HIGH SCHOOL ABROAD
It is a great opportunity that high school students choose to take to experience a term, semester or an entire school year abroad!
In Italy, children most often leave at the fourth grade level, but the Ministry of Education also allows the experience for those in lower grades.
A parent who supports their child/ren in this experience is choosing to invest in their future.
The experience leads to developing autonomy, maturity, improving one's language skills, and exposing oneself to diverse and international cultural contexts.
In fact, it allows the children to test themselves in a different culture by experiencing the everyday life of their chosen country.
We stimulate the children to be curious and motivated in facing this path. They need to be flexible and able to adapt to a new reality, but we monitor them to make sure they have as positive an experience as possible.
They can count on the on-site presence of a local coordinator, who is part of the staff of the foreign school or organization, who oversees and monitors how the family and school experience is progressing.
Students are placed with host families selected by schools or school districts abroad.
The Ministry of Education with MIUR Note No. 843 of April 10, 2013, "Guidelines on Individual International Student Mobility," established the guidelines for the program, which provides for recognizing the experience abroad as a continuation of study.
Ogni scuola italiana ha la discrezionalità di definire le proprie linee guida interne, spesso sintetizzate in un patto formativo con lo studente. Dà indicazioni sulle modalità di contatto con un tutor assegnato a scuola e le modalità di valutazione degli studenti al rientro.
Nella nota MIUR, l'esperienza è definita come opportunità per <<sviluppare risorse cognitive, affettive e relazionali, portando a riconfigurare valori, identità, comportamenti e apprendimenti secondo registri differenti ed acquisendo doti di autonomia e indipendenza degne di rilievo>>.
La nota Miur indica che lo studente dovrà sostenere colloqui di accertamento per argomenti o materie non seguite all’estero. Suggeriamo pertanto agli studenti di chiarire le richieste della propria scuola prima della partenza, e di costruire con la scuola stessa un dialogo costruttivo che faciliti tutte le fasi dell’esperienza, dalla partenza al rientro.
In relation to school-to-work alternation, the Ministry has issued interpretative clarifications, Miur-note-3355-del-28-03-2017, where point 7 elaborates on the topic of experience abroad.
Some educational institutions already convert the experience itself into a certain number of PTCO hours (ex. school-to-work alternation), assuming that the participation itself leads to developing competence in line with PTCO objectives. Others require providing documents showing participation in on-site activities or experiences that can be validated as PTCO hours.
It is always recommended that students get issued -while abroad- the supporting documentation required by their school such as report card or school report, and letters certifying hours of extracurricular activities functional to PTCO.
USA
HIGH SCHOOL
4 YEARS.
FROM GRADE 9 UP TO GRADE 12 Students are sometimes placed in grade 11
junior, and where possible in grade 12, senior.
CALENDAR
1ST SEMESTER depending on the state, late July through December, or August through January. Some states begin
in September as well. 2nd SEMESTER generally January through the end of May or
June. 1st year from late July or August to late May or June.
MATTERS
Students create their own curriculum, with available subjects, and generally take 6 0 7 courses.
SCHEDULES, SPORTS AND CLUBS
Generally 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sports are seasonal, and some may require 'try-outs' to join the team. Clubs organized at lunchtime or in the afternoon
The United States of America is the third largest country in the world in size and population.
They are famous for spectacular landscapes of deserts, redwood forests, the great prairies and tropical beaches. But also for movies, fast food, skyscrapers, wide roads, cowboys and Silicon Valley just to name a few of the things they are known for.
Here are some curious facts:
- July 4 isINDIPENDENCE DAY, a federal holiday to celebrate the Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776.
- THANKSGIVING Thanksgiving is another national holiday held on the fourth Thursday of November to celebrate-as per past tradition-the year's harvests, and has remained a time to be thankful for life.
- In the USA there are 5 different TIME ZONES (Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific and Alaska).
- On the AMERICAN FLAG the 50 stars represent the 50 states of the United States, and the 13 stripes represent the 13 British colonies that declared independence from Great Britain.
- Trickor treat, Halloween is celebrated on October 31. Children dress up in costumes and go around the neighborhood knocking on doors shouting "Trick or treat!"
The U.S. high school education system includes four grades: Freshman (9th grade), Sophomore (10th grade), Junior (11th grade) and Senior (12th grade). International students are assigned to a school 'grade' according to their year of birth, educational background, or level of English.
Public schools
American public schools are generally quite large with an average of 2,500 students. Students have access to all facilities on the school campus: auditorium, laboratories, music rooms, media center, library, cafeteria, gymnasium, sports facilities. Larger schools have more offerings in terms of both educational subjects and facilities than smaller schools.
Private schools
Private day schools are generally smaller than public day schools, offering a more structured academic environment and more timely support for international students.
Often the curriculum is designed to prepare students for college, and in most cases they earn a diploma.
Boarding schools
American boarding schools are campuses that also include student residences. Students live within the school campus, monitored by on-site staff.
Often, academic standards are high, with curriculum designed for college preparation. Classes generally consist of fewer students allowing for individualized student attention. They offer opportunities to participate in competitive sports and pursue leadership tracks.
Students who choose a Boarding Program live on campus or in student residences near the school, accruing independence, autonomy and being part of an inclusive community.
Duration of the program
Most schools allow you to attend one semester (fall or spring) or the entire year. Some schools offer the option of enrolling only for the entire school year. The visa is for the duration of the school program in which you are enrolled.
Participation in sports activities
International students may participate in school sports; in some cases restrictions apply depending on individual state regulations. Entry into a sports team may depend on selections by the school's coaches and 'try outs'.
Graduation and graduation
Some public schools, and most private schools, allow international students enrolled in grade 12 to graduate with only one year of study in the United States. The student must meet the necessary requirements. Use of the U.S. diploma will then be subject to the university pathways chosen by the student, and by the nation where the university is to be attended.
Language Junction advises its students to continue their education by completing their fifth year of high school in Italy.
Live with an American hostfamily
Hostfamilies are a very important part of the American high school experience. Our partners select families by looking for the best match between student and hostfamily.
Because the United States is a melting pot, American families can represent many realities by cultural, religious or educational background. Host families may consist of a single parent, a couple with children or without, older (empty nester) or younger. Each family will have its own lifestyle.
Some families choose to host two or three international students (of different nationalities).
Selective or semi-selective programs
The High School F-1 program allows international students to enroll in the program in the United States on a student visa. Students can select the School District of interest or a specific private school and live with an American host family.
In most cases they will be able to participate in sports teams or clubs organized by the school.
The semiselective program allows students to opt for a lower-cost F-1 program, where they do not exclusively select a specific destination, but can indicate a preference for certain school districts from a list of pre-selected school districts.
F1 Selective Seeds
Various districts
Arizona, Iowa, Michigan, Idaho, Utah
School Year, Semester
Host Family
14-18 years old
Find out moreCANADA
HIGH SCHOOL
CALENDAR
MATTERS
SCHEDULES, SPORTS AND CLUBS
Generally 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sports are seasonal, and some may require 'try-outs' to join the team. Clubs organized at lunchtime or in the afternoon
Canada offers study routes with competitive prices and a high standard of living, mountains, lakes, large urban centers and an unparalleled wealth of natural beauty.
The Canadian public education system is divided over 12 years of schooling.
Canadian high school diplomas are recognized worldwide.
The school offers courses that are more practical and immediately professionalizing in nature, as well as more academic courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) or in some cases the two-year IB pathway, International Baccalaureate.
Public schools
All public schools are provincially accredited, follow a standard curriculum and employ only government-certified teachers in addition to being publicly funded. Almost all public schools are co-ed, attended by girls and boys, and have been accepting international students for many years. Some districts allow shorter experiences of a minimum of four months, but most accept students for a semester or a full school year.
Secondary and high schools
In Canada, secondary or high schools offer a four-year course of study, or from grade 9 to grade 12, when they can earn graduation, their diploma. All schools provide standard core academic courses such as English, math, social science, science, computer studies, physical education and art.
Personal study path
In the Canadian school system, students construct their own course of study, particularly in the last two years of high school, by being able to choose which subjects to focus on.
A wide choice of 'elective' or specialized courses is often available, including history, geography, chemistry, physics, biology, the performing arts such as music, theater and dance.
But also the more technical paths such as graphic design, business education (marketing, accounting), woodworking and metalworking, or cooking and fashion design or textiles classes.
Canadian school districts have a support network for international programs; in fact, children studying in their schools can turn to so-called school counselors and homestay coordinators who oversee the homestay experience.
Comox Valley International Student Program
Comox Valley, BC
Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland
School Year, Semester
Host Family
14-18 years old
Find out more
NEW ZEALAND.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
4 YEARS
YEAR 9 THROUGH YEAR 13
In year 11, 12 and 13, local students take NCEA exams in November and December.
CALENDAR
Term 1: late January to early April, break 2 weeks
Term 2: May to early July, break 2 weeks
Term 3: late July to late September, break 2 weeks Term 4: mid-October to mid-December, break 6 weeks
MATTERS
In most schools in New Zealand, six subjects are studied in years 11-13.
Subjects are divided into at least 8 areas of interest.
SCHEDULES, SPORTS AND CLUBS
Generally 9:00 am - 3:30 pm.
Sports (seasonal), outdoor education, performing arts are offered by most schools.
Some activities are part of the curriculim others are extracurricular.
Discover a magical land of unique people and places!
Pristine forests, extensive wild beaches, dormant volcanoes and vast geothermal areas. Two islands that differ in landscape and climate, subtropical the North Island with its marine reserves and deserted beaches while snow-capped Alps, waterfalls and large lakes characterize the South Island.
This and much more is Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud, as Maori navigators call New Zealand.
In fact, Māori culture is ingrained in everyday New Zealand life, hence the concept of manaakitanga (showing respect), or the art of welcoming guests with great hospitality.
School structure
Secondary school runs from ninth to thirteenth grade. In fact, the total years of study are thirteen in total. International students, depending on their age, are normally assigned to the last or penultimate year.
There are 8 learning areas (or subject areas) in the New Zealand Curriculum:
- English
- Arts
- Health and physical education
- Foreign languages
- Mathematics and statistics
- Science
- Social sciences
- Technology
The values and skills of the New Zealand Curriculum are designed to encourage learning and the ability to think critically, manage oneself, set goals, overcome obstacles and get along with others.
What New Zealand schools are like
The size of schools in New Zealand can range from 100 and 2000 students; the ones we selected normally have about 1000-1300 students.
Students are highly supervised by all teaching staff who skillfully balance practical and theoretical learning. Teachers encourage students to think creatively, independently and analytically.
Schools
New Zealand schools are technologically equipped and also have plenty of space for outdoor activities and sports. Schools usually have their own sports fields and in some cases even a swimming pool. The many cultural activities include the Maori culture learning path.
Private schools
It is common for the school to also organize travel experiences (at additional cost to the program) that allow students to explore and learn about New Zealand's natural environment. Students thus have the opportunity to challenge themselves with outdoor activities and learn more about their host nation.
Teachers
It is the teachers themselves who are involved in other activities outside school hours, such as coaching sports teams, leading drama groups and school music groups.
School schedules, terms and holidays
The school day usually starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends around 3:30 p.m.
The school year begins in January. There are 4 terms in a year, with 2-week breaks between them and a 6-week summer break at the end of the year.
- Term 1: late January to early April, then a 2-week break
- Term 2: May to early July, then a 2-week break
- Term 3: from the end of July to the end of September, then a break of 2 weeks
- Term 4: Mid-October to mid-December, then a 6-week summer break.
Before you leave
Relationship and enthusiasm.
Each experience begins with an informational meeting aimed at providing initial information about the programs and gathering the student's motivation to participate. We send personalized information for the programs of interest clarifying specific doubts and curiosities. Those who choose to participate then undergo a motivational interview to address the critical issues that characterize the experience and build together a pathway that prepares them for departure.
We assist the student with the enrollment procedures, guiding step by step document collection and filling out their enrollment dossier. But we also provide guidelines on how to prepare for the trip from a more psychological and personal point of view.
Before we leave, we meet with teens and parents in a pre-departure orientation meeting (a TeaParty) that concludes the process of preparing for the experience. This is an important opportunity to share emotions and information, and dissolve any final fears and concerns. During our TeaParty we talk with parents and teens consolidating a direct relationship with us.
The journey
Reliability and flexibility.
Our departures for long-duration programs are individual, but whenever possible we form groups that leave for the same destinations.
We select the best airline flights respecting the scheduled arrival and departure dates of the district school or foreign organization.
We support the family in visa application procedures, where necessary, prior to departure.
Living abroad
Security and selection.
We monitor the children's experience throughout their time abroad.
We make sure they get through the initial adjustment phase smoothly, remaining available for support and clarification throughout the school year.
We also rely on the staff on site to help us resolve any critical issues, trying to give all the support needed to overcome small obstacles or misunderstandings related to cultural differences, but ready to intervene where it is also necessary to resolve situations that require a family change.
We supervise remotely, unobtrusively, the path to autonomy and emancipation that the children face, creating a wealth of experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
Study abroad
Seriusness and learning.
The experience allows students to experience school from a different perspective. Different school systems, new ways of relating to teachers, academic subjects in line with one's course of study, but also new subjects, unusual in Italy, that offer students the space to experiment in new areas.
It is important not to expect to carry on Italian curricula, because the student will create a timetable according to the programs provided in the chosen country. One's timetable is often finalized in the first days of school, between subjects requested by the student and those actually available.
The school will also offer opportunities for integrative experiences through clubs or sports.
In some cases, students may also find opportunities for extracurricular activities in the community where they live.
Documents Needed
Participation in the program requires completion of an extensive 'application' to collect student and parental data.
Report cards from at least three years of schooling are required; an English test (Eltis in the U.S. program) may be required; particularly in the U.S., many vaccinations are required; less restrictive is the program in Canada and New Zealand.
All non-European destinations require a valid passport.
Depending on the duration and destination, it may be necessary to apply for a student visa. We will give you appropriate guidance on this.