Everything About Summer Exchange Programs
Summer exchange programs are quite popular among students as enrolling in one helps them gain international experience while still in high school. They also provide an opportunity to learn a language, build intercultural skills, and explore a new culture. Summer programs are opted for by many students as they are short programs that last anywhere from two weeks to a month. It involves both classroom learning and experiential activities. Also, the summer exchange program fees are much more reasonable than other study abroad programs.
The biggest advantage of participating in summer exchange programs is the opportunity to experience a new culture. It is the best chance to learn about a new country’s culture, language, and customs. Various overseas institutions offer these programs that allow students to enroll in credit-bearing courses during their summer holidays. The courses included multiple disciplines like business, arts, engineering, science, law, and social science. Some programs also offer pre-departure briefing sessions for students to help them learn practical information and other important things they need to know during and after the exchange program.
Summer exchange programs can be of two types:
- Short-term summer exchange programs: This is ideal for students who are not ready to spend a whole school year abroad but want to experience life abroad. These programs are open to students from 15 to 19 and last several weeks to a few months. The summer exchange program fees are quite affordable since it is a short stay, so the tourist visas and airfares are cheaper. Summer exchange programs may also take the form of international youth camps or tours.
- Family-to-family exchanges: In this type of program, two families agree to send their son or daughter to be hosted in a foreign country by another family with a son or daughter of a similar age. It starts with one student traveling to another country and spending a few weeks with the host family; then, the two students travel to the other student’s country to be hosted for another few weeks. For family-to-family exchange programs, the families should plan for the total exchange period to be around two months, but the two families can decide the timing and length.
Program Cost
Summer exchange program expenses are quite low. However, the costs vary depending on the district and country in which the exchange occurs. So it is necessary that you get specific information about everything related to the price. The factors that affect the cost of the program include:
Destination: Some destinations are pricier than others. Also, long-distance travel is more expensive.
Duration: The longer you stay, the higher the program’s total cost will be, but the price per week will reduce. Six-month exchange programs have a significantly lower cost per week than short-term exchanges.
Course type: Intensive and specialized language courses are much more expensive than holidays and general courses. Programs without any courses may not be any cheaper because they include organized sightseeing and other activities that should be paid for.
To Sum Up
Embarking on an exchange program is a huge investment. Hence, one should be careful when choosing a suitable program that fits your budget and requirements. A less-intensive course might be cheaper but may not provide you with what you are looking for. So do proper research and make a wise decision.