Accommodation

Host family

A host family is a volunteered family that welcomes student from different place or countries to stay with them during the exchange program period. This is particularly arranged for secondary school student and cultural exchange programs. The family often doesn’t receive any payment for hosting but the students are responsible for their own financial spending this include school fees, uniform, text books, internet and phone calls. A host family could come in many different forms including retired couples, single parents with or without children, couples with primary school children, couples with teenagers and a family pet and others. Host families have the responsibility to at least provide a room, meals, and a stable family environment for the student. Of course there is the natural possibility that problems may arise while living with any host family. In this case, most exchange programs allow for a switch of families.

In each family, it is required to have one parent who is at least 25 years of age. The families that have been selected are well prepared to experience new culture and give a new cultural experience to the student. A student could live with more than one family in an exchange program to expand their knowledge and experience new culture.

Housing

University student going on exchange program could choose either to live on campus or off campus. Living on campus will require them to compete with other local students for a place. Living off campus is a popular choice among student going for exchange because they would like to be independent and learn new culture on their own. Universities that host student exchange program do have special assistance for the student to seek accommodation (see the university websites and search for international student accommodation, different universities have different arrangement for accommodation). Universities in Asia particularly, have on-campus housing for the international student that is on exchange or studying full time. So, they don’t have to seek other accommodation outside the universities. Living in shared house, student lodge or apartment/hostels often come with 6 or more month contract depending on the length of stay in a particular institution or countries. Personal budget and lifestyle preference should also be taken into consideration before making an arrangement for accommodation. Students are advice to search for accommodation as soon as they receive their acceptance letter and student visa. Student should also have a backup plan if the house they are interested in is unavailable. Temporary accommodation such as backpacker motels or hotel is available for renting until student are able to find a permanent place to stay. Student could also arrange for a homestay if it is available in that particular country. Homestay is similar to Host Family but student have to pay them for the daily necessity that the family will provide for them this include room, food and others.Homestay Finder

Types of exchange programs

National Exchange Programs

Nal Student Exchange (NSE) is a not-for-profit education consortium, provides affordable and practical opportunities for students enrolled at member campuses to study and live in a new location. More than 94,000 students have participated in this program since it was founded in 1968. NSE is designed for students who are looking for chances to study in different state rather than country. This may be due to lack of interest in going overseas, or doesn’t have the chance to go or just wanting to gain experience on different culture and education but closer to home. NSE is only available in the American continent and its territories (United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) where universities and colleges that are members of NSE will receive and send student for exchange. Students are not allowed to go for an exchange to non NSE members. To date, there are nearly 200 universities and colleges that have registered as NSE members. Application process, placement and pre-departure process will be coordinated fully by the home NSE coordinator. Student could choose whether to pay the tuition fees to home campus or host campus. Student may only participate in the exchange for a cumulative total of time not to exceed one calendar year, defined as an academic year and a summer session.

International Exchange Programs

Short-term Exchange

Short term exchange program is also known as summer/intensive or cultural exchange program that focus on homestays, language skills, community service or cultural activities. Short term exchange program doesn’t require student to find counterpart from other country to exchange with. It is more on the exchange of culture between the student and host countries. High school and universities student could apply for the program from various government or non-governmental organization that organize the programs. This program could last from one week to three month and doesn’t require the student to study in any particular school or institution. The students are exposed to an intensive program that increases their understanding of other culture, community and languages. Here are some examples of short term student exchange program and organization:

• STS Student Travel Schools Exchange Programs
• YFU (Youth For Understanding) Exchange Program
• AFS (American Field Service) Intercultural Program
• Lions International Youth Exchange Program

Student exchange program

A student exchange program generally could be defined as a program where students from secondary school or university choose to study abroad in partner institutions. The terms 'student exchange' and 'study abroad' are often used interchangeably however study abroad usually involves the student study full time and not in partnered institution like student going for exchange where they will be studying in the partner university of their home institution. But in some countries, an exchange student is also considered a study abroad student because they are studying in different country than their own. Student exchange program does not necessarily require the student going out of the country but it could also be an exchange program within the continent and its territory which is the National student exchange program (NSE).

According to the U.S. government, foreign exchange programs exist to provide certain international cultural exchange programs designed to provide practical training and employment, and sharing of the history, culture, and traditions of participants home country citing the Q series international cultural exchange visa's specifications as provided by the U.S. department of state

Relationship with U.S. universities

At many campuses, study abroad programs are run by multiple companies and non-profit institutes that offer colleges generous incentives to increase enrollments. An influential article that appeared in The New York Times in 2007 highlighted that this can include free and subsidized travel overseas for officials, back-office services to defray operating expenses, stipends to market the programs to students, unpaid membership on advisory councils and boards, and even cash bonuses and commissions on student-paid fees. This money generally goes directly to colleges, not always to the students who take the trips.

Critics say that these and similar arrangements, which are seldom disclosed, typically limit student options and drive up prices for gaining international credentials compared with the most economical alternative — enrolling directly in a foreign university, paying generally lower tuition to that institution and having the credits transferred. Some campuses require students to use one of several affiliated providers, but some even have exclusive arrangements with study abroad agents, further limiting options.

Overview

The outside providers like IES and Arcadia's Center for Education Abroad that act as intermediaries by assisting program participants with logistics like course registration and housing arrangements. While models differ, academic and social guidance is generally included throughout the duration of a program, such as orientation, support services, field trips and cultural activities. Additionally, providers are typically able to provide transcripts that ease credit transfer for students who enroll in their programs based at universities abroad – offer all these extra services, of course, at an extra cost.

Third-party providers of all stripes pursue relationships with U.S. universities in the form of affiliation agreements or membership consortia agreements. There are many third-party providers in operation in the United States. Program models vary; please find a partial list below:

• • American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), based in Stamford, Connecticut
  • Academic Programs International (API), based in Austin, Texas
  • Academic Studies Abroad (ASA), based in Roslindale, Massachusetts
  • Arcadia University Center for Education Abroad, based in Glenside, Pennsylvania
  • Athena Study Abroad, based in Columbus, Ohio
  • Boston University International Programs, based in Boston, Massachusetts
  • CEA Global Education, based in Tempe, Arizona
  • CEPA Europe, based near Stuttgart, Germany
  • CET Academic Programs, based in Washington, DC
  • Council on International Education and Exchange (CIEE), based in Portland, Maine
  • Danish Institute for Study Abroad, affiliated with the University of Copenhagen.
  • Global Links Learning Abroad, based in Westminster, Colorado
  • Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), based in Chicago, Illinois
  • Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA), affiliated with Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana
  • interstudy, based in Medford, Massachusetts
  • International Studies Abroad (ISA), based in Austin, Texas
  • International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP), based in Washington, DC
  • Learnhub based in Toronto

Study abroad organization

Study abroad organizations, also referred to as study abroad providers, and third-party study abroad providers are independent organizations that facilitate or administer study abroad programs. Providers of study abroad vary enormously in terms of organizational structure, program model and type, and services offered to participants.

Given the tremendous growth in the number of U.S. students studying abroad over the last two decades, the study abroad industry has become more crowded and competitive in recent years. The study abroad business has traditionally been a cottage industry with a hodgepodge of domestic and foreign universities, for-profit and non-profit independent organizations providing thousands of programs in more than 100 countries. Some, like the Danish Institute for Study Abroad, offer their own programs, with their own courses and curricular expectations. Others, like the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) and the Arcadia University Center for Education Abroad, offer some of their own programs, but also are known for acting as intermediaries—offering student services, plus a quality control stamp, for those students enrolling in foreign universities who want more of a cushion than what's available when they directly enroll through international student offices abroad.

Sponsored by U.S. College and Universities: study centers and international branch campuses

Some of the most popular study abroad programs include those sponsored by a student's home institution, by another U.S. college or university, or by a consortium of U.S. colleges or universities. These programs are designed to allow students to study in a foreign environment while remaining within a U.S. academic framework. Credit transfer is arranged by the sponsoring and programs typically align with traditional U.S. academic calendars. The U.S. sponsor institution will typically assist with housing arrangements, and may arrange cultural activities and excursions for participating students. Study center are known as "island programs" because create separate classes and spaces for U.S. and foreign students.

Funding study abroad

Costs for a study abroad program include, but are not limited to tuition and fees, room and board, medical insurance, passport and visa fees and transportation costs. While U.S. universities vary in terms of policies related to financing study abroad, financial aid for U.S. students who wish to study abroad may include a combination of scholarships, grants from the home university, government student loans, and private student loans.

Funding study abroad

Costs for a study abroad program include, but are not limited to tuition and fees, room and board, medical insurance, passport and visa fees and transportation costs. While U.S. universities vary in terms of policies related to financing study abroad, financial aid for U.S. students who wish to study abroad may include a combination of scholarships, grants from the home university, government student loans, and private student loans.

Criticism

In mid-2007, New York's attorney general opened an inquiry into the relationships between universities and providers of study abroad. According to the lawyer, Benjamin Lawsky, deputy counselor in the office of Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, the inquiry was to focus on whether cash incentives and other perks that study abroad providers give universities influence their decisions about where students may study. Critics contend that the practices, rarely disclosed and largely unknown, limit study abroad options and drive up the price that is ultimately passed onto students. The investigation follows disclosures in The New York Times that providers of study abroad are offering colleges rebates, free and subsidized travel, unpaid seats on advisory boards, help with back-office services and marketing stipends. In some cases, perks are tied to the number of students universities send to a given provider’s program. When asked, Lawsky said that the inquiry grew out of his office's inquiries into similar practices in the student loan industry.

Four basic program models

Four basic models have been identified to refer to a study abroad program's structure. They consist of (a) Island, (b) Integrated, (c) Hybrid, and (d) Field-study programs.

• Island - Students participating in island programs study alongside other American students in a study center. Island programs are typically sponsored U.S. universities and/or third-party providers, who develop a curriculum specifically with American students in mind.

• Integrated Students who participate on an integrated program enroll directly in courses alongside local students at a host university. Program sponsors may provide additional services such as assistance with course registration and language tutoring.

Duration

Study abroad programs are available to students throughout the year. However, the majority enroll in Semester or Summer programs (37.3% and 35.8%). Even though the total number of outbound U.S. students grew by over 100,000 from 2000/01 to 2008/09, the percentages of students studying abroad during a given term remained largely stable. However, the long-term trends of steadily relatively fewer students signing up for Academic Year programs in favor of growing enrollments in programs less than 8 weeks during the Academic Year. Duration of U.S. Study Abroad (% of Total), 1999/00 - 2008/09.

Types of programs

Despite the slight decline in U.S. students studying abroad for credit in 2008-2009, study abroad is likely to continue to grow. The number of outgoing U.S. students pursuing overseas study has increased over fivefold since the late 1980s, from less than 50,000 students to more than 260,000 in 2008-09. Behind the numbers, though, has been the proliferation in the type study abroad programs. According to Lilli Engel of the American University Center of Provence, there are fundamental differences in the academic and cultural experience offered by study abroad programs today that suggest the need to create a level-based classification system for program types. In an influential Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad article, she compares "a one-month summer term, requiring little or no host language proficiency, with subject-matter classes in English, collective housing and American roommates" with "a full-year program for students of advanced linguistic proficiency housed individually in a host family and directly enrolled in local university courses or engaged in a professional internship or service-learning project."

Trends

Despite flat overall study abroad numbers, there were notable increases in the numbers of U.S. students going to some of the less traditional destinations for study abroad in 2008/09. Double digit increases to host countries among the top 25 destinations include Argentina, Chile,Denmark, the Netherlands, Peru, South Africa and South Korea. Double-digit decreases among the top 25 host countries include Mexico (which experienced H1N1 virus outbreak that year), Austria and India.

History

The University of Delaware is typically credited with creating the first study abroad program designed for U.S. undergraduate students in the 1920s. Professor Raymond W. Kirkbride, a French professor and World War I veteran, won support from university president Walter S. 

Study abroad in the United States

Studying abroad is the act of a student pursuing educational opportunities in a country other than one's own. This can include primary, secondary and post-secondary students. In the United States, 260,327 students studied abroad for academic credit in 2008-2009, which represented a modest decline of 0.8% from the previous year's record high of 262,214, according to the most recent "Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange" report. The number of students studying abroad still represents only about 1% of all students enrolled at institutions of higher education in the United States.