SHOULD YOU STUDY ABROAD AT AN AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL?
Find out whether studying abroad in the U.S. is right for you. Read about the pros and cons of high school study abroad programs.
Studying abroad can be an incredible experience. Attending school in another country is a great way to experience another culture, meet new people, and get new perspectives.
With that said, studying abroad isn’t for everyone, especially in high school. Here are 8 reasons to do a high school study abroad program and 3 reasons to consider staying home.
8 REASONS TO STUDY ABROAD AT A U.S. HIGH SCHOOL
1. EXPERIENCE LIFE IN ANOTHER CULTURE
Studying abroad lets you fully immerse yourself in another culture. You can see how people interact, go to cultural events, try new foods, play sports, and experience a new way of life.
If you do a high school study abroad program in the U.S., you can see how American teenagers live and study. You may be surprised by some parts of the American high school experience! Melody Gao, a student from Shenyang, China, recently told us about her experiences at Archbishop Murphy High School (AMHS), an American private school in Snohomish, WA.
“The relationship between teachers and students are so different,” she said. “Like here, you can just talk with the teacher, just tell them everything.”
You can hear more from her in the video below:
2. MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Have you ever wished you had friends in another country? Studying abroad is a great way to make friends with people around the world.
Spending time in a foreign country also helps you expand your global network. You may have a better chance of getting an international job or a job that requires travel in the future. You can not only make friends from your host country, but also meet international students from other countries.
3. PRACTICE ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS
Studying abroad in the U.S. is a great way to boost your English language skills. Most Americans speak only one language, so you will probably speak English 24/7. You will be surprised at how fluent and confident you become after a semester or two!
People who have studied abroad in the U.S. often say they feel far more confident speaking English in academic, professional, and social settings. Your language skills will give you more career opportunities in the future.
4. PREPARE FOR COLLEGE ABROAD
Are you planning to go to college? Studying abroad will give you a leg up.
High school study abroad experience is great for your college application, especially if you want to attend college in the U.S. or another foreign country. International high school students are usually more well-rounded in both academics and extracurricular activities. College admissions officers will approve of your independence and openness to new experiences.
Going to an American high school is especially helpful if you want to go to college in the U.S. or another English-speaking country. College admissions officers will be confident that you are ready for higher education in the English language. Your American high school may also have extra college preparatory courses and activities designed for future U.S. college students.
5. BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT
Studying and living abroad is a great way to learn independence. Without family nearby, you will need to rely on yourself to study responsibly and make decisions. You will learn more about how to take care of yourself in unfamiliar settings.
Living in a foreign country helps you discover who you are and who you want to be. You will learn things about yourself that you wouldn’t have learned at home.
6. TRAVEL AND EXPLORE
Studying abroad is a great time to travel, and not just to the city where you’re studying! You will be much closer to travel destinations in your school’s country.
Many international students who attend American high schools take the opportunity to visit places like Disneyland, Hollywood, and cities throughout the U.S. That will make your study abroad experience even more memorable!
You may also be able to explore a lot in the area around your host school. Melody Gao told us she appreciates this part of her high school study abroad experience.
“I really like Snohomish County because it’s kind of away from the city, so during school days, you can concentrate on your study,” she said. “It’s not so far from Seattle too, so on the weekends, you can just ride a bus going to Seattle and have fun with friends.”
7. EXPAND YOUR PERSPECTIVE
Traveling and living abroad gives you a new perspective on how the world works, what is important, and what you really want in life. People in different countries have different values and ways of doing things. You may adopt some new habits or develop a new appreciation for your own culture.
Your experience may also influence your future goals. Studying abroad can inspire you to take your career in a different direction, change your way of approaching relationships, travel more, or even move to a new place.
8. HAVE FUN!
Above all, studying abroad should be fun! You will get to enjoy new day-to-day experiences and friends. You can try new activities and explore new places.
If you study abroad, don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunities for fun that come your way!
3 REASONS NOT TO DO A HIGH SCHOOL STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM
1. YOU CAN’T AFFORD IT
High school abroad can be very expensive. Every family’s financial situation is different, and parents often protect children from the full reality of their money situation. Studying abroad may not be in your parents’ budget, or the money may have to come out of your college fund.
Talk to your parents about whether you can afford to study abroad in high school. Even if you find scholarships, it may not be a wise choice for your family.
2. YOU THINK IT WILL BE EASIER THAN STUDYING AT HOME
High school courses tend to be more rigorous in some countries than others. If you’ve heard that school is “easier” in the U.S., you may think high school abroad will be a breeze.
The truth is, studying abroad is always challenging. Even if your teachers assign less homework than you’re used to, you will still have to deal with confusing new slang words, customs, and cultural expectations. While studying abroad can be fun, it’s never easy!
Also, some schools and courses are more challenging than others, especially within the U.S. Choosing the right high school can make a huge difference. Private high schools are often more rigorous than U.S. public schools, although not always.
3. YOU GET HOMESICK EASILY
Anyone can feel homesick, especially after spending weeks or months away from their family and friends. Homesickness tends to hit even harder when you’re dealing with the pressures of a new culture. Making friends and figuring out social norms can be more challenging than you expect, leaving you lonely.
Your study abroad experience depends on your ability to thrive in an unfamiliar environment. Spending a semester abroad may not be a good choice if you get homesick easily.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
Check out our recent blog post for more information about studying abroad at a U.S. high school.
You can also explore the AMHS international admissions page to learn about the typical admissions process for studying at a U.S. high school.
