High School Foreign exchange program
 

Brooke, my grandaughter and my enthusiastic traveling companions would love to be an exchange student and spend her scholasic year in France.
I dont have the vaguest ideas of how to go by and what kind of procedure or paperwork she need.

I found some informations on the internet, but these programs were quite expensive and it costed 10,000 or more dollars.

I didn't realized that to be a high school exchange student was so expensive.

Anyone have any idea of how to find some organizations that does not cost that much?

I will welcome any ideas or informations reguarding this subject.
Thanks,
AnnaMaria

PS. she is a Sophomore and is taking French at school.

I suppose they exist, but I've never heard of a year-long high school exchange. Usually it's 10 days or two weeks, and those typically cost $2,000-$3,000, so a year-long one for only $10,000 actually sounds like a bargain.

Does she really want to go for a year? Doesn't her school have ties with more typical exchange programs?

Our school has the AFS program where a student can apply to study abroad for the summer, semester, or school year. Students also come to our schools and do the same. She could also check into a Rotary scholarship for studying abroad. I have seen notices of that in the paper before. Years ago (1977) I went to Germany and lived with a German family for 4 weeks right after I graduated from high school. I will never forget the experience! I still keep in touch with the family and, in fact, this past summer, I took my two children and one of their friends to Berlin, where we met up with one of the family members to visit over dinner.

A friend's son, a high school junior, has spent the past school year in Italy under the sponsorship of the Rotary.

If I recall correctly, he had to list his top 3 countries for placement. I don't think Italy was his first choice. So I'm not sure they could guarantee a placement in France.

Worth looking into though.

I just replied to your post in either the US forum or the lounge (sorry, don't remember where it was). A friends DD is on exchange in Russia for the year and went through the Rotary. Like cw said, she made a list, but she didn't even get anything on her list, lol! It was much more expensive than what they were told, but the girl is having a blast and is glad she went.

AFS
CCI
YFU still around?

most organizations have a scholarship or two available, and it is always worth mentioning when the program is beyond your possibilities, as you may be able to apply for staggered payment, or receive a small grant if not full scholarship.

remember, the program´s expenses are just a PART of the real costs of being abroad for extended time.

&quot;<i>Usually it's 10 days or two weeks, and those typically cost $2,000-$3,000, so a year-long one for only $10,000 actually sounds like a bargain.</i>&quot;

There are LOTS of exchange programs that cover an entire school year or full calendar years. Rotary would be the first place I'd check and then AFS http://www.usa.afs.org/usa_en/home

As noted on the AFS website - they help w/ financial aid and scholarships.

AFS has been around for probably 50+ years.

It is expensive. And the price you see is probably an understatement of what you'll really pay.

The price usually doesn't include the flight to the country (about 1000$), the school supplies and uniform...

Then she'll need money for what she would also need at home (food, clothes, entertainment, hygiene stuff...). You won't find programs that are really cheap. And if you do, something is probably wrong (or not legal).

I remember that my high school hosted many German students. We were a private school and the school would give free tuition to the children of the host family (so the parents who accept to host a student don't pay tuition for their own children). Tuition itself is pretty expensive for the exchange student. I'll use the example of my high school: we would pay about 2500$(CAN) a year for tuition (that would cover about half the price of tuition and the government gives money to the school to cover the rest). The exchange student had to pay the whole thing because the government obviously wouldn't pay for the foreign student. For public schools, the government pays everything (I believe somewhere around 3000$ a year for us here in Montreal if my memory is correct). The foreign student would have to pay that. That's usually why because an international student at an overseas university is so expensive if you're not part of one of the special programs.

Even though it is expensive, it is totally worth it. I would suggest trying to find bursaries to cover some parts of the exchange. Look for half-year exchange program, if possible (I remember one of the German girls only stayed until January and I've seen that offered before).

Hi!
We have had 2 sons go through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program (one went to France and the other is currently in Hungary). For both my boys- these countries were their first choice. They did have to have thier list of &quot;desired&quot; countries. We have also previously hosted 2 students and will host again this fall.

As to cost- each Rotary District is different- some include air, insurance, some do not. Our cost covered everything but passport and spending money- it came to about $3800. Also, when the students are away the hosting Rotary Districts give each student a stipend- around $50-$75 each month. The amount depends on the hosting Rotary Club and the economy of the area. Also, the Rotary usually includes a few long weekend trips for the host students which are covered.

The host family provides, food, shelter, and includes the student into their family life. Most students will get the opportunity to live with 2-3 families over the course of the year.

I believe that the Rotary Youth Exchange Program is a very well organized and well run program. It is run entirely by volunteers. My sons have had amzaing experiences and now have friends from all around the world.

Here is the website to start with:
http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAnd...ridefault.aspx

I would be glad to answer anymore of your questions regarding the program.

Thank You very much for all the wonderful informations that I received.
I bookmarked all the web sites mentioned and without doubt I will be pretty busy reading and learning about different programs.
It is great to know that there are so many knowleadgeable people here in this Forum.

It would be nice if she can get some school aids to help to defer some of the costs.

Her Mom is a single parent that is raising 3 children without any help from their father.

Brooke loves to travel she has already gone to Europe 5 times with me.
The first time she was 7 1/2 years old and fell in love with Rome, my beautiful city.
Once again Grazie ,Merci Bien and Thanks to everyone.