<p>Or, intern in Washington, DC, for a year. </p>
<p>interning in DC for a kid with a HS diploma is a costly undertaking unless there is family close by where the D can live. MAYBE she will find an internship which pays for her metro card, but all other expenses will add up very quickly. Not a great plan for a kid who needs money and is not enrolled in a college which can give her access to fellowship funds or other aid for their DC interns.</p>
<p>It’s July 15. This student is looking for something to do this September, right? Isn’t it a bit late to apply to some of the suggested year long programs (AFS, Rotary), or internships? Plus,what kind of internships are available for HS grads?</p>
<p>I think it is late to apply for the foreign exchange programs, but there may still be openings especially if the student is willing to go to one of the less popular countries- it’s worth an inquiry. AFS has gap year programs specifically geared to high school graduates, including spring semester half-year programs (that run from January or February through the summer months-- so even if it’s too late for a year-long stay, there are probably still plenty of openings for programs that begin in early 2015. YFU has similar offerings, also some internships.</p>
<p>Link: <a href=“http://www.afsusa.org/study-abroad/gap-year/”>http://www.afsusa.org/study-abroad/gap-year/</a>
<a href=“http://yfuusa.org/study-abroad/young-adult-programs.php”>http://yfuusa.org/study-abroad/young-adult-programs.php</a></p>
<p>There are also other organizations beside AFS, YFU, Rotary… so even though it would probably be a little late to plan to go right away, she could still spend a significant amount of time abroad if she wants. </p>
<p>Of course that assumes that the parents have the resources to pay – it’s just that that cost of these programs is significantly less than college costs-- and if she does want a career in international relations it could pay off in other ways down the line. In addition to enhanced language skills, the international living experience might be something that helps her get a competitive internship or fellowship down the line. </p>
<p>Actually, a program beginning in January would be great. It would give the student time in the fall to do college applications and work to help fund one of these programs. </p>
<p>Just wanted to add that we hosted a student from YFU and I thought the support they gave the students and parents was great. The students had many orientations before they came and then throughout the year there were more for the host family and student. We also had a area rep. who would meet with the student once a month to make sure things were going okay and who I could ask questions of as well.</p>
<p>A major issue that this student and her parents have to address is how much is going to be available to pay for college with no conditions attached, like getting a job with a college that will offer tuition benefits, or IF the student gets a major scholarship. If I understand the situation correctly, the student was accepted ED, and at the time mom felt this was going to be doable due to a job that was pending. Job did not come through. So whatever finanical/merit money that school offered with no job in the picture which may well have been based on the family finances was not enough for the student to be able to make a go of this. It leads me to believe that this is a family that cannot pay what’s expected. Not necessarily, I realize, but if that is the case, this student is not likely to get a financial aid package that is going to make it doable to go to a school even if the school meets full need. If 80% of tuition was the shortfall, there is a serious issue regarding how college costs are going to be met. </p>
<p>The student should be looking for school that are definitely affordable with no stipulations and conditions in the future so that she doesn’t find herself in the same situation next year. Also some financial projections and planning should be underway so that there is some money for some options for college. </p>
<p>What kind of numbers, what sort of schools are in play here? Has reality set in as to what cost limitations are and how some of them can be met? I would be more concerned about the plan of action to find college possibilities for the next year rather than how to fill this current year. Otherwise this student can end up the same way again.</p>
<p>Thanks for your comments and replies. There may be spots available thru AFS and YFU… even as early as Sept. When this has all settled alittle I will ask her to approach the College App. process differently. The Dream School is probably out and reality has set in. The next step will be finding a much more affordable school with a good International Relations degree within their price range. The job with reciprocity is still a possibility but I think it definitely has to be Plan B. </p>
<p>I am coming late to the conversation, but I have heard that colleges love students who have taken a gap year - it it adds to the diversity, and studies show that students who have taken a gap year are more independent and self reliant - I would recommend applying to more colleges and seeing if other merit aid comes through. </p>