Am I Qualified to Study Abroad in High School?

Trying to decide to study abroad in high school can be equal parts exciting and stressful! From the application process to the cost and the fact that you’ll be leaving loved ones for a short period of time, there are many things to consider when living abroad. And this is especially true for young adults who’ve never left home. 

But one of the first things you need to consider is what qualifications you need to study abroad. Don’t worry; this list sets out to answer just that! 

1. Be a High School Student 

One of the most basic qualifications to study abroad in high school is that you have to be in high school. That may seem like common sense, but even if you’re high school-aged, you need to be enrolled in a high school to be eligible to study abroad.  

However, it doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior; if you’re in high school, you’re good to apply to a study abroad program. Many high school study abroad programs are open to U.S.-based and international students. 

2. Be at Least 14 Years Old 

So, you must be enrolled in a high school, but how old do you need to be to study abroad? To be eligible, you need to be at least 14 years old. Even if you’ve advanced to a grade level beyond your age and you’re enrolled in a high school, you cannot be younger than 14 years old to participate in a study abroad program.  

3. Be in Good Academic Standing  

We’ve covered the two primary requirements, but you may be wondering—do you need good grades to study abroad, and what GPA do you need to study abroad in high school? Typically, eligible applicants need to have at least a 2.7 GPA and to have been in good academic standing throughout their school years, not just the year of applying. 

Part of the application process to study abroad is submitting school transcripts for the current school year and the previous three years to show good academic standing. Not only that, but many study abroad program applications require teacher recommendations. 

4. Demonstrate Essential Personal Skills Needed to Live Abroad 

Those interested in high school study abroad must also possess the right personal skills to be successful participants. Living abroad in a new country has its ups and downs.  

Successful study abroad applications must demonstrate skills like flexibility, maturity, adaptability and independence through their application process. These personality traits ensure that you’re up to the challenge of living immersed in a new culture on your own.  

5. Be Eligible to Apply for a Passport  

Before you can start your study abroad journey abroad, you’ll need to make sure you’re eligible to apply for a passport. A passport is a form of identification mandatory when traveling out of the country.  

If you don’t have one yet, here’s a quick rundown of how to apply for your first passport: 

• Gather necessary documents like your birth certificate, certificate of naturalization or citizenship (if applicable) and a valid state ID or driver’s license 
• Get two identical passport photos taken and printed to the mandated size of 2 inches by 2 inches. 
• Complete the U.S. State Department’s passport application, which is Form DS-11 for first-timers or DS-82 for renewals. 
• Visit your nearest passport acceptance facility for an in-person interview if it’s your first passport.  
• Pay the application and execution (acceptance) fees posted on the official travel.state.gov webpage. 

6. Save for Tuition Fees and Travel Costs  

Another essential qualification for studying abroad is being able to afford the various program fees and travel costs associated with living and traveling abroad. When you study abroad, you’ll need to budget for tuition fees, program fees, flights, passports and travel documents, and other travel items like luggage, if needed. 

The cost of studying abroad can be enough to give anyone sticker shock, but it’s not unattainable! There are a few ways you can offset the costs of studying abroad: by applying to reputable high school study abroad scholarships, taking advantage of fundraising opportunities and advanced budgeting. 

7. Have Your Parent’s or Guardian’s Permission 

Lastly, students who are minors and wish to participate in a high school study abroad program must have their parent’s or guardian’s permission. Not only is it a requirement for the study abroad application, but some countries also require parental consent for unaccompanied minors to cross the border. Having the support of your parents or guardian is very important. 

Consider Participating on High School Summer Abroad Programs 

CIEE offers a variety of high school summer abroad programs that span dozens of global destinations. Students can choose from different types of programs, such as language & culture, social change, business, leadership, STEM and arts & culture. 
 
Apply Today!