Student exchange programs
There are many students round the world who desire to learn practically about the language and culture of other countries. For such students is designed "Student Exchange Program" which allows the student of one country to go and live in the other (host) country and learn about its basic culture and language usage. There is no obligation in the program that a student from the host country must be exchanged from the guest country.
It is a voluntary process in which a student goes to live in the house of an officially unpaid guest, who can be a family, couple with/without children, single parent, etc. This process encourages both the parties to learn about each other more closely which automatically removes the social and cultural barriers between the two. Thus, Student Exchange Program increases harmony between the two individuals first and, in a broader sense, between the two countries.
Reason for Student Exchange
Student Exchange takes place due to the following reasons:
undergo personal growth
chance to live in a different geographic area
desire to become self-dependent and resourceful
widen personal and educational thoughts
learn and understand new cultures
extend beyond institution's boundaries
opt for courses not available in their own institution
opportunity to learn from different academicians
learn courses with different viewpoint
discover new areas of study
probe into graduate or professional schools
strive for future employment opportunities
Types of Student Exchange Programs
1. Long Term Exchange Program: It lasts from six months to one year. Participants attend high school in the host countries, with a student visa. If non-USA students come to USA, they are issued J-1 Cultural Exchange Visas or F-1 Foreign Student Visa depending upon the program chosen. Students are expected to amalgamate themselves into the host family, as their child, mingle themselves in the neighborhood and to assimilate this knowledge into their routine together with sharing it with their country mates when they return to their own country. Many programs even expect the students to converse in the host country's basic language and should have passed a standard English test before taking the program. Some exchange programs, such as the Congress-Budestag Youth Exchange are financed by the government. Some organizations arranging this program are AFS, Rotary, and Forte International Exchange Association.
Costs Involved- Most program costs include insurance and other risk management costs, like health insurance. Some scholarships cover all program and the international flight expenses like in Congress-Budestag Youth Exchange.
Application-Application and interviews are held ten months before the commencement of the program but may be even as short as three to four months. Age limit is 15-18.5 years but can vary according to the program opted. E.g.: DM Discoveries calls for students above 18 years. Some programs ask for application fees at the time of interview others may take it before it.
2. Short Term Exchange Program: It occurs between July to August. It gives the students a brief introduction of the host country's language with special highlight on sightseeing and culture education and when they return to their home country, they are expected to give a short presentation on their learning abroad to their sponsors. It is more prevalent in North America. Kiwanis and Lions club/Rotary club (ROSE-Rotary Overseas Short Term Exchange) offer such programs.
3. University Exchange: It occurs when two universities exchange students, or via special programs such as Rotary International's Ambassadorial Scholarship or by the American Institute for Foreign Studies (AIFS). Students attend classes and often live in hostels.
Result of Exchange:
Students return to their home land with a new outlook to their studies.
They can precisely understand their academics and career objective.
They experience personality growth and maturity when they travel and manage their tasks alone in a foreign land.
They are more confident and independent with sharpened decision making power and entrepreneur skills.
They discover better career opportunities abroad.
Fund Support
Federal Fund:
Plan-A: Tuition/fees paid to host institution.
Plan-B: Tuition/fees paid to home institution.
Exchange to Canada: Tuition/fees paid only to their home campus.
Other Fund Sources: These include scholarships offered by private institutions/organizations like Lions club, Rotary club, etc.
Organizations Providing Student Exchange Program
National Student Exchange Program of Alabama, Illinois and Montana universities.
World Heritage High School Student Exchange Program with details available online.
AYUSA-a non profitable organization.