Even the hardest working teenager can feel as if they are not doing enough to help themselves in reaching their goals. There is a tremendous amount of competition for the best schools and employment opportunities. To succeed every student has to do something to make themselves stand out from the crowd. Taking part in high school exchange programs is one of the best ways to improve any college application. This is only one of the many ways participants benefit from these exciting programs.

Gain independence and learn how it feels to be away from home and family.

Meet many new people and have the opportunity to build lifelong friendships that would probably never have happened any other way.

Develop a deeper understanding of another culture that could never be learned online or from a book.

Build self-confidence and learn to feel comfortable in new situations.

Take advantage of educational opportunities not readily available at schools in the United States.

Become more comfortable with other cultures and lifestyles.

Break old routines and habits that could limit creative thinking.

Learn more appreciation for their home, family, and community.

It may increase their chances of attending college abroad as well.

nacel open door is an opportunity for people to have an experience that will be a benefit to them personally and professionally. Job candidates that include this type of event on their resume will show employers they are willing to take chances and are concerned about improving themselves. The programs are safe and all host families are carefully selected. Students that take part will improve their chances of finding employment in these countries after receiving their college degrees. They will have a real knowledge of the community where they stayed and be able to prove a genuine interest and desire to reside abroad.

Some programs also allow students to take part in volunteer projects during their stay. This is a wonderful opportunity for teenagers to become an integral part of something very important and it will help them to develop an appreciation of giving back to others. View an example of this type of program at nacel.org/high-school-programs/costa-rica. Very few people will have the opportunity to spend an extended period of time in a foreign country the way they can through an exchange program. Anyone interested in participating in an exchange program or providing their children with this experience should take the time to check them out and learn more.