<p>I'm looking into possibly studying in Germany in either my sophomore or junior year, preferably sophomore though. I still want 4 years at boarding school. Could I repeat sophomore year upon my return so I still take the classes I need. I will probably taking additional language, math, and sciences classes from CTY while abroad, if that is helpful, most likely a science course, Algebra 2 or such, and Arabic and/or Chinese. What do you think the best thing to do in this situation is? How have those at schools seen this dealt with? Parents, what do you think of this plan, manageable?</p>
<p>Many boarding schools offer study abroad programs, often through SYA, which would include all the academic courses you need. At SPS, I know a few students who choose to study abroad that will come back to BS and repeat a year, although that is not necessary nor common. SPS doesn’t currently have a full year abroad program in Germany but they do have a term abroad program.</p>
<p>(1) Don’t know why you’d want to do this in your sophomore year, but there’s a reason it’s called “junior year abroad.” Even as a junior, living abroad for a year can be challenging. I would strongly recommend against trying to do it when you’re any younger than that.</p>
<p>(2) I understand not wanting to lose a year of boarding school - but a PG year might make more sense than trying to repeat junior year.</p>
<p>(3) Finally - and most importantly - if you’re going to go to Germany, then go. Period. Live there, go to school there, and leave everything else behind. No extra classes, no CTY classes. Immersing yourself in the culture will be more than enough to keep you busy for a year. If they teach Arabic or Chinese at the school you’re attending in Germany, fantastic. Otherwise, forget about them for the year. Honestly, if you’re not willing to go and create a life for yourself at your school in Germany, then why bother going?</p>
<p>Thanks guys. this is helpful. the reason I don’t want to do a pg year is because that means I’d probably end up taking US history my senior year, which I do not want to do. @creative1, SYA does not offer a year abroad in Germany, however AFS does. AFS even offers a Congress<em>Bundestag</em>Scholarship which you can apply to and receive full tuition for one year (thats like $13,000). Also, I could only do it sophomore year if they let me have a bit of freedom in that range. I turn 15 in late spring, and they want you to be fifteen by the departure time in August. But, I’ve taken German since 6th grade and attend CLV every summer, so if I wanted to, they probably would let me.</p>