8 Free Exchange Programs for High School Students
Experiencing high school in a different country or state through an exchange program is a great way to broaden your perspective, build new friendships, and immerse yourself in a different culture. Whether you're learning a new language, adapting to unfamiliar traditions, or gaining insights from diverse viewpoints, these programs help you step outside your comfort zone. Many prestigious exchange programs also provide experiences that strengthen college applications while developing skills like independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication.
The best part? Many of these programs are fully funded, covering major expenses like airfare, housing, meals, and even a monthly stipend in some cases. Instead of worrying about costs, you can focus on learning, exploring, and building meaningful connections.
From government-funded initiatives to nonprofit-led opportunities, here are 8 fully funded exchange programs for high schoolers.
Location: Available in countries where Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian, Turkish, Russian, or Arabic is spoken.
Cost: You cover passport, medical exams, and personal expenses; all other costs are covered by the program.
Application Deadline: November 2.
Program Dates/Duration: 8-10 months starting in August or September, with a 2-3 month summer program option.
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15-18 with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
The U.S. Department of State’s NSLI-Y program provides fully funded opportunities for high school students to study critical languages such as Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, and Turkish in immersive environments abroad. Open to beginners and advanced learners alike, the program offers intensive language instruction, cultural activities, and homestay experiences. Participants engage in structured coursework, practice language skills in real-world settings, and develop cross-cultural communication abilities.
The program also emphasizes adaptability and global awareness, preparing students for future academic and professional pursuits. Depending on location, students may participate in mentorship sessions, excursions, and community engagement projects. Program availability and structure may vary based on local health and safety conditions.
Location: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador.
Cost: Free.
Application Deadline: Applications open in the fall of the previous year.
Program Dates/Duration: 3 weeks; specific dates vary by country. Please check the program page for details.
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school students aged 15-17 with at least one semester remaining after the program.
The U.S. Youth Ambassadors Program provides a fully funded, three-week leadership exchange for U.S. high school students (ages 15-17) and adult educators. Participants travel to countries in the Caribbean, Central, or South America—such as Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, or Ecuador—to explore topics like civic engagement, environmental stewardship, social impact, and global citizenship. The program includes cultural immersion, leadership training, and hands-on projects, helping students develop cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills. Activities may involve language practice, community service, and collaborations with local organizations.
Location: Over 100 countries with Rotary Clubs.
Cost: Participants cover round-trip airfare, travel insurance, and travel documents; room, board, and school fees are covered.
Application Deadline: Varies by Rotary Club.
Program Dates/Duration: Long-term exchanges last a full academic year; short-term exchanges range from several days to three months.
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-19.
The Rotary Youth Exchange program offers high school students (ages 15-19) the chance to participate in fully funded exchanges in over 100 countries. Long-term exchanges last an academic year, with students attending local schools and living with host families, while short-term exchanges range from a few days to three months and may include camps, tours, or homestays. You will develop language skills, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability through hands-on experiences in diverse settings. The program encourages leadership, global awareness, and international friendships, fostering a deeper understanding of different cultures.
Location: Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland, or Romania.
Cost: All expenses covered, except for passport costs and medical examinations.
Application Deadline: Applications for the next academic year typically open in the fall; please check back then for updates.
Program Dates/Duration: Year-long exchange program.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in grades 9-12 (including homeschool).
The Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Abroad program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, offers American high school students a fully funded opportunity to study in Georgia, Kazakhstan, Poland, or Romania. You will live with host families, attend local schools, and engage with your host communities, gaining firsthand experience with different cultural and educational systems. The program focuses on leadership development, intercultural exchange, and mutual understanding. Students take part in daily life abroad while reflecting on their own cultural perspectives. Launched in 2021 as an extension of the long-running FLEX program, FLEX Abroad aims to strengthen connections between the U.S. and regions in Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia.
Location: Germany.
Cost: Free program with a regular monthly stipend; students cover travel costs from the U.S. and passport/visa expenses.
Application Deadline: Applications for the following year typically open in Fall season.
Program Dates/Duration: Year-long exchange program.
Eligibility: High school students.
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program, jointly funded by the U.S. and German governments, provides high school students with a fully funded academic year in Germany. Participants live with host families, attend local high schools, and take part in language training upon arrival. The program includes cultural excursions, a visit to the German Bundestag, and meetings with U.S. and German officials. Covered expenses include international travel, medical benefits, housing, meals, tuition, and a monthly stipend. Through this experience, students develop language proficiency, cross-cultural communication skills, and a deeper understanding of German society. Pre-departure training and in-country support ensure a structured and immersive exchange.
Locations: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Morocco, North Macedonia, Senegal, Thailand, Türkiye.
Cost: All costs are covered, except for passport fees and personal expenses beyond basic needs.
Application Deadline: Register here to be notified when the next application opens.
Program Dates/Duration: Annual program.
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in grades 9-12 (including home school) at the time of application.
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program offers fully funded opportunities for high school students to live and study in countries with significant Muslim populations, such as India, Malaysia, or Bulgaria. Participants attend local high schools, live with host families, and complete independent capstone projects, like creating a city guide or exploring local traditions.
Through immersion, students develop adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and language skills while gaining insight into global perspectives. They also engage in community activities and navigate daily life in a new culture, fostering leadership and problem-solving skills. By sharing their backgrounds and learning from others, students promote mutual understanding between the U.S. and their host country.
Location: Indianapolis, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington
Cost: Costs covered by the program
Application Deadline: March 9
Program Dates/Duration: June 24-July 22
Eligibility: All 16-18 years old U.S. citizens may apply.
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) is a four-week program at Purdue University that brings together young people from the U.S. and Europe to explore international diplomacy, media, democracy, and civic engagement. Through seminars, debates, and workshops, you will develop leadership, critical thinking, and public speaking skills while engaging with U.S. politicians, scholars, and journalists. Hands-on activities like community service projects foster collaboration and social impact.
Beyond academics, cultural exchange includes visits to Chicago and Washington, D.C., and events like an International Culture Night and a Fourth of July celebration. These experiences build adaptability, cross-cultural connections, and a deeper understanding of global perspectives.
Location: 35 countries available.
Cost: Tuition covers travel and meals; 200 merit-based scholarships are offered based on financial need.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions.
Program Dates/Duration: Options for summer, semester, and year-long programs.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 15-18 with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
YFU’s high school study abroad program enables students to live with a selected host family and attend a local school for a summer, semester, or academic year. You will gain cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, and independence while immersing yourself in a new language and culture. The program includes pre-departure orientations, access to counseling, and 24/7 support from trained Area Representatives.
Students receive emergency assistance and guidance during travel, fostering personal growth and global awareness while preparing for future academic and professional challenges.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.