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High school study abroad can be much more than student exchange programs or short trips overseas with a group. High school study abroad programs are varied and plentiful. There are programs for just about any destination and any subject. If you feel ready for a maturing, unforgettable study experience overseas, there's an opportunity to fit you. Check with your counselor or the career advisor at your school, search the Web, involve your parents/guardians/funding sources in the search, and don't give up until you find what you want.
Here are some things to keep in mind regarding high school studying abroad:
- Security and Supervision: Your parents/guardians aren't likely to cut you loose unsupervised overseas. It isn't wise, it isn't safe, and it probably isn't legal. All reputable programs spell out the arrangements for chaperones and supervisors. Their websites and brochures should say something about security arrangements as well. If programs won't respond to queries about your personal safety while studying and touring, cross them off the list. On the other hand, nobody can guarantee your safety and health. If you really like a certain high school study abroad program, but your parents/guardians are scared, go after reassurances from previous participants. The program leaders should be happy to lead you to positive references.
- What to study and where to study: In almost every case, high school study abroad is more expensive than study at home. Somebody will be investing big bucks in your education, and they are entitled to a big payoff. Don't go overseas just to get away from home. Go to learn. Pursue a passion. Investigate programs that put you at the heart of your dreams. If you're nuts about a certain foreign language - whether Bantu or Basque - go where the resources are best and the dialects are the purest. It's wiser to learn the "standard" form of speech than to limit yourself to a local dialect. Also, don't overlook the cheaper destinations that still fit your goals. You might study Spanish in Central America or French in the Caribbean.
- How to Get There: Some high school study abroad organizations offer a package deal including airfare. Before buying that offer, check out the often incredibly cheap fares to many places abroad. The savings over the packaged fares can be a huge boost to your campaign to win over your funding sources and see you studying abroad high school-style soon.
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