Traveling Abroad Post-High School: A Guide

There are many options available to high school graduates who want to travel abroad. One option is to take a gap year, which can provide the opportunity to gain new experiences, independence, and interpersonal skills that can be beneficial for college and future careers. Travelling to a country with a different culture can be a valuable aspect of a gap year. Another option is to enrol in a high school study abroad program, which can offer the chance to gain independence, a broader worldview, and new friends. These programs can vary in length, from a few weeks to a full academic year, and are available in many countries around the world. Additionally, there are scholarships and grants available to help fund these travel opportunities.

Scholarships for high school students to study abroad

There are a variety of scholarships available for high school students who want to study abroad. Here are some options to consider:

Global Navigator Scholarships

The Global Navigator Scholarships are the largest study abroad scholarship fund for high school students in the US. There are two types of scholarships available: Academic Merit Only and Academic Merit + Financial Need. The Academic Merit Only scholarship covers $500 from your tuition costs, while the Academic Merit + Financial Need scholarship covers between $500 to 100% of your tuition costs. To apply for the latter, you must submit your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) financial information. These scholarships are offered by CIEE, an organisation that encourages and prepares students to connect and communicate across cultures and make a positive impact on society.

The Experiment in International Living Scholarships

The Experiment in International Living offers a variety of need-based and merit-based scholarships to high school students looking to participate in their program. The eligibility requirements vary depending on where you live and other demographics, and your GPA is taken into account for some scholarships as well.

Youth for Understanding (YFU) Financial Aid Fund

If you're an active member of your high school's key club, this scholarship is for you! Youth for Understanding (YFU) offers over 200 full and partial merit-based scholarships and needs-based financial aid to students every year, and is applicable for travel in nearly 40 countries.

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX)

The U.S. State Department provides full scholarships for high school students to study abroad in Germany through the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program. No previous language study is required, and students live with a host family while attending high school or participating in an internship.

National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

The National Security Language Initiative is a program sponsored by the U.S. State Department to encourage language learning. The scholarship covers language immersion programs for Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajik), Russian and Turkish. It is open to U.S. students aged 15-18, and no previous language study is required.

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program offers full scholarships for American high school students to live and study in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Southeast Europe or the Balkans. Students get to know another culture first-hand and form lasting connections with their host family and community.

Road Scholarship for Youth

The Road Scholarship awards funds to U.S. middle school and high school students who are unable to afford the cost of student group trips. It provides financial aid for education or performance-related travel with their class or youth group.

Travel is Education Scholarship Contest

The American Council for International Studies (ACIS) presents this scholarship for U.S. students in grades 6-12 who have signed up to travel on an ACIS tour. Award sizes range up to $1000, and the competition offers students the chance to be rewarded for their creative expression in artwork, photography, and writing.

The Explorers Club: Rising Explorers Grant

The Explorers Club offers the Rising Explorer Grant to high school students to help them get their expedition science careers off the ground. The average award is around $1500, and the scholarship is open to research proposals in a wide array of disciplines, including climate change, anthropology, and marine science.

GreenHeart Travel First Time Traveler Scholarship

Greenheart Travel Scholarships offer group travel programs for all ages, including high school students, and provide partial scholarships for program applicants. They are committed to connecting people and fostering a more peaceful and sustainable global community.

STARTALK Study Abroad Scholarship

STARTALK grants fund innovative programs that create strong language learning outcomes for students in grades 1-12. The grants support programs offered in critical need languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, and Russian.

Rotary Youth Exchange Scholarship

The National Rotary Club funds students aged 15-19 to study abroad for a few weeks to a full year. While students usually have to pay for airfare, travel health insurance, travel documents, spending money and fees, the Rotary Club organises a host family and supplies a monthly stipend.

ISE Student Ambassador Scholarship

The ISE Student Ambassador Scholarship is for students who want to engage deeply with their host community and share their study abroad experience. Applicants must be passionate about storytelling and excited to immerse themselves in a new way of life. Students will document their experiences through written and/or video posts and become accredited authors of ISE's online blog.

Benefits of studying abroad in high school

The benefits of studying abroad are well-known for college students, but high school students can also gain immensely from this experience. Here are some advantages of studying abroad during your high school years:

Immersive Cultural Experience

Studying abroad in high school exposes you to different countries and cultures, allowing you to see how people from diverse backgrounds live and study. You will meet people from all over the world and learn about their languages, customs, and values. This experience will broaden your perspectives and help build a foundation for cultural competency.

Language Skills

Living and studying in a foreign country is an excellent opportunity to improve your language skills. Being immersed in a new language environment will help you pick up the language faster and more effectively. Learning a foreign language will not only enhance your communication skills but also open up more career opportunities in the future.

Personal Growth and Independence

Studying abroad gives you the chance to step outside your comfort zone and gain a better understanding of yourself and your place in the world. It encourages independence, responsibility, and self-reliance as you navigate new situations and make decisions on your own. These experiences will contribute to your personal growth and increase your confidence.

Enhanced College Applications

High school students who study abroad gain a competitive edge when applying to colleges. Universities value applicants with international experience, maturity, and independence. Studying abroad demonstrates your willingness to take on challenges and adapt to new environments, making your application stand out to admissions officers.

Global Network and Friends for Life

When you study abroad, you have the opportunity to make friends from all corners of the globe. You will not only connect with local students but also form bonds with students from various countries. These friendships can last a lifetime, giving you a global network of friends and connections.

Academic and Professional Opportunities

High school study abroad programs often offer a wide range of academic classes and seminars that fulfill graduation requirements and allow you to explore your interests. Additionally, studying abroad can enhance your resume and provide you with valuable skills and experiences that will benefit your future academic and professional pursuits.

How to gain international perspectives without leaving your home country

While travelling abroad is an incredible opportunity, it is not always feasible for everyone. Luckily, there are many ways to gain international perspectives and become a global citizen without ever leaving your home country. Here are some tips to help you broaden your horizons and embrace different cultures:

• Join an international club: Many universities offer international clubs that provide opportunities for students to connect with people from around the world. For example, AIESEC is the world's largest student-run organisation that facilitates international internships and allows local students to help facilitate these experiences for others.
• Stay informed about world news: Keeping up with international news and participating in discussions about current events can broaden your perspective and allow you to reflect on your local environment.
• Make international friends: Consider making an international pen pal or connecting with people from other countries on social media. Embracing cultural differences and forming lasting friendships can provide you with valuable insights and potentially a place to stay if you decide to travel in the future.
• Take an international development or language class: Education is an excellent way to gain new perspectives. Enrolling in an international development course can enhance your understanding of nation relations and global issues. Language classes can also help you feel connected to another culture, as you learn about the country's political, social, and economic background.
• Host international students: If your school or community has international exchange programs, consider hosting a student in your home. This will allow you to learn about their culture and create meaningful connections.
• Participate in short-term domestic exchanges: Look for opportunities to connect with people from other countries without having to travel abroad. For example, the U.S. Department of State offers short-term domestic exchanges and hosting opportunities for American high school students.
• Embrace cultural diversity in your community: If you live in a diverse community, take the time to learn about your neighbours' cultures and traditions. Attend cultural events, try new cuisines, and engage in conversations that promote cultural understanding.
• Volunteer with international organisations: Look for volunteer opportunities with organisations that have an international presence or focus. This can allow you to work with people from different countries and gain a global perspective on the issues they are working to address.

Remember, gaining international perspectives is about more than just travel. By actively seeking out opportunities to learn about and connect with people from other countries, you can become a global citizen and broaden your horizons, all while staying in your home country.

Gap year activities to set you up for travel

Taking a gap year after high school is a great way to gain new experiences, grow as a person, and set yourself up for success in college and beyond. Here are some activities and ideas to make the most of your gap year and prepare for future travels:

Gain Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills such as interacting with people from different backgrounds, taking the initiative, and respecting other cultures are essential for personal growth. Travel to a country with a different culture to gain valuable perspectives and enhance your interpersonal skills.

Volunteer Work

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain practical skills, make social connections, and discover your values and morals. It also allows you to gain a new perspective and develop empathy. You can volunteer in various ways, such as tutoring children with disabilities, working with seniors, or contributing to conservation efforts.

Language Learning

Learning a new language is beneficial both socially and professionally. It opens doors to exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and enhances your resume. Consider learning commonly spoken languages like Chinese, Spanish, or French, or go off the beaten path with Swahili or Hungarian.

Work and Internships

Working or interning abroad can provide financial support and valuable professional experiences during your gap year. You can find work opportunities related to your interests, such as working on a farm, teaching English, or even working on a cruise ship. Internships can give you a glimpse into different career fields and help you build connections.

Outdoor Exploration and Adventure

Connect with nature and spend time outdoors during your gap year. Go hiking, camping, or kayaking in new destinations. Explore national parks, such as the sand dunes in the Southwest US or the Atacama desert in Chile. Adventure activities like these will give you thrilling stories to tell and help you develop valuable skills like observation, leadership, and self-awareness.

Immerse Yourself in New Cultures

Immersing yourself in new cultures is a crucial aspect of travel. Participate in cultural exchanges, try new cuisines, and engage with local communities. Consider a homestay or cultural immersion program to gain a deeper understanding of a different way of life.

Document Your Experiences

Finally, don't forget to document your gap year journey. Keep a journal, create a photo album, or start a blog to reflect on your experiences and share them with others. This will allow you to look back on your growth and provide memorable content to share with college admissions boards or potential employers.

Remember, the key to a successful gap year is to step out of your comfort zone, be open to new experiences, and actively seek opportunities for personal growth and development.

How to find scholarships for high school abroad programs

There are a variety of scholarships available for high school students who want to study abroad. Here is some information on how to find and apply for these scholarships.

Where to Find Scholarships

Firstly, check with your program provider to see if they offer scholarships. For example, CIEE and Youth for Understanding offer partial and full scholarships to their students for select programs and countries. This is generally the best place to start your scholarship search.

Scholarship Application Tips

• Read the small print carefully. Some scholarships cannot be combined with others, while others can only be used towards tuition fees and not daily expenses. Some are also specific to a region or academic field. Make sure your scholarship can be used towards your program.
• Apply to as many scholarships as you can. The more you apply for, the more likely you are to be successful.
• Highlight your passions. While each grant has different requirements, the best way to get one is to visit the website and read about the specific requirements of the grant. The best way to stand out is to point out any past travel, highlight your passion for international education, and tailor each application to the grant.

Scholarships and Grants to Consider

• The Experiment in International Living Scholarships: Offers a variety of need-based and merit-based scholarships to worthy high school students. Eligibility requirements vary depending on where you live and other demographics, and your GPA is considered for some scholarships.
• Youth for Understanding (YFU): Offers over 200 full and partial merit-based scholarships and needs-based financial aid for travel in nearly 40 countries.
• Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program: For those accepted, the U.S. State Department provides full scholarships to study abroad in Germany. No previous language is required.
• National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y): A program sponsored by the U.S. State Department to encourage language learning in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajik), Russian, and Turkish. The scholarship covers language immersion programs through one of their programs.
• The Rotary Foundation: The Rotary Club operates one of the largest and longest-running private study abroad funding programs, offering up to $25,000 in scholarships to fund one year of academic study, room and board, and other expenses.

Frequently asked questions