How to apply to be an exchange student (2024)

FAQs

How do I become a student exchange student? ›

The easiest way to to become a foreign exchange student is to use an exchange provider. An exchange provider can advise you on picking a destination, duration, and exchange type. Once you've booked your exchange, they'll find you a host family and organize all the logistical details.

The U.S. Department of State offers many programs for American citizens wishing to go abroad for cultural, educational, or professional exchange.

The short answer is no, host families typically don't receive direct payment for hosting. However, being part of a study abroad program isn't really about financial gain; rather, it's an opportunity to share your home and culture, fostering cross-cultural understanding and enriching your life in the process.

You can expect to spend between $1,500 and $2,000 throughout your American Summer Exchange Program. We suggest you budget at least $900-1,200 to cover your initial costs and deposits when you arrive to your host employer, and to cover any unexpected or emergency situations before your first paycheck.

Host Families can receive a monthly stipend of $1,000* (Varies by state) to assist with their expenses. Boost your monthly stipend and earn other rewards by referring qualified host families matched with a student.

The YES Canada reciprocal student exchange program allows students to participate in a cost effective tuition free exchange and provides the opportunity for Canadian students to travel abroad for study and international students to attend school in Canada.

An exchange student typically stays in the host country for a period of 6 to 12 months; however, exchange students may opt to stay for one semester at a time. International students or those on study abroad programs may stay in the host country for several years. Some exchange programs also offer academic credit.

Long-term exchanges have a higher price tag overall, but the price per week is lower, especially once you begin to look at semester and year-long programs. Your airfare and visa costs are also amortized over a longer period, further reducing the weekly cost.

EF host families are compensated to help cover expenses associated with hosting students, such as extra food and water bills. This rate varies, so please contact your local team to find out the rate for your spare room(s). You can find the contact details on the page of your destination.

Do foreign exchange students pay rent? ›

Aside from covering the costs of housing and feeding a student three meals a day, students will pay for any extra costs. All additional expenses will be paid for by the student (clothing, school fees, lunches purchased at school, entertainment, etc.)

Host families come in many shapes and sizes. There is no typical host family: families with teens, no children, young children, children who have grown, single parents and grandparents.

Selection can be competitive depending on the number of exchange spots available and the number of applicants per program in a given semester. Some programs require students to be admitted into a particular College or Department to be eligible. GPA requirements also apply by program and are typically a 2.8 or higher.

Studying abroad as a freshman or sophomore

While not the usual choice for many students, studying abroad your freshman or sophomore years are two viable options. Check out the positive and negative aspects of doing your study abroad during your first two years at university.

No body warns you just how fast the time will go – and if they do, you do not listen. No body tells you that being an exchange student will be one of the hardest things you ever do. Learning to completely adapt to a new country, new language, new school, new family. Everyday presents a new challenge.

Long-term (10 to 12-month) exchange applications and interviews generally take place between a few days to few months depending on program type, host university requirements and destination country in advance of departure, Students generally must be between the ages of 13 and 18.

Exchange programs make you more employable

Not only is it proven that taking part in an international exchange increases the students' chances of employability, but it also helps them gain skills for their future jobs.