Enrolling in foreign exchange student programs is the best way to study a foreign language abroad. These programs are the best way to broaden your perspectives and teach you more about other cultures.
Foreign exchange programs are tailored to benefit students personally at a cheaper rate.
Here is what we mean.
Becoming a foreign exchange student will improve your life for years to come.
Organizing an exchange trip directly with a local host family and school isn’t easy as a student. Foreign exchange programs allow you to study abroad at a cheaper cost.
Instead of using an expensive school or organization with platforms, you can become an exchange student and plan and create your program.
We’ll highlight some of these programs, stating their benefits and why they are the best choice for you.
Enrolling in a foreign exchange program can greatly impact any student’s life. You can get a foreign exchange student program to study English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, or another foreign language.
Let’s show the best foreign exchange programs you can enroll in 2024. The table of content below serves as a guide to navigating this article.
What is Student Exchange Program?
According to Wikipedia, a student exchange program is for secondary school and university students to study abroad at any of the institutions their university partners with.
While a foreign exchange program grants students the opportunity to study in different countries and states in order to experience the culture and history of those countries.
A student exchange program involves international travel for students but doesn’t automatically mean that the student will study outside their own country.
The word “exchange” here means that a partner institution can accept a student. Still, it does not automatically mean that a student must find equivalent students from other institutions to exchange with.
Finally, a foreign exchange student generally stays in the host country for 6 to 12 months. However, exchange students may choose to stay one semester at a time.
This Article Will be of Great Help Too: International Student Exchange Programs
What Is It Like to Be a Foreign Exchange Student?
Being a foreign exchange student can be extremely exciting.
Also, being an exchange student abroad makes you uncomfortable, which fosters confidence like no other.
It gives you more than knowledge about another country, its language, and its culture. Exchange students develop leadership skills, self-confidence, and a better understanding of the complexities of the world around them.
It can seem awkward at first living in someone else’s home, and it can be difficult for you to be yourself when everyone around you is so different.
As a foreign exchange student, you can experience life in a completely new culture. Some benefits you can get from this experience are:
- Visit some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.
- Improve your English skills.
- Better career prospects
- A new cultural perspective and greater independence
Those that Read this Article Ends up Reading: THE GLOBAL UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE PROGRAM 2024
What Are the Different Foreign Exchange Student Programs?
There are two main types of foreign exchange programs: “study abroad” and “student exchange” programs.
If you are a high school or college student, you will need a J-1 or F-1 visa. The type of visa will depend on the program you enroll in.
A study abroad program will be part of your academic credits. You will have to continue your course at any US high school or university, and the credits will go towards your final grades.
While a student exchange program is not part of your normal studies, like summer programs. These provide you with an excellent opportunity to explore American culture and lifestyle.
Read Also: 10 Free Online Language Courses with Certificates
How Long Will I Spend Abroad as a Foreign Student?
Student exchange programs last a few weeks, allowing you to experience American culture. While study abroad programs take place over one semester, up to one academic year.
This means for foreign exchange programs, you can spend from a week to a whole academic year living and studying in the United States.
So when deciding the length of your stay abroad, it is worth considering the time and effort required to travel to the United States.
Always ask yourself:
- Would a full year translate into a more rewarding experience?
- When will I have that opportunity in the future?
- How can international studies benefit me?
- How long can I afford to study abroad?
Thinking about these questions, you can better understand what is right for you.
How Much Do Foreign Exchange Student Programs Cost?
The cost of a foreign exchange program can be expensive. But the providers have considered this by providing students with scholarships and aid to pay off these costs.
Foreign exchange students widely use these scholarships to reduce the costs of studying abroad.
Bills like living expenses can be high and are not covered in the scholarship.
So, when transportation and living costs are taken into account, the College Board estimates that the annual fees for undergraduate students will be:
- $17,580 – community colleges
- $40,940 – out-of-state students at public universities
- $50,900 – private universities
It is important to remember that these figures are just an overview of the possible costs. The actual costs will differ based on location, institution, study program, and length of study.
This list of U.S Scholarships for International Students provides helpful information and resources.
How To Become a Foreign Exchange Student
To perfect foreign language skills during your studies is the perfect way to improve your future studies and career. A student exchange program is the best way to become proficient at speaking a language.
As a foreign exchange student, going abroad will give you an advantage to whatever your future goals are.
Not only will your language skills improve, but you will also gain independence and return home with a whole new perspective on what it means to be a citizen of the world.
Here are the best tips to take if you want to become a foreign exchange student:
- Make Sure You Would Like to be a Foreign Exchange Student
- Choose a Foreign Exchange Program
- Duly Consider the Cost of Becoming a Foreign Student
- Talk to Other Foreign Exchange Students
- Identify your Choice of Country
- Determine if Your Desired Country Accepts your Level of Education
- Learn the Basics of the Language of your Choice Country
- Provide the Language Proficiency Scores
- Register and Apply Your Desired Program
- Apply for a Passport and Visa if Necessary
- Submit Supporting Documents
- Participate in Orientation
How to Choose a Foreign Exchange Program
“How do I choose a foreign exchange program?”, “What does CSIET mean?”, “Does it matter if it is a non-profit or for-profit program?”, “How can you distinguish between a good and a bad exchange program? “
If you are looking for a foreign exchange program but are overwhelmed by options, you are not alone.
Choosing the right exchange program is not a simple task; there are many options, and it is not always easy to distinguish “good” from “bad” programs.
Not all commercial programs are the same. It is essential to know what you are looking for, including your “deciding factors” when choosing between programs.
So what should you keep in mind when selecting an international exchange program? These are the most important things to keep in mind.
- Look for Department of State Designated Exchange Programs
- Check the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) Listing
- Look for 24/7 Student and Family Support
- Make Sure You Get Liability Protection and Insurance
Based on this list above, we have listed the best foreign exchange student program in 2024.
15 Best Foreign Exchange Student Programs
Taking part in foreign student exchange programs abroad will open you to opportunities.
This automatically means you will become an international student. And you know the benefit you stand to gain as an international student; scholarships, internships, fellowships, grants, and so on.
We’ve got a list of the Best Foreign Exchange Student Programs in 2024.
These foreign exchange student programs range from one-year exchanges to a full university program at one of our accredited schools, including your degree.
All you need to do is choose and enroll in one immediately. We recommend you go for the first 5 in the list because we consider them as the best based on our ranking.
Whichever student exchange program you choose, try not to forget everything you learned while studying in a foreign country.
#1. International Student Exchange (ISE) – iseusa.org
Are you curious to know how to become an exchange student? ISE Study Abroad program is for American students seeking a short-term, summer, college, or gap year program abroad.
They offer a twelve-month, ten-month, first semester, or second-semester high school exchange program for foreign students.
Once students have been carefully assessed for their English proficiency, grades, and general aptitude for the program, they offer public or private high school placement upon written request.
During our program, exchange students live with a volunteer host family and attend their local high school. They assign each student a personal representative from ISE to provide supervision and assistance during their stay.
High School Study Abroad Programs
Their high school abroad program is designed to bring many benefits of cross-cultural educational experiences to American students.
As participants, students will live as residents in the country of their choice, attend high school, and immerse themselves in a new culture.
Below is a list of country offerings for the high school program abroad by ISE.
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Russia
- Spain
- Thailand
Summer and Short-Term Programs
The Cultural Family Stay Programs allow participants to discover a new way of life by living with a host family in the country of their choice.
This program aims to provide authentic cultural immersion and hone language and communication skills.
The Language Camp Programs at ISE offers participants a more structured opportunity to experience a new culture and take their communication skills to the next level.
Students often participate in scheduled language courses and activities, as well as scheduled cultural excursions.
The Summer High School Program allows students to attend high school in one of the southern hemisphere countries.
Since the school year is the opposite of theirs in the United States, students can study there during their summer vacation there.
The only way to know if you appreciate something is to experience it firsthand; this includes your university and professional area of interest.
Going beyond high school with the sense of clarity of a gap year abroad will make your future decisions more focused and intentional.
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Gap Year Abroad Programs
The Gap Year Abroad program at ISE allows participants to explore their interests and develop valuable skills after graduating high school.
It’s a great way to cultivate your interests, motivate your studies, and build confidence in your future academic and career decisions.
Whether your interests are the environment, health, medicine, education, language learning, animal activism, etc., programs that suit your needs are available.
ISE Gap Year Abroad program is open to participants over 18. If you are still in high school and under 19, they invite you to explore their high school abroad option.
Below is a list of country offerings for the Gap Year Abroad program abroad by ISE.
- Costa Rica Toucan Rescue
- Ecuador Education
- Ecuador Health
- France Eco Volunteer
- France Education
- Mexico Animal Shelter
- Mexico Community Service
- France Ranch Hand
- Mexico Education
- Mexico Senior Care
For more information on ISE Foreign Exchange Student Program, click the link below.
Study Abroad Scholarships
To make exchange programs even more accessible to students, ISE has introduced the ISE Student Ambassador scholarship.
See below for eligibility criteria and a list of additional scholarship opportunities from unaffiliated sources.
#2. EF Student Exchange Programs – ef.com
EF offers various programs, from study abroad and student exchanges to educational trips and language learning courses.
Here are the various EF Student Exchange Programs in 2024
Language Year Abroad Program
EF LANGUAGE YEARS ABROAD
Age Group: 16+ years
Duration: 6, 9, or 11 months
Combine linguistic and academic studies in a school abroad. Prepare for an official language test and get work experience.
Destination: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Malta, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Germany, China, Japan, Korea
EF LANGUAGES ABROAD
Age Group: 16-25 years
Duration: 2-24 weeks
Learn a language faster at any of the accredited EF school. Choose from 10 languages in 50 destinations.
Destination: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Malta, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Germany, China, Japan, Korea
EF LANGUAGES ABROAD
Age Group: 25+ years
Duration: 1-24 weeks
This program will help you boost your global career with personalized language courses in one of the world’s leading cities. Designed for adults and professionals.
Destination: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Malta, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Germany, China, Japan, Korea
High School Abroad Program
EF Academy is an international high school student to study abroad. They implant their academic philosophy in experiential, immersive, and intercultural learning.
An EF Academy education is exceptional because of the internationalism built into every part of the experience.
EF ACADEMY – International Internships
Age Group: 14-19 years
Duration: High school diploma abroad
You can earn your IB or A-Level degree from EF Academy (International Internship) and secure your way to one of the best universities.
Destination: UK, USA
READ ALSO: Free Online Course: Communication Skills for University Success
University Abroad Program
EF university abroad program will help you gain valuable skills that will increase your chances of getting a job after graduation.
Some of their university abroad programs guarantee admission to our partner universities, while others grant their diplomas.
By completing any university studies abroad, you’ll build up your academic vocabulary, get used to learning a foreign language, and spend some time in a new country.
EF UNIVERSITY PREPARATION
Age Group: 16+ years
Duration: 6 or 9 months
Gain admission to university in an English-speaking country with a comprehensive preparation program abroad at EF Academy.
Destination: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, France, Germany
HULT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL
Education: Bachelor, Masters, MBA, and Executive Education
EF HULT business school will aid you to earn a business degree at Hult, an independent award-winning business school with campuses worldwide.
Destination: United Kingdom, USA, China, U.A.E.
READ ALSO: Best 3-year Pharmacy Schools & Programs in the World | 2024
EF Language Training for Companies and Governments
EF LANGUAGE TRAINING
For companies and governments
This course focuses on language training for business and government to ensure results.
Destination: Online training or in-company training wherever you are located.
For more information on EF Student Exchange Programs, click the link below.
#3. International Foreign Exchange Students Programs – Cambridge Network
Cambridge Network is a one-stop turnkey service for international students seeking a high school education in the USA.
This platform has professional service and great expertise, making them one of the best and top leaders in the education industry.
They represent over 240 leading private high schools in the USA and 19 public high schools in Massachusetts. Hence, Cambridge Network conducts student recruitment in 10 cities within four countries (USA, United Kingdom, France, Canada).
College Preparation, Language, and Culture (CPLC) Program
This program is designed to suit the specific need of international high school students while simultaneously preparing them for college admissions. At the same time, it helps enhance students’ academic outcomes, and strengthen social communication skills.
This program is conducted Online and On-site.
CPLC programs all focus on five primary goals:
- Improving English academic proficiency and guiding students towards fluency
- Enhancing student oral and written communication skills
- Educating students on American academic and social culture
- Providing constant access to learning resources and academic support through their teachers
- Preparing international students for college admissions
Tutoring Service Program
Cambridge Network veteran educators design this program. Each course is custom-made to strengthen the international student’s specific learning skills.
Also, the program will enhance student’s English reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and communication skills.
They achieve this through personalized lesson planning and support to develop study skills. And subject-specific support (such as ELA, Algebra, U.S. History, AP classes, and more).
For more information on Cambridge Network International Foreign Exchange Students Programs, click the link below.
#4. AFS Exchange Programs
For years, AFS exchange programs have empowered young people from all backgrounds with essential global skills—and the passion for making a difference.
They offer secondary school students the opportunity to participate in their foreign exchange programs.
Basically, teens (high school students) can participate in various programs ranging from those that last the entire school year to a few months during summer.
The organization has programs in over 50 countries including Francs, Canada, New Zeland, United Kingdom, and Japan.
To enroll in any AFS Intercultural program, students must submit an application that includes a letter of recommendation and a doctor’s report. They will also complete an interview with an AFS volunteer.
To apply for the program, students must have at least a 2.8 GPA, and depending on the country, may need to have language fluency.
Unlike many foreign exchange companies, AFS has employees and offices in every country students travel to, making it easy for them to get the support they need.
AFS Foreign exchnage Programs covers the following:
- High School Study Abroad Programs
- Short Study Abroad Programs
- Online Programs
For more information on AFS Foreign Exchange Students Programs, click the link below.
#5. CIEE
CIEE is a non-profit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization that transforms lives and builds bridges between people and nations by sponsoring various opportunities for exchanging ideas and ideas.
The CIEE has offered programs that allow students to study abroad. The organization places students in around 40 countries, including Germany, Chile, France, Ireland, Japan, Spain, and New Zealand.
Also, CIEE focuses on providing students with a lot of information to travel successfully. This requires that students attend pre-trip orientation sessions and organize in-country orientation once students arrive.
The company is also trying to book students traveling to the same country on the same flight to help them enjoy the experience together and make it less stressful.
Once abroad, students connect with local coordinators who regularly visit and help with emergencies.
With CIEE, you can study abroad at USA as a high school student, get internships, gain job opportunities, and research and professional training.
#6. Youth for Understanding Intercultural Exchange Programs – yfuusa.org
Youth for Understanding (YFU) has a life-changing program, not just an exchange program. YFU offers students aged 15-18 the opportunity to study abroad for a year, a semester, a summer, or as part of an ‘other specialized program such as sport, nature, or theater.
Through the program, students can exchange in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, and 35 other countries worldwide.
Most countries do not require the student to speak the language, and sometimes, students may even have the option of staying with an English-speaking host family.
A program through YFU ranges from $6,495 to around $20,000 and includes:
- Air tickets to and from the destination
- Meals and orientation
- YFU local and global support
- A carefully selected host family
To help reduce the cost of the programs, YFU also offers students 200 government and business scholarships.
Students can learn about these scholarships by attending a virtual information night or creating an account on the organization’s website.
#7. Rotary Youth Exchange
Rotary International offers the Rotary Youth Exchange as a catalyst for service, cultural understanding, and lifelong connections to Rotary.
It’s an opportunity for approximately 8,000 students to experience another culture annually.
Since this is a smaller program sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, it does not offer as many amenities as the larger study abroad programs. Still, it allows students to study in approximately 100 different countries.
The structure of the program allows students to spend up to a full year studying abroad, during which they can live with several host families.
Based on the nature of the program, students may select a list of top destinations or a general region, but the final destination will vary based on host families’ availability.
Despite being unable to choose exactly where to go, many students have posted favorable program reviews online.
Students should contact a local Rotary club to apply for a Rotary Youth Exchange. These clubs select students based on qualities such as:
- School and community leadership experience
- Openness to cultural differences
- Willingness to try new things.
- Ability to serve as a U.S. ambassador
#8. SPI Language Immersion – spiabroad.com
Many of SPI’s overseas high school programs have received outstanding ratings from former participants.
Although the program has only existed since 1996, it has become a popular option for students, allowing them to study in France, Spain, Costa Rica, Italy, or through a personalized experience.
Through the program, students have the opportunity to experience the following:
- A total immersion homestay in a small local city where they build language skills while interacting with the town
- Courses at a language institute or foreign language university
- Volunteer and community service activities in their host country
- Special side trips or activities with a teacher guide
The programs generally run during the summer and range from $3,700 to $7,000, which does not include airline tickets or spending money.
In Conclusion
By becoming a foreign exchange student, you will begin to truly understand what it means to enrich your life with another culture.
This is the perfect first step towards embarking on your adventure to study abroad.
Here lies the best foreign exchange student program for high school and university students.
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