Information for Foreign Exchange Student Program
Foreign Student Exchange Program is a program for high school students as well as college students. However, there are few things that we need to know about foreign exchange student program. Commonly, there are two types of exchange student program, the national exchange program and the international exchange program. The difference between the two is the place of exchange. National exchange program is a student exchange program which provides students to enrol in a high school / university in different state rather than country. This program is introduced to enable students who are interested to experience different education system and local cultures to be closer to their family.
For foreign exchange student program, which is also known as international exchange program, they are divided into short term exchange and long term exchange. The duration for students of short term exchange program is between one week to three months while the long term exchange allows student to stay up to one full year. This will also allows student to enrich their knowledge on the different culture and education system.
The application process for foreign exchange student program is very easy depending on which country the student reside in. Most of the countries will require a visa interview before departing to the chosen country. A visa interview usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Participant will be required to prepare detailed documentation from your home country such as school report cards, disciplinary grade, family background, financial background, testimonial / letter from lecturers / teachers and others. It will be an advantage if participant is able to speak the language of the country, or at least fluent English. Participant will only be allowed to participate in foreign exchange program once they passed the visa interview.
Regardless of which student exchange program that you choose to participate (foreign or national), you will be staying with a host family. A host family is a volunteered family who allow students who participated in foreign exchange student program to stay with them during their foreign exchange student program. They will be in charge of your accommodation (a room), meals and to provide your a warm and welcoming family environment for the student. If for any reason that a student is unable to stay with the host family, student can always inform the program coordinator for a change. Students are allowed to stay with several host family to expand their experience and knowledge during their duration of stay.
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Cost of participating in a foreign student exchange program has always been an issue to many. This is because the cost of school / tuition fee (to be paid to host college / school) , phone bills, spending expenses, text books, transportation and other expenses are usually self- funded (not provided by host family). However, total cost of the exchange program vary depending on the duration and location of the country. Financial aid are often available for high school / college students depending on the college / high school.