I'm a sophomore in high school and dream of traveling without the boundaries established by school administrators, a mother who only wants to stay in the fancy hotel, or that trip leader who insists the groups stays on that prearranged itinerary. Yet the more I look into it, I find that people have developed such huge and grossly incorrect stereotypes of people my age that traveling abroad without the accompaniment of adults seems near impossible- or so my research has led me to believe (I hope dearly that it is false information).
How can a mature, responsible and intelligent student travel abroad and truly learn and enjoy the culture without close-minded, autocratic adults subduing every aspect of the experience?
I don't want to stay in the areas designated for tourists or only eat at the restaurants wear the server speaks perfect English, and I want to do it with only people my age. What are my options?
I do speak decent Spanish and have friends that speak French and German.
2007-02-08 14:43:36 · 11 answers · asked by Sir Drew M 2 in Travel ➔ Other - Destinations
"... truly learn and enjoy the culture" eh?
There's only one way -- TOTAL SUBMERSION (go to the country, learn the language, eat the food and live with the natives.)
For a student, that means being a Foreign Exchange Student!
Of course, it could backfire! If you don't like the culture, can't get along with the family you are living with, are knit-picky about your food or can't adapt to new situations -- it could be "a year in hell!"
The program usually weeds this type out.
2007-02-09 08:16:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I have an idea. In high school I traveled to Argentina for the summer with American Field Service (AFS). This was a great opportunity for me. Visit www.afs.org
At the same time, my friend traveled to Venezuela through Rotary International. There is also another organization, www.yfu.org, that administers study abroad programs.
Finally, so that you know, I traveled abroad when I was 16.
2007-02-10 14:22:03 · answer #2 · answered by cnell06 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All depends which country you are in right now Drew. Alwasy state that when talking globally
Take a peek at http://travel.holidays.com and you will find a lot of answers to your questions.
I rejoined the Youth Hostel Assocn at age 58 and use them lots and so cross the path of many people like yourself.
Be careful which countries you choose and keep your baggage to a minimum (say 12kg as 15kg is the maximum in Europe on cheap flights and that includes the hand luggage)
http://travel.holidays.com and its subsidiary sites is blocked right now for updating and news will appear this month at AirNews which you can get to via the options or directly at http://www.freewebs.com/airnews
Gari, Isle of Man
2007-02-08 20:17:34 · answer #3 · answered by bayrnyskeddan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not be an exchange student? You can volunteer openly in your country of choice and not to mention get a real taste of the culture, language, and people! The Rotary program is the cheapest and most convenient. You can go for a year, month, or summer program! If you want to know more about Rotary exchange, contact me!
2016-05-23 23:39:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a year off and go. Learn Spanish in Spain.
I took my six-week long summer holidays and weaseled another six weeks off out of the school administration. Then I went for 12 weeks with Camp America from my boring life in Germany towards working in a summer camp in the USA. Was fun!
2007-02-11 13:23:42 · answer #5 · answered by t_maia2000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your school counselor and find out what you have to do to be part of the student exchange program--its a wonderful opprotunity to experience the country without being a tourist.
2007-02-08 14:52:01 · answer #6 · answered by tiki/more 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may want to try the
Student Exchange program.
Useful information is found on the internet; specifically, try Google for finding information.
2007-02-08 14:47:17 · answer #7 · answered by Living In Korea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know how old a sophomore is...and i don't fully know what you are on about... but if you are over 18.... then just save up and go...??!!
Stay in hostels.. etc (most people are students/on gap years)
Go with a group of friends..
if you go to popular gap year places - such as thailand/ australia etc... there will be a lot of people your age doing the same thing..
ehh i don't know i'm confused..
go to www.gapyear.com .. great site!...
2007-02-08 14:50:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out these sites to travel with people your age get free accomodation food so basically only your plane tickets you need to pay.
www.couchsurfing.com(ive had good experience from this site)
www.globalfreeloaders.com
www.place2stay.net
www.hospitalityclub.org(run by volunteers so it takes alot of time to sign up some cases for months)
2007-02-08 18:01:01 · answer #9 · answered by fairytaleofmylife 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could be a foreign exchange student.
2007-02-09 10:27:22 · answer #10 · answered by aanstalokaniskiodov_nikolai 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋