The Pros & Cons of Studying Abroad in High School
There's a lot to consider when making the decision to study abroad in high school. Check out the main pros and cons to understand if this option is a good choice for you.
Key Takeaways 🔑
- Studying abroad in high school can benefit you personally, academically, and professionally.
- Although studying abroad in high school can be pricey, there are scholarships available.
- Being away from home for an extended period of time can lead to homesickness and loss of the safety net of family and friends.
- Studying abroad now can boost your university application and even help you figure out what you want to major in.
- You parents may need some convincing to let you go but we're here to help!
Thinking of studying abroad as a high school student? There’s much to consider, from the destination, program length, accommodation, and more. But, it’s a good idea to step back and consider whether studying abroad before university will benefit your goals.
From someone who studied in Japan as a teenager and in the Czech Republic in college, here are the pros and cons of studying abroad during high school.
Read more: The Best High School Study Abroad Programs
Pro: You gain international experience early
Your first time traveling internationally is always a challenge, whether you're 15 or 35. So, why not master this skill early in life when you're more adaptable and open to new experiences? While you're never too old to try something new, traveling as a student exposes you to lessons and experiences that will shape your future self in ways the classroom can’t. Once you take that first step, you’ll see how many opportunities the world has to offer!
Con: You may struggle with homesickness
Anyone can feel homesick when away from friends and family, but it often hits harder when you're young and still reliant on your parents or caregivers.
Studying abroad in high school is a great way to discover how you thrive in an unfamiliar environment, but it’s best not to underestimate the challenge of homesickness. If you’re worried, consider a shorter program, such as a summer study abroad, rather than a long-term experience.
Read more: Top Ways to Reduce Homesickness Abroad
Pro: The benefits extend to your college career
Depending on the program, you may have the opportunity to earn college credits while studying abroad. General electives, which are required at all U.S. universities, usually transfer to your home institution. While it may feel far off, planning ahead will make your future course loads easier to manage. This flexibility can let you take a lighter semester, try a completely different field of study, or even open the door to studying abroad again.
Studying abroad in high school can also help you narrow down your college major. With so many exciting fields to choose from, it’s often hard to pick just one. Excelling at foreign languages or discovering a passion for law, for example, may point you toward a future major or career path you hadn’t considered before.
Con: High school abroad can be expensive
You may want to consider the financial cost that studying abroad in high school will have on your parents. College isn't cheap, and some parents may have to use funds intended for college or other expenses. Everyone's financial situation is different, but it’s worth having an open, mature conversation with your parents or caretaker, to see whether studying abroad would be a manageable financial cost.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Pro: There are scholarships available
While studying abroad in high school can be costly, there are scholarships available to help offset major costs. Scholarships can range from a few hundred dollars to over $20,000 USD. Applications may require a minimum GPA or they may be granted by the study abroad organization itself, meaning you'll already need to be enrolled in one of their programs.
There are also opportunities for free or cheap high school study abroad programs. Do your research to find the best option for you and your family. If you can't secure a scholarship or find an affordable program to attend in high school, remember that you can get loans for study abroad in college.
Con: You might find it hard to cope without your familiar support network
Studying abroad in high school isn’t like traveling independently or even studying abroad in college because you’ll usually have a support network to guide you. However, without your familiar safety net - like your parents, siblings, or friends - challenges like losing your wallet, falling sick, or getting lost can feel more overwhelming.
Read more: How to Deal with Unforeseen Events During a Study Abroad Experience
Pro: You'll boost your college apps and/or resume
Colleges and employers value initiative, independent thinking, and life experience - qualities that go beyond just good grades. Studying abroad helps you develop those traits and set you apart from applicants who have never left their home state, let alone studied in a foreign country.
With US universities receiving millions of applications yearly, high school students who studied abroad gain the extra edge by combining global experience, language skills, and personal growth to stand out. Plus, studying abroad can spark unexpected passions, like an interest in speaking Japanese or cooking French food. These passions could become a career if you let them.
Con: You may have trouble convincing your parents
Even if you're 100% sure that studying abroad during high school is the right move, your parents/guardians may not be so sure, especially if it's your first time abroad by yourself. While they may only want to keep you safe and know that the benefits of study abroad, having you so far from home probably leaves them a little nervous.
Making your case will likely take some work. To convince your parents to let you study abroad, you'll need to be clear on major things like the program details, level of support, safety, cost, and transportation. Before you get started, make sure you understand the basics.
Read more: Complete Guide to High School Study Abroad & Exchange Programs
Pro: Your experience will shape your worldview
We are shaped by the places and circumstances we grow up in, but studying abroad allows you to gain new perspectives. Experiencing life firsthand in another country shows you how the people there live, study, and spend their time, while revealing similarities that unite people. Long-term travel also gives you a better understanding of what truly matters to you in life.
You can study abroad at anytime
Studying abroad in high school builds independence, connections, and a broader worldview that will benefit you deep into your adult life. While it will help you become a better version of yourself, you don’t need to rush it. Going overseas while in high school can shape your goals early, but it’s not the only chance to study or live abroad.
College study abroad programs, internships, and working abroad are all opportunities for you to experience meaningful travel later in life, so don’t feel like “it’s now or never”.
Read more about studying abroad in high school:
