10 Exchange Programs for Middle School Students
International exchange programs offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture, learn a new language, and build global friendships. These programs go beyond classroom learning, providing first hand exposure to life in another country, enriching your understanding of the world, and laying a strong foundation for future academic and career success.
Whether you're interested in international relations, diplomacy, global business, or simply want to explore a new culture, these programs are a great stepping stone for a plethora of future careers.
Below are our top 10 exchange programs for middle school students, where you'll live with host families and attend local schools abroad. This list focuses on middle school exchange programs where you live with host families and attend local schools abroad.
The Global Student Exchange Program offers middle school students the chance to experience different cultures and educational systems. Participants attend local schools and live with host families in countries like the Netherlands and Guatemala, typically for a term or a full academic year. This program is designed to expose you to diverse teaching methods and cultural practices, fostering a global perspective and promoting personal growth.
Through this immersive experience, you'll gain valuable insights into new ways of learning, build cross-cultural friendships, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around you.
Location: Partner schools in countries like the Netherlands and Guatemala.
Program Length: 18 -20 weeks to a full academic year.
Cost: Varies
Eligibility: Middle school students.
Application Deadline: Typically before the school year.
EdOdyssey offers customized study abroad programs specifically tailored for middle school students in countries like Peru, Italy, Spain, China, and Canada. These programs are developed in collaboration with U.S. middle schools to enhance your academic learning while immersing you in a new culture. Available during winter break, spring break, or summer, each program focuses on themes such as service learning, cultural studies, and world languages to align with your school’s curriculum.
Led by experienced educators with local expertise, EdOdyssey’s programs emphasize experiential learning through hands-on activities. You'll participate in engaging projects, cultural excursions, and language practice that broaden your understanding of the world and deepen your personal growth. This transformative experience is designed to help you build global awareness, develop critical thinking skills, and create lasting memories.
Location: Countries including Peru, Italy, Spain, China, Chile, Ireland, Japan, Canada, and the U.K.
Program Length: Varies depending on location and semester (winter, spring break, or summer).
Cost: Varies depending on location; financial aid is available.
Eligibility: Middle school students; specific requirements given per location.
Application Deadline:
Fall 2024: April 15, 2024
Spring 2025: November 15, 2024
AFS Intercultural Programs is a global non-profit organization that promotes intercultural understanding and global citizenship through educational exchange. Founded in 1914, AFS offers immersive experiences for middle and high school students, typically aged 15 and older, allowing you to live with host families and attend local schools in over 50 countries. Programs range from a few weeks to a full year, enabling you to engage deeply with different cultures, improve your language skills, and develop a broader appreciation of diversity.
AFS aims to cultivate informed, compassionate, and active global citizens. The structured educational framework encourages you to develop critical thinking, cultural empathy, and a commitment to community service. Scholarships are available to support students from diverse backgrounds, making these transformative experiences accessible to all. By participating in AFS programs, you gain valuable life skills and contribute to building a more just and peaceful global community.
Location: Over 50 countries.
Program Length: 1-3 weeks to a year long.
Cost: Varies according to the country; scholarships are available.
Eligibility: Middle school students and high school students aged15+ years.
Application Deadline: Typically around March.
Youth for Understanding (YFU) is a well-established international exchange organization that provides transformative cultural immersion experiences for students. Through YFU's programs, you can live with a host family, attend a local school, and fully integrate into a new community, gaining a deep understanding of the local culture and language..
Living with a host family allows you to experience everyday life, share meals, and engage in family activities, fostering meaningful connections that often last a lifetime. At school, you'll make new friends, learn alongside local students, and explore new perspectives in education. YFU's programs are designed to challenge you, expand your horizons, and develop essential skills such as adaptability, independence, and intercultural communication.
Through this immersive experience, you'll return home with a renewed sense of global citizenship, a deeper appreciation for diversity, and lasting memories of your transformative journey.
Location: Over 55 countries.
Program Length: Varies with the selected programs.
Cost: Varies according to the country; scholarships are available.
Eligibility: Age to be between 15-18 years.
Application Deadline: Varies with country.
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad Program, initiated by the U.S. The Department of State offers a unique opportunity for students to live and study in countries with significant Muslim populations like Ghana, Bulgaria, India, and Malaysia. While you can indicate your location preference on the application, the final destination is determined by the program, making it a great choice if you're open to new and unexpected experiences.
In addition to attending a local school and learning the host country's language, you'll work on an independent capstone project that you’ll present upon returning home. These projects are flexible, allowing you to explore topics that interest you, from creating a city guide to translating a book or crafting a traditional dress.
The YES Abroad Program covers all major expenses, including a monthly stipend for basic needs, making it accessible to students from various backgrounds. It offers an enriching experience that will enhance your understanding of the world and equip you with skills and insights valuable for your future.
Location: Select countries with significant Muslim populations.
Program Length: One academic year.
Cost:
The program covers all major costs and even provides a monthly stipend to cover basic needs in the host country.
The only costs you need to cover are those related to obtaining a valid U.S. passport and personal expenses that go beyond basic needs.
Eligibility: Recent middle school graduates aged between 15-18.5 years are eligible.
Application Deadline: Typically December.
The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) is a prestigious program funded by the U.S. Department of State that focuses on language immersion and cultural exchange. The program aims to increase the number of Americans proficient in critical languages, enhancing international cooperation and understanding. As an exchange student, you will attend intensive classes for 10 hours a week, alongside other school and cultural activities.
NSLI-Y offers both year-long and summer programs, with placements in countries where languages such as Mandarin, Hindi, Korean, Russian, Arabic, and Turkish are spoken. Although the program assigns your language and destination, this immersive experience is a unique opportunity to develop advanced language skills and gain a deep cultural understanding.
Given its competitive nature and 15% acceptance rate, NSLI-Y is an excellent opportunity for students who are serious about language acquisition and cultural exchange. Pre-program language studies, beginning in mid-April, are also required for most participants, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of this rigorous program.
Location: Countries where languages such as Mandarin, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian, Turkish, Russian, and Arabic are spoken.
Program Length: Year-long program (8-10 months beginning in August or September) but there is also a summer program option
Cost: Students are responsible for passport-related costs, medical exams, and personal expenses; all other expenses are covered by the program
Eligibility: Students aged 15 – 18 years old with a minimum GPA of 2.5
Application Deadline: Winter 2024 Applications open in September.
For those who are unaware, Rotary International is a network of organizations known for its commitment to promoting peace and community service. The Rotary Youth Exchange Program, sponsored by Rotary clubs worldwide, provides students aged 15-19 the opportunity to live and study abroad, fostering international understanding and leadership skills. o
Depending on the Rotary club, you can choose between long-term exchanges, which last an academic year, and short-term exchanges, which can last up to three months. During your exchange, you’ll live with a host family, attend a local school, and immerse yourself in the culture of your host country. You can expect the program to fall within the Rotary’s aim of spreading positive change.
To apply, reach out to the Rotary club nearest to you and find out more about the processes and criteria. The Rotary Youth Exchange is an excellent opportunity for students who are eager to make a positive impact and embrace new experiences.
Location: Varies by Rotary club
Program Length: Long-term (one academic year) and short-term (up to 3 months) exchanges are available.
Cost: Room and board are provided; students must arrange and cover all travel costs and personal expenses.
Eligibility: Students aged 15 - 19 years.
Application Deadline: Varies by Rotary club.
Arcos Journeys Abroad offers an immersive Spanish language and cultural experience for middle and high school students. The Spanish Immersion Program allows you to dive deep into the Spanish language while experiencing the vibrant cultures of countries like Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Spain. Unlike traditional exchange programs, this option involves staying in a homestay rather than with a host family, providing a different kind of cultural immersion.
Academically, the program focuses primarily on language acquisition, offering intensive Spanish lessons tailored to your skill level. Culturally, you'll participate in various activities such as cooking classes, traditional dance lessons, and visits to local museums, giving you a well-rounded experience of life in a Spanish-speaking country.
The program lengths vary, ranging from 10 days to a month, making it a flexible option for students who want to enhance their language skills and cultural knowledge in a relatively short period. This in-depth program is perfect for students looking to build their Spanish proficiency while gaining a unique cultural perspective.
Location: Select cities in Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain
Program Length: Varies between 10 days and one month.
Cost: Ranges between $2,595 - $5,395
Eligibility: Students aged 14 - 18 years.
Application Deadline: 8 weeks prior to the program start date, but applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The Middle School Study Abroad programs offered by FLSAS provide immersive language learning experiences tailored for middle school students. These programs allow you to enhance your foreign language skills while exploring new cultures, offering a more effective and engaging way to learn a language compared to traditional classroom settings. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, FLSAS provides options that cater to all proficiency levels. f
Students can choose from various study abroad options, including summer programs, academic year abroad, and semester-long programs in diverse locations across the Americas and other international destinations. By combining language instruction with cultural immersion, these programs help you develop valuable linguistic and intercultural skills that will benefit you both academically and personally.
Whether you’re looking to start learning a new language that isn’t offered at your school or want to deepen your existing language skills, FLSAS’s study abroad programs provide a unique and enriching experience that fosters global awareness and personal growth.
Location: Varies by program and destination. FLSAS offers study abroad opportunities in over 45 countries, including options in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Program Length: Varies; options include summer, semester, and academic year programs.
Cost: The cost varies by program and location. Detailed cost information is typically provided upon request.
Eligibility: Middle School Students, generally ages 11-14, who are motivated to enhance their foreign language skills and cultural understanding..
Application Deadline: Varies by program; some programs have rolling admissions, while others have specific deadlines.
The AEACMS Exchange Program, established in 2009, allows you to engage in cultural and educational exchanges with Herderschule in Giessen, Germany. As part of the German American Partnership Program (GAPP), you can host a German peer in your home and later travel to Germany for about 20 days. During your stay, you'll attend school with your exchange partner, immersing yourself in the local culture, improving your language skills, and experiencing daily life in a different country.
The program includes organized sightseeing trips to enhance the educational experience. Costs and travel arrangements vary based on school schedules and flight prices. By immersing yourself in a new environment, you'll develop a global perspective and lifelong friendships, enriching your personal and academic growth. Interested students and parents can contact the program coordinator for more details and application procedures.
Location: Giessen, Germany
Program Length: Approximately 20 days.
Cost: Costs vary based on school schedules and flight prices; specific figures are not provided, and expenses may fluctuate depending on the timing and logistics of each trip.
Eligibility: Middle School Students enrolled at Albert Einstein Academies Charter Middle School (AEACMS).
Application Deadline: Not specified; typically announced by the school administration.
One more option - The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure!
To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines for 2024, you can refer to this page!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Exchange programs for middle school students offer a unique opportunity to experience new cultures, learn different languages, and develop a global perspective. Such experiences are invaluable in shaping young minds and broadening their understanding of the world. For students looking to make the most of their educational opportunities, turning to British Assignment Help can be a great resource. They provide support in understanding complex topics and ensuring that students excel in their academic endeavors.