The logical and often most cost-effective starting place for students to start looking for ways to learn overseas and develop cross-cultural awareness and understanding is at their high school. Guidance counselors and foreign language teachers can provide information on summer, short- and long-term international opportunities, including independently arranged student exchanges, youth exchanges facilitated through a third party, or teacher-led trips that focus on language, culture, study, or volunteering.

Options for gap-year or pre-college students who want to take a summer, semester or year before college to engage in meaningful travel, volunteer, study, or work include both formal programs and organizations to help them create their own plans. Many college study abroad programs also allow qualified high school graduates to participate. —The Editors, Transitions Abroad