How much does it cost to be a foreign exchange student?

I've been studying German recently and I think it sounds really fun to maybe do a foreign exchange program and live there for a few months. My mum says it's very expensive though, and I can't seem to find an estimate or even something exact on the internet. So I'd like it if someone answered? Thanks.How much does it cost to be a foreign exchange student?If I may, I would like to cast a vote for Youth For Understanding (YFU). I am a 5-time host mom and volunteer with YFU. When I have asked exchange students why they chose YFU, I get the following answers: (1) YFU gave them more bang for their buck and/or (2) someone they knew and trusted recommended YFU. 95% of the fees collected by YFU go for direct program costs (airline tickets, support in hosting country, etc.). YFU has been around for 59 years and has learned how to make exchanges successful.



Which ever program you choose, make sure they are listed with the Council for Standards on International Educational Travel (csiet.org). They routinely audit programs for quality.



One way to help pay for the program is for you to get a scholarship. With YFU, in a typical year 500 students will go overseas from the USA. 300 of them will have partial or full scholarships. While the scholarships are competitive, these odds aren't too bad. Most (if not all) of the scholarships will consider financial need as well. It is possible to apply for a scholarship and, if you don't get one, all you've lost is the $75 application fee. The costs are listed on the yfu website (yfu-usa.org).



As for the rest of the cost, YFU has a booklet with ideas on how to raise money. Either email me with an email address where you can receive attachments or go to: http://yfuusa.org/media/Education/YFU_20



If you don't mind, I'll explain the process for you.



- Gather information and talk to school counselors and have a family conversation.



- Pick a country and length of stay. YFU has programs to 39 countries this year (the list will vary slightly from year to year). The options vary from country to country, but there are year, summer, and semester programs. Most of the countries do not require prior language study.



- Complete the application. There will be an application form with general questions (name, age, etc.), questions about why you want to go, questions about your interests (to help match you with a good family), a transcript request form, teacher recommendation form, and a medical physical form. (Note: you will need to be in good mental and physical health, but some mild physical conditions can be accommodated.) You can also apply for scholarships at the same time (or just apply for scholarships and make your participation in the program contingent on getting one). You have options for submitting the application - on-line, on the phone, scan %26amp; email, fax, and snail mail. Generally speaking, you will need to have a 2.0 (out of 4.0) GPA for summer programs and 3.0 for semester programs.



- Participate in an in-person interview. This isn't an interrogation (I've done one) - just want to make sure we can place you with the right family for you and that you didn't lie about something on your application (I'm sure it's happened at some point in YFU's 59 years).



- Pay for the program.



- Participate in a pre-departure orientation. This will be an event where volunteers with YFU will explain the rules of the program, types for adjustment, and (possibly) some of the country-specific things you should expect.



- Correspond with your host family as soon as he can. This helps give you and them an introduction to each other. It also helps to show interest.



- Go on exchange and enjoy! You will be assigned to a local YFU representative who will help you and your host family have a successful time. You will go to school like a normal teenager (unless you go on a non-educational program), you will have a overseas family for the rest of your life, and you will get incredible memories!



- Come home and share your experience.



Check out the websites and videos and good luck to you no matter what you choose! Feel free to email me. Have you considered hosting?How much does it cost to be a foreign exchange student?I am going to be an exchange student all of next year with the Rotary Club! It is an amazing organization and depending where you live you can travel to a variety of places. My district exchanges with Germany, Finland %26amp; Estonia, Brazil, India, France, Switzerland, Japan, Turkey, and Sweden.You will have to attend school while you are there, but you are not expected to do any of the school work.(Which will cause you to have to re due the grade level you have missed) I have not yet decide where I want to go but I am so excited! With the rotary club it depends what district you are with, for a long term exchange it is around $6000. Some clubs will pay half of it, or even all of it. The club I am with is paying for the entire trip. If you go to Europe there is a tour that cost $2000 and takes 12 days, and you go to 7 countries throughout Europe. It is an amazing opportunity and I definitely recommend it!

If you are wanting to go on a shorter exchange than a year, there is also the short term exchange which you can find more info. on this website.

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http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/756en.pdf



Here are some websites you can check out for more information.

http://www.yex5360.org/students/students.html

http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/youthprograms/RotaryYouthExchange/Pages/ridefault.aspx



THE ROTARY CLUB was first formed in 1905, they have loads of experience with student exchange and is a wonderful program.