From exploring the Galápagos Islands to ordering croissants in French, your high school abroad experience will expose you to a whole new world! Every program offers its own set of unique activities and offerings—like karate or fashion design.
Ready to study abroad in high school? Here’s our best advice on when to go!
But maybe some doubts are creeping in about getting the timing right, and you’re wondering what the best year to study abroad in high school is. Some years work better for some than others, because everyone’s different!
Here you’ll find the pros and cons of every year in high school when you can study abroad. The goal is to help you decide the timing that will suit you best. Just a side note, a “perfect” year doesn’t exist, and some cons may not really be cons to you, depending on what you consider important, or they may just mean a little more planning for an ideal experience!
Keep in mind that some programs have specific program dates, so be sure to factor that into your decision on when to study abroad in high school.
Should I study abroad in high school?
It’s never too early to study abroad.
Of course you should! But why? Studying abroad in high school offers opportunities to learn a new language, volunteer for important causes, discover new interests, and get hands-on education. In other words, it’ll set you up for success in college—or for further travels around the world.
You may experience challenges, such as homesickness, language barriers, or culture shock, but in the end, you’ll become more independent and gain new skills by getting out of your comfort zone.
Your experience abroad will also look good on your college entrance application. If you’re not planning on attending university, then high school offers an excellent time to study abroad and will help shape up your resume for future employment.
If you’re concerned about funding (and getting your parents on board), check out our scholarship directory and FundMyTravel.com.
READ: Help! My Parents Won’t Let Me Travel Alone
When to study abroad in high school
No matter what year you choose to study abroad in high school, you’re sure to make lots of amazing memories. Remember, many students have faced similar challenges before you with timing, which means there’s probably a solution for most obstacles! Here’s a play-by-play for each year:
1. Freshman Year
Your freshman year—a year of many firsts. The initial year of high school often sets the foundation for many core subjects, so you’ll probably find plenty of study abroad programs that offer beginner courses. Plus, if you’d like to learn a new language, living with a host family abroad at an early age will help you retain more skills because you’ll be practicing them on a daily basis. Um, yassss!
However, keep in mind that some programs have an age requirement of at least 15 or older. You may also struggle with homesickness more as a freshman, and you may feel you’re missing out on an important year of first memories with peers back home.
Pros
- It’s a great time to test the waters for different fields of study
- Neverending opportunities for personal growth
- Sets you up for success through the rest of high school
Cons
- You may be more prone to homesickness and culture shock
- It’s a long time until college…and the next time you’re able to study abroad
2. Sophomore Year
Sophomore year could be a good option to study abroad for many students.
What is the best year to study abroad in high school? For many students, sophomore year is the answer. Many programs recognize that this age group is more adjusted to high school and more mentally equipped to travel internationally.
Plus, you’ll have more wiggle room in your second year to have a good blend of core classes and electives abroad that your high school at home may not offer.
You also won’t have to worry about missing any major events back at high school or feeling any pressure to complete pre-college requirements. So you won’t be hit hard with the dreaded #fomo. You still might struggle a bit with homesickness, but it’ll probably go away once you embrace how much fun you’re having meeting new people and visiting new places!
Pros
- You’ll already be adjusted to high school
- You may have a better idea of what you want to study in college (and can shape your study abroad experience accordingly)
- You won’t need to factor in SATs or other placement exams yet
Cons
- Homesickness and culture shock will probably still be a major issue, depending on where you’re going, and how long you go for
3. Junior Year
Junior year is also another good year to study abroad in high school because you’ll feel a little more independent at this age, and you won’t miss out on any major senior year events. You’ll also probably have an easier time convincing your parents to let you study abroad.
Since students often take their ACTs or SATs their junior year for college, be sure to talk with your guidance counselor about taking it before or after your study abroad program or if you can take it in a testing center abroad.
Pros
- You’re more experienced and independent, and will therefore have an easier time adjusting to life abroad
- You’re probably starting to anticipate high school graduation—and studying abroad is a great (temporary) taste of freedom
- Your parents may not be as hesitant about letting you go
Cons
- You’ll need to plan around SAT, ACT, and other placement tests
- You may need to finish all your college applications before you leave, giving you less time to prepare your materials
4. Senior Year
Are you considering studying abroad senior year of high school? It’s a bit of a toss-up with pros and cons. On one hand, it’s a good time to go abroad because you’ll most likely have college applications and entrance exams out of the way. Plus, you may also find programs where you could earn college credits abroad as a high school student—score!
On the other hand, you may be missing out on more traditional high school events like homecoming, prom, and graduation. You might also “age out” of many programs, where you’ll be placed in classes with younger students, or you no longer meet a program’s age range requirement.
If studying abroad in your senior year of high school just isn’t in the cards for you, you could consider participating in a gap year program—perhaps in the summer after graduation or for a year and starting college later. Or you could even study abroad as a college freshman!
Pros
- Entrance exams, placement tests, and college applications are out of the way
- You’ll most likely know what your college major will be, and studying abroad could provide transfer credits
- It’s your last chance to study abroad if you know you won’t be able to during college
Cons
- You may need to miss out on big senior year events, like prom
- You might “age out” of the programs you’re the most interested in
Get matched with 5 high school study abroad programs for FREE
3 cool high school study abroad programs
The right high school study abroad program will leave you transformed!
Maybe you’ve decided on when to study abroad in high school, but you’re not sure where to start. If you’re looking for the adventure of a lifetime, these three programs are sure to make the mark:
1. Travel for Teens: Berlin, Paris, and London
- Why? If you’d like to have the best-ever summer of your life, then you’ll love jet-setting to some of the best cities in Europe with this program. Tour castles in London, marvel at monuments in Berlin and explore iconic sites in Paris. Why not pick up a little French and German along the way? Plus, you’ll make lots of new friends as you have the time of your life immersing yourself in a variety of cultures! Should you study abroad in high school? This program screams ABSOLUTELY.
- Where? London, Paris, Berlin
- Read Travel for Teens reviews
2. High School Volunteer and Adventure Experience in Nepal
- Why? Help renovate local schools in Nepal by day and try some new dance moves by night with the jaw-dropping Himalayas as your backdrop. Trek the mountains, savor Nepali dumplings, and explore Hindu temples; many more adventures await with this program. Here, you’ll get a full 360-degree meaningful travel experience as you stay with a host family and learn more about Tibetan traditions and Buddhist principles.
- Where? Pokhara, Nepal
- Read GVI reviews
3. South America Semester | Carpe Diem Education
- Why? Enrich your education with hands-on learning in the thick of the Amazon rainforest to the top of Machu Picchu. Peruvians and Ecuadorians don’t have thick accents or heavy dialects, so it’s likely you’ll pick up Spanish more quickly. Hey, why not try practicing it by bartering for colorful clothing and fresh fruits in the many markets? For a couple of months, you’ll be fully immersed in traditions, natural landscapes, and wildlife as you learn about conservation and political issues.
- Where? Peru and Ecuador
- Read Carpe Diem reviews
Any time is a good time to study abroad!
Whether it’s freshmen, sophomore, junior, or senior year, JUST DO IT!
When it comes to studying abroad in high school, you’ll find every year offers its own benefits and drawbacks. Pssst, you don’t necessarily have to study abroad in high school during a school year.
You could also go abroad in the summer or during a holiday break. And don’t forget about gap year programs, which cater well to participants post-high school. So not to worry too much about the “perfect” time to go, it’s all about enjoying the time you’re abroad!
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