Tips for Success as a High School Study Abroad Student
Studying abroad can be the experience of a lifetime. Students who tend to have the most successful and rewarding programs are those who take advantage of their time abroad by fully immersing themselves in a new country and culture. Getting involved in your community is a great way to meet new people and learn more about your host country. Students in the past have made great friends through being proactive and joining new social networks.
High School Study Abroad Activities
- School or local community sports groups (basketball club, hiking group, etc.)
- Hobby/activity groups and classes (cooking, art, flower arrangement, debate, etc.)
- Community service (park clean up events, helping at kindergarten or elderly home)
Some tips from Intrax High School Study Abroad Alumni:
- "Get involved with activities! The more you do, the more people you meet and the more friends you make! It's good to become involved with activities outside of your host family so that you don't rely on them for everything."
- "Don't be shy! I had to ask a million questions at first, but I soon caught on."
- "Do homework, even if it's not required of you. It's easy to be lazy and not do the extra work, but you will learn so much more if you do! I still can't believe I was taking math, geography and philosophy in Spanish!"
- "Don't hesitate to call your local representative if you have problems. He or she will help you work it out! However, don't expect him or her to do all the work. This is a partnership. Your local representative will help you, but you have to take the initiative to get involved on your own, and help to solve any problems."
- "Try new things! Whether it's food or an activity, you may never have the chance to try it again. Don't let the opportunity pass you by! And have fun! This was the best experience of my life!"
- "I think the best thing Intrax prepared me for was the phrase, 'Different is not wrong, it's just different.' I heard a lot of other students complaining about how things were better or faster in the U.S., and I realized how little they appreciated the cultural differences."
