Student Exchange Program?

Question

I would like to travel to Great Britian in 10th grade. Unfortunatly, i have a late birthday and don't turn 15 until October of my 10th grade year. Are there any programs that would let me travel at that age?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but many organizations have suspended their programs to England/Scotland/Wales/UK/etc. due to a difficulty in getting student visas. That being said, there are options for other exchanges, even English-speaking ones.

Unfortunately, I don't know of any reputable programs that will take someone who isn't 15 at the time they leave for an exchange. It's quite possible (I will have to check on this) that it's a requirement of the US State Department.

If you're willing to consider going somewhere other than the above places and to wait some time: If I may, I would like to cast a vote for Youth For Understanding (YFU). I am a 5-time host mom and volunteer with YFU. When I have asked exchange students why they chose YFU, I get the following answers: (1) YFU gave them more bang for their buck and/or (2) someone they knew and trusted recommended YFU. 95% of the fees collected by YFU go for direct program costs (airline tickets, support in hosting country, etc.). YFU has been around for 59 years and has learned how to make exchanges successful.

Which ever program you choose, make sure they are listed with the Council for Standards on International Educational Travel (csiet.org). They routinely audit programs for quality.

YFU has English-speaking programs to Australia, Ghana, India, and South Africa. In addition, there are a couple dozen other countries that do not require previous language study. You can check this out on the website (yfu-usa.org).

I hope this helps. Good luck to you no matter what you choose! Feel free to email me.

Source(s):

1-800-TEENAGE
yfu-usa.org
1-min video about going on exchange:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze7up2FZh…
14-min video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E30uAelhp…

Answer 2

Why don't you wait a year or two and go somewhere in the middle of Europe or something like that? Get some real experiences living abroad where English isn't the native tongue?
'

Source(s):

experience I'll never regret.