Most people are aware that college students sometimes travel overseas to further their opportunities for study. Less commonly spoken about is the possibility for high school students to swap countries to earn their qualifications. While it might seem a little ambitious for those at the end of their final stage of secondary education to try learning somewhere totally foreign, it’s continuing to prove a popular option for students in 2023 and beyond. But how does someone in high school make such an exciting leap? In this informative guide, we’ll discuss everything a highschooler needs to know about studying abroad – from the best programs available, to everything you need to pack to be happy and healthy in your temporary new homeland.

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How to apply to study abroad as a highschooler

Before anyone begins dreaming about a life overseas, it’s important to ensure you’re taking all the right steps to set yourself up for a smooth application process. This doesn’t just mean admin (although that will be part of it). There are a host of logistic and personal considerations which need to be taken into account.
  • Talk to your parents. While it’s natural to want to feel as independent as possible, those in high school do still need to listen to the guidance and advice of their parents. If you’re younger than 18, you’ll need to have their permission in order to be able to move overseas as part of any study program. Sit down with them and explain the motives behind your decision, and be sure to emphasize that the move would be for growth. Do your research ahead of time and have all your ducks in a row.
  • Talk to a counselor. If you’re set on studying abroad, speaking to a counselor first can help you understand how realistic your chances are. You’ll need to be able to qualify both in terms of your grades and attendance records – and a guidance counselor should be able to tell you what metrics you need to hit. They’ll also be able to explain how international credits in different countries translate.
  • Decide where and when. You’ll need to decide whether you want to go abroad for just a semester, or for a longer period of time. Perhaps more importantly, you also need to make a decision about what country you’re headed to. This isn’t something you can rush. If you need further inspiration, jump to our section on the best places to study abroad.
  • Look for financial aid. A number of grants and loans are available to help fund a move to an overseas high school. These will differ depending on what country you’re headed to, the financial situation of your household, and any accessibility requirements you might have.
  • Apply to programs. Once you’re fully prepared, it’s time to apply. Each program will have a specific application process, so you’ll have to adapt if you plan to apply to more than one. Make sure to have a cover letter, list of documentation, and any other important information stored to make each application quicker.

The benefits of studying abroad 

If you’re on the fence about studying in another country, it might be useful to know how pursuing your education abroad could have a positive impact on your life. Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits you’ll experience when studying abroad.
  • Good experience in the eyes of colleges. A lot of universities and colleges look at someone who’s studied abroad in a positive light. It shows you’ve actively pursued a unique avenue of learning, while also hinting that you’ve been able to balance cultural exploration successfully alongside your studies.
  • Life skills. Living alone is tough enough when you’re in highschool. But doing so in a foreign country thrusts a series of life skills your way that you might not have experienced if you stayed at home. This includes things like cooking, paying bills, traveling independently, gaining self-belief and confidence, and experiencing a culture other than your own.
  • The potential for a second language. Some courses will be taught in a second language. If this is something you’ve chosen to pursue, it will provide you the benefit of learning an entirely new tongue. This is a skill which can come in handy across a number of different future avenues in life.
  •  It could help your later career. On that note, having overseas experience can be really beneficial when searching for a job. It shows you’re a risk-taker, brave, outgoing, and most likely have excellent emotional maturity. These are all traits which employers are looking for in their workforce.
  • It’s a unique opportunity. Perhaps most importantly of all, going overseas to learn is something which a lot of people will never have the opportunity to pursue. Not only is this unique, but it’s likely to be a fun, once-in-a-lifetime experience!