I am in HS: how does studying abroad look on a college app?

[wannabewhere]

<p>Contrary to the title of this thread, I am not looking into going to study abroad because of how it looks on a college application.</p>

<p>I am a sophomore in high school, and I am crossing my fingers that I can study abroad to Oman or Turkey my junior year {I cannot decide which yet!} through the YES Program. The program will last about ten months. As many of you most likely know, there are many benefits of studying abroad so I won't bore you! </p>

<p>There is nothing that I can think of that excites me as much as the possibility of studying abroad. I am currently studying Arabic at school and I want to expand my ability to speak a third language. Not only do I want to be able to do this, but I want to expose myself to a part of the world that is completely different from my day-to-day life. I want to expose myself to the Middle East because I want to eradicate the false misconceptions that have been planted in mind ever since 9/11. I want to get out of my sheltered life and be uncomfortable. Going to a country such as Oman or Turkey will get me out of my comfort zone and will help me grow into a more independent, cultured young woman.</p>

<p>The concern:
My uncle came to visit about two months ago and he is a big part of my life. Whatever is going on in my life or is a concern, he is the person I call. So, naturally, the subject of me wanting to study abroad came up. Let me remind you that my uncle is not your average joe. He is an extremely cultured man, not to mention one of the smartest people I know. His opinion is always one with much thought behind it.
When he heard what I had to say about studying abroad, he disagreed with it. Immediately he asked me what I wanted to do when I grow up. I said, "Doctor, of course." He gave me an elaborate explanation as to how leaving for an entire year studying abroad in high school would, in turn, hinder my academic abilities and I will not be able to "catch up" with the material I will be thrown at when I come back for my senior year. He said that that one year that I will be missing would really set me back. </p>

<p>Is my uncle's opinion true? As college students or graduates, would you say that I would lose a large chunk of my "academic ability?" I am challenged daily in school because I go to a high school that is notorious for its college-preparatory curriculum; I have a 3.8 GPA and I am heavily active in doing volunteer work. I am not looking to study abroad as a way to "escape." If I were to go to Oman or Turkey, I would go to a private school, not some rural shack in the middle of the desert.
Does a college truly validate an applicant's experience traveling abroad? In general, would traveling abroad to Oman or Turkey be an advantage besides for the obvious reasons?</p>

<p>Your input would be highly appreciated! Thank you for your time!</p>

[smwhtslghtlydzed]

<p>First of all, I really admire you for thinking about this, and I’m super jealous! I also want to study abroad in the Middle East because I’m really interested in the culture and politics there, but I’m just waiting until I go to college. As for your question, I think it depends on your high school and the program you’re applying to. Will you be taking academic classes, and is there a way to make those classes line up with the curriculum at your school? I’m guessing there should be a way to make it work, and since you probably need very specific guidance, I’d suggest talking either to someone in the program or someone at your school, maybe a guidance counselor, who can help you figure out if this is possible. I think since this is something that’s important to you, it could well be worth it, but remember that if this messes up too much, there are plenty of opportunities to study abroad in college as well. I think it’ll give you a really unique, interesting experience, and it also might put you behind in school if things don’t line up right (at the same time, colleges realize that everyone’s education has been different, so if you end up taking some classes senior year that are meant for juniors at your school, colleges should be understanding). So you just have to decide which one is more worth it. Good luck with your choice!! :)</p>

[Profrogue]

<p>I can’t tell you how much colleges do or don’t value study abroad in high school - but I think you should definitely do it. I studied abroad in Switzerland with AFS, and it was the best experience of my life. Also, it provides a good essay topic.
If you have any questions about my exchange/how it affected my grades etc, let me know. (:</p>

[tofquinlan]

<p>So Im glad to know that you applying to YES Abroad. I am currently in Thailand through YES! It does look good on your college apps, because it shows that you have a different perspective of the world, you will learn a new language, and your experiences can be used to write your college app essays. If you have any questions about applying to YES, facebook me Tyler Quinlan and my current city is Bang Saen, Chonburi, Thailand if you cant find me :)</p>

[sarah9]

<p>Do it! I studied abroad in Germany my junior year of high school with CBYX, and then I did a gap year where I interned with the US consulate in Munich and a graphic design company. They were both AMAZING experiences, that could not compare with anything I have ever learned in a classroom. Also, I had very average stats when applying and really think my study abroad experience helped me get in.</p>