Getting Started
The First Step
Consider some of the activities listed on the checklist in "Dreaming of an International Career?" article in this issue. Then, to start planning for a trip abroad, ask your teachers and counselors about opportunities through your school. Your religious center, sports teams, sister cities program, rotary club or music groups may also have opportunities for those in your community to participate in. If this doesn't turn up something that interests you, browse these websites to find organizations that send students abroad from across the United States:
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Mobility International USA (use keyword “high school”)
More international high school and conference opportunities are also listed in the article "Don't Miss these Opportunities" in this issue. Make sure you start several months before you plan to go so you don't miss deadlines to apply.
When looking for a program, you have to do a balancing act between being open to a variety of options, and focusing in on what you want to do. If you are studying French, don't limit yourself only to France, but consider West Africa, Canada and the Caribbean too. On the other hand, if you want to be a volunteer abroad but are open to "anywhere in the world," it will take you longer to narrow down your options. Thinking too broadly will also make it harder to spread the word about where you want to go and get solid leads and suggestions for programs.
The Second Step
Discuss the programs that interest you with your parents and the program leaders to find out more about the locations, activities, length, dates, costs and qualities of the program. Examples of some questions to ask are:
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How long has the program leader or exchange organization been sending students abroad?
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What are the scheduled activities and how much free time will there be?
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What does the program fee cover? Does the organization provide scholarships?
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Will there be other students on the program and if so how many?
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Where will the students be sleeping and how will they get around?
If you're not sure about a particular program, ask for names and contact information for former participants who can tell you about their experiences.
Debating whether to go on a two week program or for a semester? Sometimes short exchanges can give you a taste of what overseas travel is like, and provide you with contacts, confidence and skills that will be valuable when you go on a longer exchange later. On the other hand, it can take a lot of energy to plan for a trip of any duration, so you might consider going on a longer program to really get a feel for the community and language, especially since you never know when you might get a chance to return.
The Third Step
Once you find a program that works for you, apply or sign up. You are not required to disclose your disability, and you may choose not to mention your disability needs until after you have been accepted into the program. However, if you do want to know about disability access before you spend the time or application fee, you might want to ask the program:
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What experience does the program have with students with disabilities?
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Can they provide specific information related to your disability needs?
If the exchange program doesn't have previous experience, they might not have accuarate information on possible arrangements or on what is accessible in the overseas location. If this is the case, don't be discouraged. Contact the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) which provides free information on how to plan for and find disability-related services overseas. NCDE staff can also work with your parents, program leaders and you so that barriers are removed and you have a great time exploring other cultures abroad!
The Fourth Step
Attend orientation sessions, fundraise, pack your things and then head overseas to have the time of your life! Once you are accepted to a program, begin as early as possible in the predeparture planning process to work out access issues. You might also want to check out the books listed below to help you figure out what to expect. While there, keep a journal, take photos, and come back to share your adventures with others or maybe even have your story published in this very magazine.
Books for Figuring out the Unfamiliar
The following four books will help you learn what to expect as far as different languages and cultural habits in the country you're headed to, and will give you tips to prepare for your exchange program. If you haven’t yet applied to go abroad, these books can help you decide whether this type of experience interests you.
The Slangman Guide to Street Speak
By Dan Burke $18.95, Published by Slangman Education Essentials
The author of these books, a former high school exchange student to France, has written many publications on this topic and presents it in a fun and easy way to learn. His three books on French, Italian, and Spanish is full of humorous cartoons and practical examples of slang you might come across in conversations while abroad.
By Laura Hershey $16.95, Published by Mobility International USA
This 200-page book focuses on academic, volunteer, short-term work and other types of cross-cultural exchange for a cross-disability audience. The book compiles new tips and stories from twenty individuals with disabilities that have traveled to other countries. It addresses disability-related aspects for you to consider when choosing a program, applying, preparing for the trip, adjusting to a new country and returning home.
Exchange Student Survival Kit
By Bettina Hansel $16.95, Published by Intercultural Press
While the previous book will give you tips on preparing for disability issues, this book will give you lessons learned from exchange participants your age. As more high school students participate in international exchange programs, you can learn from their experiences and better prepare for your own. Adjusting and adapting to a new culture, school, family and community for a few weeks, months or a year can be challenging. Students who read this book can lean what to expect. You can learn about typical feelings other youth have at certain times on international programs, and some of the ways to solve similar issues that may arise for you.