<p>Hi, i have a son who is a sophomore in a boarding school. His school has a term abroad program and he is interested in that. I know it would be a wonderful experience but I am not sure going abroad during the junior year is a smart move. there will be a big academic interruption which will affect through the senior. Any advice would be appreciated.</p>
<p>We know several high school students who were exchange students their junior years of high school. One was through the Rotary International and the others were from another organized group. None had any difficulties transfering back into their high schools for senior year. ALL became quite fluent in a foreign language while abroad for the year. It was a wonderful opportunity. </p>
<p>If this is something the boarding school sponsors, I’m not sure I understand why you are concerned.</p>
<p>Thank you, Thumper!
Since he is going to be abroad in the middle of junior year(winter term), there is a limit to choose in courses. That will make him unable to take more challenging courses like AP or honor except the language. People say the transcript of junior year is the most important one. also, they can take courses in senior year based on what they take in junior year. So, he will lose other opportunity to excel in other subjects.</p>
<p>Well…he might lose those AP courses but NOT every student spends time abroad and that is also notable. Personally, I think if the study abroad is a worthwhile program, it should be considered.</p>
<p>Not to worry. If that is what he wants to do - and you have the means -go for it. Colleges will know that he is interested and curoius about others in the world. He will be interesting. It is not all about SATs and APs!</p>
<p>Do NOT make this decision based on whether or not you think it’s what colleges want to see. </p>
<p>Do NOT make ANY decisions on that basis. Don’t give college admissions that much power. They are too unpredictable. </p>
<p>Make that decision based on what’s best for your son. Will this be a good experience? Does he want to do it? Will it help him grow, both intellectually and as a person? Can you afford it? Those are the questions you should be asking him and yourself.</p>
<p>My daughter did a semester abroad as a high school Junior. It meant she did have fewer APs than many of her peers, and her senior year chedule was a bit funky. It also meant that she came home truly fluent in another language, with an amazing, life-changing experience behind her. She did not regret it for one minute, and it did not negatively affect her college choices.</p>
<p>My friend’s son was at a boarding school & did a study abroad in China during his junior year. He & a friend both went to Beijing … his friend was placed with a wealthy family; my friend’s son was placed with a very poor family. My friend’s son enjoyed it very much - thought being with that family was a very good way to get to know the culture - and he decided to stay in China for his senior year in order to become fluent in Mandarin (my friend is an ex-pat living in Shanghai). I am sure that when he comes to the U.S. for school next year, his experiences will help him get into a great school.</p>