When teens begin to think about what they want to do with
their future, college is one thing that comes to mind, but during the high
school years, many teens and parents consider the benefits of studying abroad for teens. Teens studying abroad both enhance teens
culturally, but also is a great item to place on a college application. Just some of the benefits of a teen study abroad program are:
- Provides greater lesson intensity than is usually available in a domestic, non-immersive setting.
- Provides a "living laboratory" which enables students to learn how the language is used in everyday life. Foreign immersion language training allows students to use newly developed language skills to interact in the local culture, and further reinforces skills learned in the classroom.
- Allows the teen studying abroad to truly learn how locals live, determine what they feel is important, and why they do the things they do.
- Builds confidence. For many individuals of all ages, the thought of being placed in a foreign atmosphere can be intimidating. Learning to interact and thrive in a foreign land allows students to gain confidence and self-reliance.
- Allows participants to meet others from around the world who have similar interests. Lifelong friendships often develop.
Earning academic credit is another
great benefit to study abroad programs for
teens. Many high school students take a foreign language proficiency exam
when they take their ACT or SAT exams. Students who have taken foreign language immersion programs abroad statistically
score higher on these exams than students who have not studied language abroad.
Depending on the score you get on these exams, you may be able to earn
'retroactive credit' or 'retro credit' for language study in the form of
foreign language credits at the college or university you attend.
Teen summer study abroad
programs, study abroad programs, international youth programs, and language immersion study for teens are all
programs offered by Teens Abroad, a
division of The National Registration Center for Study Abroad (NRCSA) dedicated
to serving the young adult community! Since 1968, NRCSA has provided
language, culture and recreational programs to over 25,000 teens at 40 approved
centers worldwide. With summer study
abroad programs in so many countries, teens
study abroad programs and international
summer camps with Teens Abroad
caters to every possible country that teens have selected in the past as a
destination they wish to visit and learn about. French language camps and Spanish language camps are some of their most
popular choices, and parents and schools encourage their participation.
Imagine
your teen in a youth summer camps in Spain, summer
camp in France,
or summer Spanish immersion program. Past students who have
participated in Teen Study Abroad programs with Teen Abroad have reflected on the lessons
learned by living with another family while studying abroad and the cultural
experience they gained through their Teen Study Abroad experience. Generally
speaking, one year of language study at the high school level is considered
equivalent to one semester of language study at the university level... which
is often considered equivalent to one month of language immersion abroad. On
college applications, having experience abroad or participating in a teen
study abroad program
is what makes the difference when selecting between two top candidates with
equal academic scores. In addition, showing you have volunteered is more and
more becoming a graduation requirement at a greater number of high schools. These
are just many of the reasons you should consider enrolling your teen in a summer study abroad program or a teen study abroad program, which includes international youth camps, international
youth summer camps,
French language camp and Spanish language camps. Speak with your teen about
their thoughts on a teen study abroad program this year before programs
become filled. Talk to them about learning a new culture and fulfill the
volunteer and extracurricular activity requirement at the same time? Teens age
17 and older may be eligible to join adult language and volunteer programs in
Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Peru or Bolivia. Volunteer programs for teenagers
are available in our Quito, Ecuador Teen Program for students age 15 and older.
For more information about Teens Abroad and the summer study abroad and language
immersion programs they offer, visit www.teensabroad.com
or call them directly at 202) 338-5927 or toll free from the USA and Canada 888
678 6211.