When it comes to study abroad programs, most people probably think about a college student spending a semester far away from home. But today, it is possible for some exceptional high school students to have this life-changing experience prior to getting to college. Whether you are a high school student interested in broadening your horizons or you are the parent of a teen looking into these programs, here's why a high school study abroad program might be the right choice for you.
Look Great on College Applications
If you are looking at high school study abroad programs, chances are you are already a high achiever for your age and you might be looking for anything you can do to get an edge over other students when it comes to college applications. If studying abroad is something that came to you as an idea that might give you that edge, you're not wrong. An experience in another country while still in high school is something that will really pop out at college admission officials when they are reviewing your application.
Grow Up Faster Than Your Peers
Beyond having an edge when applying to college, getting to go to another country may also push you to "grow up" faster than your peers back home. You'll gain a new perspective on the world, meet people from a different culture, and likely return to your own country with a maturity level that is beyond your years. This could bode well for you when it's time to head off to college and form good habits like studying on a regular basis or solid time management. Your parents might even be willing to give you a bit more freedom than a typical teenager once you return because they'll know that you are clearly responsible and capable of taking care of yourself.
Figure Out If You Want to Specialize in Something Before It's Time to Pick Your College Major
Many high school study abroad programs allow the student to focus on specific interests. Have you always wanted to go into a certain kind of career that requires a specific major in college? By enrolling in the right study abroad program, you might get some real-world experience of what this career would look like if you were to actually do it for a living. This can help cement your choice of major in college or allow you to re-think things without wasting a semester or more of your time in college trying to figure things out.
If you're interested in studying abroad, contact an education provider like A+ World Academy.
