Q&A for How to Become a Foreign Exchange Student

Try applying with a foreign exchange program, such as AFS.

Try talking to a principal or guidance counselor at your school.

The minimum you can have is a 2.8 GPA. You can’t fail any classes, but the higher your GPA is, the better.

Learn some basic Japanese and show them you can be responsible on your own. For example, clean rooms without being asked.

There are many online resources to help you to learn the language. Alternatively, you can actively seek out a tutor or see if your school offers the language as a class.

Different programs have different age limits, but generally you have to be between 14 and 17 (roughly).

Sure, but if you travel to a country where English is not the primary language, you will still likely be required to learn. If you're not interested in doing that at all, you might want to choose a country where they do speak English.

Apply for a learning visa for how long you wish to attend school here.

No, unfortunately. Foreign exchange students must be at least 15 years old.

Between $7,000-$10,000. But the prices vary depending on the organization and the country you choose.

No, they do not. You can be a foreign exchange student without your family needing to host another teenager.

As a host family, I know that the U.S. high school my kids attended would only allow one student per country. It's probably different elsewhere, but I suspect it's not typical for two people from the same town to be placed together in the same general location.

There are a number of factors involved in deciding which program is right for you. Talk with your parents about costs, educational quality, and supervision levels, as these are most likely what they will be most concerned about. Think about how much of the language you know and how much you are willing to learn. Language is sometimes less necessary, as some programs are more for cultural than language immersion. Once you've decided your main goals, the process is relatively simple. Most programs' websites are straightforward with requirements, so you can pick from there.

It varies based on the organization you apply to, but it's generally required to be 14/15-17, so it's best for those who are high school aged.

Unfortunately, no. You must be 15 years old or older to study as a foreign exchange student.

Usually not. Exchange programs usually only take part during term time, so you can go home for holidays. You should check about your specific program, however.

The answer depends on the circumstances. Many countries with free or subsidized higher education only offer those perks to citizens of their countries. However, various exchange programs may allow you to study at the cheaper tuition rate. In addition, depending on the country you live in and the country you wish to study in, tuition may be less due to alliances between countries. An excellent example of this is the European Union, where any citizen of a country that belongs to the EU may study in any other EU country and pay a lower or no tuition. Try contacting a guidance counsellor, as they will likely know of the programs available.

Working a part or full time job may allow you to save up for it. Only seek a full time job if you feel confident you can manage both work and school without failing at either. Scholarships, grants, and financial aid are other things to look into if you are low on funds.

Yes, you can join in high school or college normally. High school can be a bit more of a difficult time to study abroad, but it is certainly possible.

There are many programs that will help with the costs of studying abroad, but it's not really possible to do it completely free. You will need to pay for certain things like food, toiletries, and other necessities once you are in your new country.

Yes. Exchange students usually pay host families $300 a week. So the $10,000 is everything including plane tickets and your accommodation.

Unfortunately, in some cases, yes. Many organizations don’t accept if you have mental or physical problems that may interfere. As long as it isn’t a huge problem that would need extra assistance, you’ll most likely be fine.

It depends on where you're from and which program you choose.

A part time job is one of the best and most common ways to get money for a foreign exchange program if a parent or family member will not help you pay for it.

Get all the facts down and make sure everything is solid before asking your mom. That way she knows that you really want to go and that you are prepared for what’s to come.

Yes, but you may need to apply for a student visa. It will also be helpful to learn Spanish.

There are many options, try going though Rotary, or ASSE. There you can choose a country and apply. Scholarships are available.

Keeping your grades up is a big key; it really depends on your program, though.

If you're becoming a freshman, wait till sophomore year at least, the first year of high school needs getting used to. To apply, talk to your school's guidance counselor and your parents. It can cost up to 10,000 dollars, it all depends on where you are going and what support funds are available.

First talk to your counselor and principal, make sure your parents are on board as well. Your counselor will help you with the process and getting a plan.