International Student Exchange Programs

An International Student Exchange Program is a study curriculum for students wherein they can attend classes at an International Institute, which may or may not be in a tie-up with their Alma mater, for three or six months to a year.

The US, Australia, the UK, China, Canada, New Zealand, and Germany are some nations that see a large influx of Ghanaian students annually. One thing that is clear from all this is the fact that the access and knowledge that international schooling provides are high on the priority list of a lot of Ghanaian students.

For the uninitiated; in a student exchange program, students from an academic entity travel to a foreign country as part of Eduteen Ghana’s affiliate. The students on this curriculum may or may not be mandated to study at the college or school overseas. Other than being a life-enriching experience, these exchange programs also provide one with a head-start to achieve their future goals. The students will remain independent, strengthen their language skills, and grow a global perspective on a variety of worldly issues. Even though these Exchange Programs for students last usually from three months to a school year, they are certainly the opportunity of a lifetime.

They say you don’t start living unless you step out of your comfort zone. One may feel that in their own state, hometown, or college, they have a lot to discover and experience in life. But how will they get to know all the exciting things about living in another country if they’re not willing to step out of their comfort zone? Student exchange programs are one of the easiest ways to experience international education without having to spend a lot of time away from home. These youth exchange programs are different from the usual forms of studying abroad. For some time, they may entail international travel and research, but do not necessarily require the student to live outside their home country.

A short-term exchange runs from one week to three months and does not mandate students to study at any college or institution in particular. Students are subjected to an intensive course which will improve their knowledge of other cultures, societies, and languages. Often recognized as a summer/intensive or cultural exchange program, these concentrate on housing, language skills, service to the community, and cultural activities. High school and university students may apply to different government or non-governmental organizations coordinating the applications for the programs.

Long-term Exchange Programs

A long-term exchange is one that takes six to ten months or one full year to complete. Participants, in their host countries attend high school or college through a student visa. Usually, a J-1 cultural exchange visa or F-1 foreign student visa is issued to guest students coming to the United States. It is hoped that students will integrate into the host family and immerse themselves in the local community and surroundings. They are required to integrate this information into their daily lives upon their return to their home country, as well as to give their sponsors a briefing on their experience. Many exchange programs, at least at an elementary level, expect students to be able to speak the language of the host country. Several programs require students to complete a standardized test for English language comprehension before being accepted into a program that takes them to the U.S. Some programs do not analyze the capacity of speech. Within a few months, many exchange students are proficient in the host country’s language.

1. Study Overseas at the Fraction of the Price Their most attractive feature is the low cost of student exchange programs. Going to university abroad normally costs a fortune which goes beyond most Ghanaian students’ economic means. However, students can gain the experience of studying and living in a foreign country at a tiny fraction of the cost when traveling internationally on a student exchange program.
2. Exposure to Innovative Learning Methods Every nation has its own teaching methodology. When a student from a specific country goes overseas, they are introduced to alternative educational methods; something they are likely to bring back to their native country to exchange with their peers. The exposure, however, improves not just their own educational process, but also that of their classmates back home.
3. Stepping Stone to Personal Growth There’s nothing quite like living by oneself in a foreign country for self-improvement, away from family and friends. The exchange will lead to increased self-esteem and self-confidence. It will further strengthen the decision-making skills and critical thinking skills of students, not to mention their understanding and appreciation of various cultures and landscapes.
4. Plan for the World Economy The rapidly diminishing business world is always searching for people who know and can work in the global economy. As most university students traveling abroad on student exchange programs are on the verge of entering the workforce, they are prepared to work in the global economy by their experience overseas. They have a clear grasp of the global market dynamics and are far better trained to address global problems at their workplaces.
5. Create Life-Long Bonds Many programs necessitate students to live in the host nation with a foster family. This helps students appreciate and understand the host country’s culture and heritage, creating global citizens. If they ever decide to work and move overseas, the experience of moving into a new way of life comes in handy. In fact, living so close to a set of people while being on the receiving end of their hospitality and kindness helps students develop life-long relationships with them.

Whether you’re a high school student, college or university, or just starting your career, the right exchange program will improve your self-confidence and skill set, letting you develop a better understanding of the various dynamics of the world around you. Even if your Alma mater is not in a tie-up with any international institution, you can still apply for student exchange through us at Eduteen Ghana where we review your exchange requirement qualification, certification, choice of program, and duration. We also help find a host family in the host country who’ll support you move into the new environment with ease.

The expense of international student exchange programs is determined, as appropriate, by the student exchange program entity or their respective school or university. The price of Ghanaian student exchange programs often varies depending on the host country, study period, and other factors. There are services that can offer scholarships to international students to cover travel and lodging costs, and other requirements. Some of these programs are:

1. The Fulbright-Nehru Program The Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships are planned for exceptional Indians to complete a master’s degree program at chosen U.S. colleges and universities in the fields of Arts and Culture Management, including Economics; Heritage Conservation and Museum Studies; International Legal Studies; Public Health; Higher Education Administration; Urban and Regional Planning; International Affairs; Environmental Science / Studies; Public Administration and Women’s Studies/Gender Studies. Such fellowships are for highly driven individuals who exhibit leadership potential; have completed a U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalent; have at least three years of formal work experience, and are committed to returning and contributing to their communities. The fellowships are one to two years in duration.
2. Grant Benefits The following benefits are provided along with the fellowship: – Round trip economy class air travel to the host establishment in the U.S. from the fellow’s home town. – J-1 Visa aid. – Tuition and fees funding. – Housing and related costs; and – Coverage for injuries/accidents and illness as per U.S. Government Guidelines.
3. Eligibility Requirements Other than the General Prerequisites, the applicants must/should: – Have finished with an equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, with at least 55 percent marks from an accredited Indian college. Applicants must either have a four-year bachelor’s degree or a concluded master’s degree if the bachelor’s degree was less than four years; – Have at least three full-time (paid) experience in the field related to your desired field of study within the application deadline; – Exhibit leadership and community service skills; – Not hold any degree from a U.S. institution or be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program; – If you are working, make sure to follow the employer’s endorsement instructions carefully. – If required, please receive the approval of the FNMasters Employer’s Endorsement Form from the relevant regulatory body. The manager should state that for the duration of the fellowship, a leave will be issued.
4. AFS Intercultural Programs AFS Intercultural Programs is a global, non-governmental, voluntary, non-profit organization that promotes opportunities for cross-cultural education to help individuals acquire the expertise, skills, and knowledge they need to build an equitable and peaceful world. Vision 2020: To be the prominent cross-cultural educational organization for experiences focusing on expanding its underserved programs.
5. International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) ISEP is a non-profit academic community that helps students transcend the monetary and intellectual barriers to study abroad. It has now become one of the world’s leading networks of studying overseas.