The transition from high school to college is about much more than just academics. To be successful, students need to be able manage their time, rebound from setbacks, and learn to navigate campus life on their own.
Studying abroad in high school can be one way for students to get a crash course in independent living—as well as polish up their language skills and possibly give them an edge in the college application process, according to a May 19 article in U.S. News and World Report that includes interviews with high school students about their experiences.
Before taking the plunge, the article encourages families to look closely at study abroad program details and costs. There are semester-long, summer, and short-term exchanges.
The website, Go Overseas, provides good information on how to choose a study abroad program and recommendations of popular programs for high school students.
Well-established programs, such as Youth for Understanding and AFS operate as nonprofits to help set up student exchanges abroad in more than 50 countries.
Another option is to go through a college that offers study abroad programs, such as Columbia University that has three-week courses in Barcelona and Jordan for high school juniors and seniors.