There are a variety of opportunities to study abroad for as long as a year, and they are open to high school students with disabilities. No matter your disability, many programs, such as those sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) are committed to ensuring your program is accessible and inclusive.
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) funds many exchange programs for high school students to gain leadership experience outside the United States. The ECA encourages people with disabilities to apply for all of its funded exchange programs.
National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
Do you wish that your high school had more language options then French and Spanish? Maybe you would like to get closer to your cultural roots.
The U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program was launched in 2006 to promote critical language learning among American youth. The U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with American Councils for International Education, awards and administers merit-based scholarships to high school students for participation in summer and academic year immersion programs in locations where the eight NSLI-Y languages are spoken.
NSLI-Y immerses participants in the cultural life of the host community, giving them formal and informal language practice and sparking a lifetime interest in foreign languages and cultures. Participants receive intensive language instruction, live with a host family for all or part of the program, and participate in a variety of cultural activities. Beginners are encouraged to apply for any of the target languages; previous language experience is not required.
“My teachers were very accommodating. They made sure I didn’t get lost, they situated me more towards the front of the classroom to make sure that I could see everything, and it was very helpful. Sure, I needed a little more help on certain assignments, but other than that, I could really do everything. I was just as engaged as the other kids.” – Nathan Liu, NSLI-Y alumnus who is blind
Future Leaders Exchange Study Abroad Program (FLEX Abroad)
After 30 years of bringing high school students with and without disabilities for exchange years in the United States, the Future Leaders Exchange Program is now available to American high schoolers looking to experience Eastern Europe/Eurasia for themselves.
FLEX Abroad provides a unique fully funded exchange experience for American high school students to build global awareness and intercultural competency by going to high school and living in a formerly Soviet union country for a year. This experience positively impacts students’ personal growth and ensures global mutual understanding through direct interaction with another culture.
Youth Exchange and Study Abroad Program
Through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad Program, U.S.-citizen high school students and recent graduates (age 15-18.5) live and study for an academic year in select countries with significant Muslim populations through competitive, merit-based scholarships from the U.S. Department of State. A sister program to FLEX Abroad, the YES Abroad Program sends students to spend a high school year in predominantly Muslim countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX)
American high school students can apply for a funded study abroad opportunity to spend an academic year attending a German school while living with a host family. Similarly, the Vocational and Young Professional programs provide American high school graduates with a chance to study and train in Germany for an academic year, while gaining real-world work experiences and German language instruction. The program is designed to strengthen ties between U.S. and German youth, improve their career skills through formal study and work experience, and expand their perspectives and awareness of each other’s culture, society, history, and politics.
“I always had an interest in just comparing different education systems. But I’ve only ever been to school in the U.S. so I was like, you know, I really want to see what school is like in Germany and just compare that to see how similar or different to the United States.” – Michelle She, CBYX alumnus with cerebral palsy
Youth Leadership Program
The youth Leadership Program, a three to four week exchange program for service-oriented young adults between the ages of 15 and 17, is a great way to begin a life of learning through global exploration. During the exchanges, students and educators participate in workshops, community service activities, team building exercises, meetings with community leaders, leadership development, and live with local host families. Upon their return home, the students apply what they have learned to implement projects that serve needs in their communities. The Youth Leadership Program goes to select countries in Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa.
Youth Ambassadors Program
If you are more interested in the Western Hemisphere, consider the U.S. Youth Ambassadors Program, a 3-week leadership exchange abroad for U.S. teenagers ages 15-17 and adult educators. The program provides full scholarships for 120 students and adult educators to take part in a country in the Caribbean, or Central and South America. After returning home, program participants carry out a community service project in their community.
Conclusion
High school students with disabilities wishing to study abroad before college have a lot of options. Access more information about the programs we named here in the related links section below. Explore our other resources, and Contact Us if you have any questions!
