Study Abroad Programs

I am studying German in high school. I would love to go abroad next summer and stay with a family for a while in Germany to really see what the country is like. Right now, I'm a sophomore. Is that too young to be considered for a summer study abroad program? My parents would like me to wait until next year, when they think that I will be more ready to travel so far from home. How can I find a good program that my parents would approve of? -- Fluent in German
Answer: Going abroad is usually a wonderful experience for high-school students -- giving them an opportunity to be involved in an intercultural experience. Generally speaking, you need to be at least 14, have a 3.0 grade point average and have completed ninth grade. It also is recommended that you have sufficient language to handle basic communication. To have a successful experience, you will need to be flexible, adaptable and mature -- ready to face the challenges of living in another country. Your parents probably have a good idea of whether you now have these qualities. You also need to think carefully about how well you handle yourself in difficult situations or new environments before deciding to go next summer.
There are a wide variety of summer programs. Some are sponsored by national organizations, and others by local ones. Some high schools even take groups of students abroad with teacher chaperones. The range of activities also varies from living with one or more host families to staying with a group of American high-school students.
The one thing that is absolutely essential is that you travel with a program that meets high standards. You should visit the website of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel: www.csiet.org. Here you will be able to find programs that have been thoroughly looked at for quality. You should not choose just any program that you see on the Internet.