ICES High School Study Abroad
Program Process Guide

To study abroad is an amazing experience, but It’s crucial to be well prepared, review the High School Study Abroad Program Process Guide that will help you take the necessary steps for a successful student exchange.

High School Study Abroad Program Process Guide

Think It Over

The rewards of life abroad are amazing and wonderful, but are you up for the unique challenges that come with this experience? You will be away from your friends, family and the lifestyle you are accustomed to. You will have to adapt to a new language, culture, school and host family. Do research on the country you have chosen to learn about customs and daily life. Talk with people who have lived and studied abroad and ask them what challenges they had, as well as what made the experience worth it!

Get Your Parents On Board

Your parents need to help you make your dream happen. It is important at this stage to make sure your parents support your decision to study abroad and have given you approval to move forward. The application process takes time and effort, so you should make sure your decision has your parents’ “blessing.” If they feel that you are ready for this and understand what is required on their part, you are ready to move to the next step.

Check In With Your School

Talk With Your ICES Program representative about your options

Complete The Paperwork

Video Call Interview With Your Study Abroad representative

The video interview is our opportunity to talk face to (virtual) face and assess your suitability for the High School Study Abroad program. This call lasts 30-45 minutes. Parents are invited to speak with us at the end of the call, but the interview questions must be answered by the student alone. There is no preparation needed. You will be asked to talk about yourself, your desire to participate in the program, and why you feel you are ready.

Pay the Deposit

You Are In!

Get Legal

We Find You a Host Family

Get Your Visa

We Book Your Flight

Prepare For Take off

Your ICES Study Abroad representative will help you get prepped for your trip with a pre-departure orientation within two weeks before your departure. You’ll get an agenda before your call. At this stage we hope you have written all of your remaining questions down so that we can make you and your parents feel prepared for your trip abroad. We will go over the program rules, what to pack, what to do if you need support once you arrive, and more!

Live Your Study Abroad Dream!

Congratulate yourself and your family for making this happen. You are on your way to the study abroad adventure that you’ve earned!

Balance your time abroad — keep in touch with those back home, but remember that the point of studying abroad is to be present and active in your host country. Keep a blog or an online photo album so you can show all of the revelations you have had and the sights you have seen. On a rainy day, you’ll be happy to reflect on your growing experience abroad. Stay in touch with local coordinators and with ICES. We love to hear how you are doing!

Pay It Forward

At the end of your experience, and after your tearful goodbye with your new best friends and second family, we hope that you will inspire other high school students to follow in your footsteps. Become an ICES Global Ambassador and let us connect you with prospective students who are just where you were when you started the process. You can recount your adventures and help galvanize their decision to study abroad.

ICES High School Study Abroad Program Process Guide

High School Study Abroad Program Process Guide

ICES High School Study Abroad
Program Process Guide