know so early you want to go! You can get some language study in, you can get your classes arranged so you can graduate on time and ... best part ... you'll be back to enjoy your senior year with your friends!

Good luck!

EDIT: Studying as a high school student is better. Then you can do it again as a college student to further your language training.

Answer 5

I disagree, I studied abroad at 16 (I was 17 when I came back) While I might suggest waiting until your junior year, or taking a year between high school and university, the experience will change your life. It can give you perspective, and you will have the time of you life. Nothing can replace doing it in high school years, as you get to be a little more carefree and enjoy yourself. I will be going next year again as a university exchange. Everyone is different though. My suggestion to you is to check out Rotary Youth Exchange, contact someone and go through the process. It's the least expensive, and they are wonderful people that will help you even in your host country. Also, they usually spend around a year (depending on how far away your departure date is) having orientations that bring both incoming and outgoing students together, so you can get a feel and see if it's really something you want to do. The best of luck, and if you want to know anything else, send me an email :)