How do I become a high school exchange student?

How the high school exchange application process works:

• Check out all the information about the large variety of destinations Nacel offers. We organize high school study abroad programs across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The world is your oyster!
• Determine the language requirements. Of course, English is enough in English-speaking countries, but if you choose to attend an international boarding school in Europe, you will normally need a basic to good knowledge of the language spoken in your destination country, whether it'd be French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Spanish, or even Japanese!
• Consider the age requirements. Most programs are open to students aged 15 to 17 years of age, but some may be open to younger students from 13 years of age. Other programs welcome older students who are 18 or 19!
• Check if your passport is valid for the entire period you plan to be abroad and even beyond, that just in case you decide to stay longer. If it is not, start the passport renewal process right away to avoid disappointment.
• Meet the Academic Counselor at your school to discuss your exchange intentions. You will need their approval to leave for a semester or longer and to understand your school's requirements to seamlessly continue your education upon return. For example, will your school need you to have passed subjects at a specific level while abroad? Do they need you to return home with a simple certificate of attendance or a full grade report from your school abroad?
• Contact Nacel's Educational Advisor. We will do our best to respond within 24 hours. Feel free to ask questions in order to check eligibility for your desired program and learn how to proceed. Nacel will then provide a dedicated handbook about your chosen destination.
• After making contact, a video call including your parents will be scheduled. This call is essential for you all to get to know your Nacel Advisor, who will be pleased to answer all of your questions. We will explain everything you need to know about your chosen program and the next steps needed to make it a reality!

Ready to enroll in your high school study abroad program?

• Now you can book your program online on the Nacel website. Choose your destination and high school program, then go to Book Now! Give approximate dates for your intended arrival and departure.  Specific dates will be agreed upon when you are accepted into the program.
• Complete your basic information in the My Trip Abroad portal.  Your Nacel Advisor will send you your login and password.
• When validated, you move to the next step, which is to prepare your program application form and collect the necessary supporting documents for your application. Submit your application to your Advisor. Please check our next article to learn more about the application package.
• Based on your complete application, we will confirm your final acceptance! You will have to pay an acceptance deposit to confirm your commitment.
• Nacel will then start working on your placement. Don't worry, this process takes a little bit of time!
• When your placement is ready, you will need to complete the balance of your program payment.
• Then we work on the supporting documents for your visa application and assist, as needed, during that process. Don't worry, you will not be alone and will be supported throughout.
  

Ready to leave? It is now time to fly overseas to start your high school study abroad!

• As your departure date gets closer, you will receive more guidance, handbooks, tips on what to pack, and other help to prepare you for this adventure.
• As your exchange organization, we will work on your arrival logistics, which involves checking if your documentation is complete, determining if you have insurance cover for your stay abroad, whether your visa has arrived, collecting flight information, arranging airport pick-up and transfer, and ensuring your orientation.
• It is now time for take-off. ENJOY!