Is it worth it to try to be a foreign exchange student in HS?
Recently, the idea of being an exchange student really intrigued me. I wouldn't mind for how long, (1 school year, a semester, a quarter) but I personally prefer a semester. I really want to go and study in Japan because I love the culture, I've been there many times before, (my family lives there) and I'm somewhat fluent in Japanese. I would only look into going to Japan and I'm not really open-minded to go anywhere else, but before looking into it too much I was wondering if it would be a waste of one of my HS years in America. I would plan to do it in my 10th-grade year, (fall 2025) because I don't want to miss 11th & 12th since my school offers dual enrolment for college that year. I also don't really know how it works, because things such as AP/Honors classes, Student Council, and NHS are all on my plan for next year, and would missing a year of school mess that all up? Or does it all depend on your school's rules for credits and things like that?
1 answer
Dr’s Answer
First off, is it worth it? Well, if you love Japan and have family there, this exchange could be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life. 🌸 You’ll get to level-up your language skills, get extra culturally savvy, and you’ll probably come back with some pretty cool stories to tell. Plus, when you’re an exchange student, you’re getting a whole new perspective on life, which is pretty priceless. Not to mention, you could end up mastering some Japanese culinary skills and maybe even bring back some delicious recipes to impress your friends (who doesn’t want to host a sushi night, right?). 🍣🎌
Now, the high school year concern—let’s talk about it. Missing a semester won’t necessarily ruin your high school experience, especially if you plan it wisely. If you’re aiming for 10th grade, that gives you two more years to crush it in the 11th and 12th grades. Dual enrollment, AP/Honors, NHS—don’t worry too much about missing out. Here’s why:
Dual Enrollment: This is usually something you can start as a junior or senior, so taking a semester off for an exchange won’t interfere as much. You can still hit those dual enrollment classes when you return.
AP/Honors: You might need to take a bit of a break from the hardest classes during your exchange, but remember, being an exchange student could also make you stand out when applying for college. Plus, Japan is all about discipline and hard work, so you'll probably come back more focused than ever.
NHS/Student Council: This one depends on your school’s rules, but you can always make up for missed opportunities in other ways. Maybe you can join a global leadership program to stay involved, or when you return, you can bring some unique perspectives and ideas to your school. It could make you a more awesome candidate for these groups!
Here’s the thing: life is all about balance and experiences. You can plan and prep to ensure that you won’t miss out on future academic opportunities, but there’s also something amazing about going out of your comfort zone and learning more than just textbooks. Plus, you get to be a part of a different world for a while—and trust me, that kind of experience will last a lifetime.
Is it a waste? Not even close. You’re going to learn, grow, and make memories that textbooks can’t teach. When you come back, you’ll bring so much more to your school—whether it’s language skills, new friendships, or an epic story about how you lived in Japan. 🌍
Go for it, make the most of your time there, and who knows? You might end up with some extra cool stories to share when you join those AP/Honors classes in your last two years. And if anyone asks, just tell them, "I was studying in Japan—learning real-world lessons, not just school lessons." 😎
Thank you so much!