What you need

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Documents and fees

US passport (minor under 16)1 · Fee for first passport for under 16, plus a $35 acceptance fee. Apply early.
$135
Visa fee1 · Depends on the country. Some programs include it.
$50-$400
Program fee1 · Check scholarships first. Government programs are free or very cheap.
$0-$15,000
Travel health insurance1 · Often included in the program fee. Ask before buying.
$0-$800
Medical check-up and vaccines1 · Many are covered by insurance. Ask your doctor.
$0-$300

Travel and packing

Round-trip flight1 · Many programs book group flights. Do not buy before your program says so.
$600-$1,500
Suitcase (checked)1 · Buy used or borrow to save money.
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$60-$150
Backpack for carry-on1 · Must fit under the airplane seat.
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$30-$60
Plug adapter1-2 · Check the plug type of your host country.
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$12-$25
Money belt or hidden pouchoptional1 · Keeps passport and cash safe.
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$10-$15
Luggage scaleoptional1 · Avoids overweight fees.
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$8-$12

Clothing and personal items

Clothes for the local climate1 set · Pack light. You can buy more there. Use what you already own.
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$100-$300
Warm jacket or rain jacket1 · Depends on destination. Buy second-hand if possible.
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$40-$120
Comfortable shoes1-2 pairs · You will walk a lot.
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$40-$100
Gifts for host familyoptional3-5 · Local snacks, postcards, or items from your state.
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$30-$60
Prescription medicine and glassesEnough for the stay · Ask your doctor about a supply and a letter.
$0-$200

Tech

Smartphone (unlocked)1 · Use your current phone if you can. Get a local SIM or eSIM.
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$0-$200
eSIM or local SIMoptional1 · Check cost before you leave.
$20-$100
Power bankoptional1 · Useful for travel days.
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$15-$30
Language app subscriptionoptional1 year · Duolingo is free. Start 6 months before you go.
$0-$80

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Certificates and registration

Certificate required

Passport and student visa for your host country

You need a valid US passport. Most countries also require a student visa, which your exchange program helps you get. There is no diploma needed, but you need good grades and usually a recommendation from your school. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application and the passport application.

Apply for a US passport at travel.state.gov or at a post office (minors under 16 need both parents present).
Choose a program and apply online.
After acceptance, your program will explain the visa steps for your host country.
Book the visa appointment at the host country's embassy or consulate and bring all documents.
Get required vaccinations and a doctor check-up.

Can I start right away? Today: ask your parents and your school counselor, then visit exchangestudent programs like exchanges.state.gov and write down the deadlines for 3 programs.

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What you need to know

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Choosing a program

Government-funded scholarship programs are the cheapest. YES Abroad is for countries with large Muslim populations. CBYX is for Germany. NSLI-Y is for languages like Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Russian and others. Private programs like AFS, Rotary and CIEE offer more countries but cost more. Check that a program is listed with the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET).

Money and scholarships

Apply for several scholarships at once. Ask your school counselor, your local Rotary club and the program itself about financial aid. Many programs offer aid based on need. Start saving early and ask family to contribute for birthdays and holidays.

Talking to your parents and school

Make a short plan with your goals, the cost, and how you will keep up with school. Talk to your counselor early about credits, graduation rules and whether the abroad year will count. Ask if you can take online classes for missing courses.

Language and culture

You do not need to be perfect in the language before you go. Learn basics 3 to 6 months ahead, such as greetings, food and asking for help. Expect culture shock after 1 to 3 months. It is normal and it passes. Be open and join clubs and sports to make friends.

Living with a host family

Follow house rules, help with chores, eat meals with the family and talk about problems early. Be on time and say thank you. If something feels unsafe, call your program's local coordinator right away.

Safety and health

Check the State Department travel advisory for your host country. Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) so the embassy can reach you. Keep copies of your passport and insurance. See a doctor before you go for vaccines and any health needs.

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Where to learn it

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VerbandYouth For Understanding (YFU) USABig exchange organization with scholarships for many countries.

VerbandAFS-USALong-running nonprofit with many countries and financial aid.

VereinRotary Youth ExchangeContact a local Rotary club. Often cheaper than other private programs.

BuchExchange Student Handbook (Rotary and other guides)Search for guides on being an exchange student for practical tips.Book on Amazon

Online-KursDuolingoFree way to start learning your host language.Browse online courses

YouTubeRick Steves Travel SkillsHelpful tips for travel and culture.

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Key websites and creators

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Websites

exchanges.state.govU.S. Department of State ExchangesOfficial info about government-funded youth exchange programs.Visit

step.state.govSmart Traveler (STEP)Enroll your trip and get safety alerts.Visit

travel.state.govTravel.State.GovPassport applications and travel advisories.Visit

csiet.orgCSIETLists reviewed youth exchange organizations.Visit

yes-abroad.orgYES AbroadFully funded scholarships for US students.Visit

Creators and channels

YouTubeRick StevesTravel tips and culture advice for Europe.Visit

YouTubeDuolingoLanguage learning tips and motivation.Visit

YouTubeNomadic MattBudget travel tips and planning advice.Visit

Recommended by the AI, not paid. Please check them yourself.

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Step by step

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Talk with your parentsExplain why you want to go and show them a basic budget. Parents must agree if you are under 18.
1 week
Done
Talk to your school counselorAsk about credits, graduation and deadlines. Ask for recommendation letters.
1-2 weeks
Done
Research programs and scholarshipsCompare YES Abroad, CBYX, NSLI-Y, AFS, Rotary and others. Note deadlines and costs.
2-4 weeks
Done
ApplyFill out applications, write essays, collect transcripts and recommendations.
1-3 months
Done
Prepare documentsApply for your passport, get your medical check-up and follow your visa steps.
2-4 months
Done
Learn the language and culturePractice daily with an app and watch videos or shows from your host country.
Ongoing
Done
Pack and goPack light, bring gifts, and keep copies of documents. Attend your program orientation.
2 weeks
Done

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Your timeline

5

What to do when, from the first week to the first year.

Week 1
- Talk with your parents about the plan.
- Meet your school counselor.
- List 3 to 5 programs and their deadlines.
Weeks 2 to 4
- Start applications for scholarship programs.
- Ask teachers for recommendation letters.
- Check your passport status or apply for one.
Months 2 to 3
- Finish essays and submit applications.
- Apply to extra scholarships.
- Start learning basic language with an app.
Months 4 to 6
- Prepare for interviews and wait for results.
- Once accepted, complete medical forms and visa steps.
- Save money for extra costs.
Months 7 to 12
- Attend orientation and meet your host family online.
- Buy gear and pack.
- Leave for your year abroad and join school activities.

Downloads a calendar file with one reminder per phase, starting today (Google, Apple, Outlook).

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Spend a school year abroad

Guide: Spend a school year abroad