Can I afford to be and exchange student, and where should go, what program should I use?
I really want to be an exchange student. I'm pretty sure you got that from the title, but I don't have money. I really wanted to go fall '09, but that is just not going to be possible, so I'm thinking fall 2010. Only BIG problem is money. My sister is going to college next year (yaaayyaaaaaaa) and that is going to break the bank as it is. I really want this though, I've tried everything to get money but I'm having trouble. Anyway, to sum this up, I need three things: What program? (I've looked at AFS and YFU and like them both)(One with a lot of scholorship oppotunities!!) Where should I go? (I like the Netherlands and Turkey a lot.) How do I get MONEY?!!!!! Thank you!!! Any help would be GREAT!!
Studying Abroad - 3 Answers
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1 :
You should try the rotary club. There is usually one in every city, and if not then there should be one within driving distance. The rotary club is by far the safest and cheapest option, i know that that sounds like a contridiction haha. Instead of just anyone applying to be a host family, they only take people who are part of the club. To be in the club, these people must be business owners or influential people which means that most of them are wealthy. One girl, in Argentina, is currently staying with the President of Argentina! A girl from another company is staying with us, and when interviewed the woman told us the girls needs didnt matter and that we shouldnt base our decisions on her. Im glad the rotary club does a better job than that! To be an exchange student though, you dont have to be in the club, you just need to apply and go to some meetings where you will meet inbounds (current exchange students) and outbounds (people going next year). Its also really good because of the cost. It cost about as much as a flight ticket (which is inlcuded) and insurance and your host club will give you about $100 a month. You dont have to speak the language to apply, but its good to learn before you leave. They also offer ALOT of countries. Pretty much everything in south america, europe, scandanavia, asia, and india and south africa. Next year im going to iceland and im sure its going to be the best expierince of my life. I know i couldnt have done it without the rotary club. I hope you have as good of luck as i did. sorry for typing so much haha -Erin, 15 p.s. they also offer scholarships if you need them :)
2 :
Are you sure about Turkey??? Be really sure!!! I have a friend whose son was in Turkey last year on a University exchange. He was supposed to be there the whole year...he came home at semester...he was pretty freaked! War and all that! I think Turkey would be tough for a lot of Westerners...I would suggest going with Netherlands. Money? I don't know...my parents wouldn't let me go in hs, because of money...I think it was better in University, anyway, because I had more freedom and got to do my OWN thing... AFS and YFU are possibly the top two programs in the country...go with that thought. Go with your eyes wide open...know what you are getting yourself into, and you will have the time of your life!
3 :
You sound like you've done a lot of research. That is good. AFS does have a lot of scholarships...I think there is even one to Turkey. YFU is good too, and so is Rotary. Money? Well I would try getting a job and fundraising! http://www.cultures-shocked.org/Joomla/forum/index.php?
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