10 Free Study Abroad Programs for High School Students
Do you want to study abroad but without the cost? Many high school students don't realize that many exchange programs offer fully-funded opportunities to live and learn overseas. Through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State and various international organizations, these programs allow you to experience different cultures and educational systems. The knowledge and exposure gained through a study abroad program can also be a valuable starting point for your college application essays.
We've listed 10 study abroad programs that cover most of your expenses, making international exchange accessible to students from all backgrounds. Whether you're drawn to mastering a new language in Japan, exploring cultural heritage in Germany, or developing leadership skills in South America, these opportunities offer enriching experiences without burdening families with program costs.
Location: Depending on which study abroad program you pursue, over 10 countries are available.
Cost: No cost; the U.S. Department of State’s Study Abroad scholarship covers the cost.
Eligibility: Current high school students
Dates & Deadlines: Dates and application registration deadlines vary.
The U.S. Department of State offers international exchange programs that blend cultural immersion with professional development. Through initiatives like the National Security Language Initiative, you can experience life abroad while developing crucial skills. You will fully integrate into the local community, living with a host family and attending an area school. This approach helps you develop global awareness and practical competencies that international employers value. These programs are particularly valuable for high school students interested in pursuing government careers or international relations. The combination of cultural exchange, language acquisition, and exposure to different political systems creates an excellent foundation for future work in public service or diplomatic roles.
Location: See YES Abroad’s location map here
Cost: No cost; the YES Abroad scholarship covers the entire cost of this program
Eligibility: Current high school students
Dates & Deadlines: Applications are due December 4
The YES Abroad program, administered by the U.S. Department of State, stands out as an international exchange opportunity that enables American high school students to experience life in different cultures worldwide. This program places you with a local family for a full academic year, allowing you to participate in daily life, attend a regional school, and become an active member of your host community. You will improve your language abilities and deepen your understanding of global perspectives and cultural traditions. Through everyday interactions with your host family and peers, you will build meaningful connections between your home and host countries.
3. Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX)
Location: Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland, and Romania
Cost: No cost for the above countries. Students will have to fund personal expenses beyond basic needs during the exchange
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in grade 9-12 at the time of applying
Dates & Deadline: December 4
The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program is a competitive, merit-based scholarship program funded by the U.S. Department of State. You will spend approximately 10 months in a country of your choice, living with a volunteer host family and attending a local high school. The program aims to help students promote US culture and values in their host communities through interaction with their families and other community members. The program also emphasizes developing critical leadership skills to help you in the long run. Note that you will have to take on the cost of having a valid U.S. passport and other personal expenses beyond basic needs while on the exchange.
Location: You can choose to study abroad in multiple countries; find all of them here
Cost: Varies based on the country; there are 200 merit-based scholarships available. Learn more about them here.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are between the ages of 15 and 18 and have a GPA above 3.0
Dates & Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; dates differ for different countries.
Youth For Understanding (YFU) is an international exchange program supported by the U.S. Department of State. It offers merit-based scholarships for high school students to study abroad. You will spend a summer, semester, or academic year living with a host family while attending a local school in one of over sixty participating countries. The program aims to foster global understanding through cultural exchange, enabling students to serve as young ambassadors while developing essential leadership skills and cross-cultural competencies. YFU participants enhance their language abilities while building lasting international connections.
Location: Locations speaking the following languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, and Turkish
Cost: Costs related to obtaining a passport, medical examinations, and personal expenses over and above basic needs will have to be covered by you. The program covers the rest.
Eligibility: Students aged 15 – 18 years old who have a minimum GPA of 2.5
Dates & Deadline: TBA
Given its backing by the U.S. Department of State and historically selective admission process (previous years have seen only about one in seven applicants accepted), this program represents a chance to join a distinguished group of young language ambassadors. Accepted participants typically begin their language preparation several months before departure, usually starting in the spring. You will dive deep into language acquisition, participating in weekly language sessions alongside regular academic and cultural activities. It's worth noting that participants don't choose their target language or host country—these are assigned based on program needs.
Location: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador
Cost: Free; you are only responsible for passport and vaccination fees
Eligibility: Students aged 15 – 17 (at the start of the program)
Dates & Deadline: Argentina: July 20 - August 6; Belize: June 25 - July 8; Brazil: July 2 - July 19; Costa Rica: May 21 - June 3; Ecuador A: July 2 - July 14; Ecuador B: July 23 - August 4
This three-week program is ideal for students looking for an impactful international experience for a shorter time period. You can choose between English language advancement or Spanish immersion tracks, with both paths requiring existing language proficiency. The program develops leadership skills and global awareness through community engagement. Working alongside local community members, you will explore topics like social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Run by World Learning, a respected non-profit backed by the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, this program develops cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills.
Location: Options are available from the regions of Asia/Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, and South Africa
Cost: Varies depending on country and program length (can range from $5,000 to $15,000). Scholarships are available.
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 15 and 18 and a half. You must also rank in the upper third of your class or have a B grade average.
Dates & Deadlines: Varies by program; summer, semester, and year-long options are available
Through this program, you will experience daily life with a local host family while attending a neighborhood school alongside your international peers. What makes this opportunity appealing is its remarkable placement rate–nearly all students secure their preferred destination country. This flexibility in location choice comes with traditional exchange benefits: cultural experiences, academic growth, and lasting international connections. We’ve included this program for its high placement rate and enriching experiences. However, unlike some government-sponsored exchanges, you must cover your own expenses (although scholarships are available). The program includes comprehensive student support, ensuring you benefit from your time abroad.
Location: 40+ countries available
Cost: Varies with each program; Scholarships are available
Eligibility: Varies with each program
Dates & Deadlines: Varies by program; summer, semester, and year-long options are available
Building global connections is at the core of this nonprofit's educational mission. While sharing key elements with traditional exchanges—living with local families, attending community schools, and fostering personal growth—this program takes a tailored approach to international experiences. You can select from various programs with different locations and time commitments. This targeted application process lets you align your time abroad with opportunities that match your goals and schedule. The organization provides detailed resources to help you identify your ideal destination based on personal interests, cultural preferences, and academic objectives.
Location: Select countries in Asia, Europe, and Latin America
Fee: Varies with each program; discounts are offered to students whose families have hosted an international ICES student
Eligibility: Generally, students must be between the ages of 15 and 19 and have a minimum GPA of 2.4, but each program has its own criteria
Dates & Deadlines: Varies by program; short-term and long-term programs available
Among youth exchange organizations, International Cultural Exchange Services stands out by allowing students to select their preferred destination and the length of their stay abroad. While embracing the traditional elements of cultural exchange, this program emphasizes language acquisition. Through structured learning combined with daily immersion, you will develop strong linguistic capabilities. Beyond the classroom, you will broaden your worldview through community involvement and everyday interactions in the host country. The program's adaptable structure allows each participant to design an experience that aligns with their personal goals, whether focusing on academic growth, cultural exploration, or language mastery.
Location: Varies with each rotary club
Cost: Room and board are provided, but you will have to arrange for travel costs and personal expenses
Eligibility: Students aged 15 – 19
Dates & Deadlines: Varies with each rotary club; long-term (one academic year) and short-term (up to 3 months) exchanges are available
Known globally for fostering peace and local service, Rotary International extends its mission through youth exchanges for high school students. While each local Rotary club tailors its exchange program to reflect community values, they all aim to encourage students to embrace global citizenship and drive positive change. As you live and study in your host countries, you will develop leadership capabilities and cross-cultural understanding. Interested students must connect with their nearest Rotary club to learn about specific opportunities, requirements, and application steps.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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.
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