Studying abroad in high school: would you recommend it?

I would definitely recommend you to take a semester or a year abroad if you can and want to. It's a incredible experience, something you will remember the rest of your life.

I'm Norwegian and went a year as an exchange student in high school to America. It was a wonderful year. I learned so much! You get a whole new point of view.

You'll get to experience and learn about a different culture, language and country, and at the same time you'll learn alot about your own country and culture by comparing it to the country you study in. You'll get to know a lot of amazing people you wouldn't have gotten to know otherwise, and you'll have a great time.

At times it can be challenging, but it's a great experience that you will never forget. I learned a lot about myself during my year in America.

Yes you will miss your family and friends, but you'll have a new family there to support you. It's very interesting to move in with a new family, see how they do things and learn from each other. The organizations are very good at matching hostfamilies with students.

When it comes to credits, you should talk with your councelor at school. They should be able to give you some information about this. I got my year approved, to do this my councelor told me what classes I had to take in the US, and I had to send in proof when I came back that I had taken these classes and the grades I got. It takes a little work, but it's absolutely worth it.

I would recommend you to contact a organization that deals with exchange students to get more information. I used AFS and I know they have exchange students you can contact to get more information on what it's like to be a exchange student in the country you want to go to.

Good Luck! :)

As an American that now lives in another country, I can tell you that learning another language and lving in another culture is invaluable. I suggest doing as much as you can, as often as is possible.

Study abroad during high school. Study abroad during college. Then, look for a job that allows you to work with another country, if possible, living and working in other countries, if that is your interest.

Just make sure that you don't use all of your good-will credits with your parents. Sending a child to another country is difficult, so, if you have to choose, I would do it during your university studies.

My only caveat is to not pidgeon-hole yourself to French. Nothing against the French, but the business opportunites aren't great, in my opinion. Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and German seem to be better languages if one really wants to have a lot of professional freedom later in life.

I lived in Paris half my junior year in college and LOVED IT! If I could go back and do everything over again I would spend high school time abroad AND college junior year abroad. Once you get into supporting a family it is difficult to live for extended times abroad (not including a week or two vacation here or there.) Not impossible mind you - but difficult.

Speaking as a former exchange student, though not to Italy, there is nothing I could say to discourage you from doing foreign exchange and everything I can say to encourage you. It will be the most amazing experience you can imagine. The place, however, isn't as important as you might think it is: wherever you go you will have an amazing year. I went to Hungary through the Rotary Youth Exchange, and I have friends who went all over the world, including Italy, and none of them had negative experiences. Go for it. Go to Italy or go somewhere else, but if you think foreign exchange is right for you then do it.

Hi

Study abroad is always advantageous. However it must be remembered that since it is always very expensive, one should be matured enough to realise that and take the education seriously. Studying French is not a big thing. I mean, you can study always in life, study French. But are you matured enough to go abroad and realise the facts? If yes, please proceed.

Your just in high school. Take your time. When you are in college, you could go anywhere if you have the $.

Take it a step at a time! Don't rush.

it coudl be a learning exp