There’s truly no better way to cap off your time in high school than with a trip abroad. After working hard for three years to get through college prep requirements and classes (that you may or may not have enjoyed), senior year is the time to learn outside of the traditional classroom and pursue your real interests. Studying abroad during senior year is the best way to set yourself up for success after graduating!
Can I study abroad senior year of high school?
College can be demanding and overwhelming. You may never find the time to travel. So, why not study abroad senior year?
Yes! There are many ways to study abroad as a high school senior, from short-term programs during school breaks to full semester exchange programs. Some high schools even offer combination study and volunteer abroad trips for seniors during winter or spring breaks.
Schools that use a block system for their class schedules are usually the most flexible for senior year study abroad. You can take one trimester or semester abroad rather than interrupt any year-long courses. Check with your guidance counselor on recommended programs that fit within your academic schedule and any suggestions for transferring credits.
7 reasons to study abroad your senior year in high school
Studying abroad in high school is always a good idea, but there are a lot of specific benefits to studying abroad as a senior. Regardless of if you’re considering a 2-week school-sponsored trip abroad or a longer-term external study abroad program, spending time in another country before graduating high school is the best way to develop some solid life skills.
1. Prepare for a worldly life after high school
Maybe it’s time for a reset before the next chapter of your life?
Once you’ve lived away from home in a foreign country, everything else seems like a piece of cake. Studying abroad during senior year of high school is an excellent way to become more independent, gain a holistic worldview, learn about yourself, and contemplate your life goals.
Whether you’ll be headed off to college after high school or pursuing a career from the get-go, studying abroad will help expand your mindset and prepare you for success!
2. Practice budgeting skills
Studying abroad during a senior term or semester is the ultimate way to learn budgeting before college. Beyond the study abroad program fees, living abroad includes the cost of housing, food, transportation, and fun. Setting and sticking to a budget while studying abroad is great practice for living away from home after high school.
3. Inspire a new career path
Everyone needs exposure to something in order to fall in love with it. If you’re not totally sure what type of career you want to pursue, studying abroad can help break boundaries in your daily life. It will immerse you in an experience you might otherwise not have an opportunity to do.
For example, you might be interested in marine biology, but you live in a landlocked city without access to the ocean. Head to the Galapagos Islands to get a taste of marine conservation. Do you love fashion but have no way of learning about design locally? Sounds like you should study abroad in Paris. You never know what you might love until you try it!
4. Grow a hobby into a career
It’s not a bad time to start a more serious writing or photography portfolio!
Maybe you already have a good idea of what you want to be when you grow up and have some pretty solid skills to back it up. Take this to the next level by pursuing a study abroad program relevant to your goals!
Your senior year is the perfect time to jump-start professional development. For example, are you an experienced musician and want to grow further in a renowned musical environment? Study abroad in Germany or Italy!
5. Perfect your language skills
By the time senior year rolls around, some students have studied all the way through AP language classes. If you’ve completed several years of language study and are looking for ways to continue learning, senior year is an ideal time to study abroad.
Taking the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the language and develop your skills outside the classroom is the best way to really achieve fluency. This can be helpful for launching a career after high school. Or, you might also find an internship in college where bilingualism would give you that competitive edge.
6. Prevent class schedule interruptions
Early high school years are hard to “interrupt” with a study abroad program. Between SAT/ACT prep, college visits, field studies, and other developmental activities with fairly strict schedules, it can be difficult to find time to leave the country!
Senior year is often the easiest time to step away from your day-to-day, whether it be for a 2-week school trip abroad (after your college applications are in) or for an entire winter term abroad.
7. Meet eligibility requirements
Sometimes a top reason for studying abroad as a senior comes down purely to the nitty-gritty legal details. Many external study abroad programs need to abide by age requirements for insurance or legal purposes.
If you’re considering a study abroad provider outside of your high school, it’s likely only seniors meet the 18+ age rules. Be sure to carefully check all requirements for any study abroad programs you’re considering.
What about high school summer abroad trips for seniors?
Studying abroad the summer before college can be hugely beneficial for you and your academics!
Spending the summer after you graduate abroad is a great solution to any scheduling conflicts during the school year. Depending on program type, high school summer abroad trips for seniors can range from 2-8 weeks and cover a ton of different fields of study. If time allows, try to add in some free travel before or after the program to really maximize your summer!
3 cool study abroad programs for high school seniors
There’s a wide variety of external study abroad programs for high school seniors outside of school-sponsored trips. Below are recommendations for some of the top providers who offer exciting opportunities to head abroad before graduation!
1. High School Study Abroad in Argentina with Greenheart Travel
- Why? Come live in the shadows of the Andes and become immersed in Argentina’s rich culture. Greenheart Travel offers a homestay experience and classes at a local high school for students to improve their Spanish skills. This program requires at least two years of Spanish classes and offers flexible dates, making it perfect for high school seniors.
- Where? Mendoza, Argentina
- Read Greenheart Travel reviews
2. AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Switzerland
- Why? Home to four different languages and a huge cultural crossroads, Switzerland is a fantastic destination to soak up diversity. AFS-USA enables students to immerse themselves in French, German, or Italian language study. It also includes enrollment in a top-notch local high school and a homestay experience. This program is perfect for anyone wanting to experience a multicultural environment surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
- Where? Zurich, Geneva
- Read AFS-USA reviews
3. South Pacific Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year
- Why? If you’re longing for some hands-on, experiential learning in a tropical setting, look no further than Carpe Diem’s South Pacific Semester. Students travel between Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji to study environmental preservation, marine conservation, and community development. They also learn about indigenous cultures and lifestyles along the way. This is an ideal program for anyone wanting to combine education, adventure, and volunteering!
- Where? Fiji, Australia, New Zealand
- Read Carpe Diem Education reviews
Find and compare high school study abroad programs with MyGoAbroad (it’s free!)
Why not start college as a seasoned globetrotter?
You’d be surprised how much a little time abroad can change your life.
Beyond all of the developmental and professional reasons to study abroad during senior year, becoming a worldly person before college is bound to make you popular around your future dorm. Plus, having extra interests from your time abroad will drive you to join more clubs, try new activities, and really soak up all that college has to offer. Expanding your horizons during a pivotal time like senior year can only set you up for success!
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