Before you sign: look the program up on the CSIET Advisory List, read the State Department safety page, and talk with your school counselor about credits.
NSLI-Y (National Security Language Initiative for Youth)
FreeInternational
- Who
- U.S. citizens, ages 15-18 at program start, in grades 9-12, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- What
- U.S. Department of State scholarship to learn Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean or Russian: summer abroad (6-7 weeks), academic year abroad, or virtual.
- When
- 2027-28 application due November 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.
- Cost
- Merit-based scholarship (see the official site for what it covers).
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for high school students
FreeInternational
- Who
- U.S. citizens who meet the age, grade and GPA rules and have not lived abroad 6+ months in the last 5 years.
- What
- Scholarship to live with a host family in Germany and attend a German high school.
- When
- Now accepting applications for 2027-28 (see the official site for the deadline).
- Cost
- Scholarship.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
YES Abroad
FreeInternational
- Who
- U.S. citizens in high school.
- What
- U.S. Department of State scholarship for up to one academic year in select countries.
- When
- Check the official site for 2027-28.
- Cost
- Scholarship.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
AFS-USA study abroad
Has a feeInternational
- Who
- High school students.
- What
- Programs in more than 45 countries, from a few weeks to a full year.
- When
- Check the official site.
- Cost
- Program fees; AFS-USA offers scholarships and aid.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
Rotary Youth Exchange
Has a feeInternational
- Who
- Students ages 15-19, through a local Rotary club.
- What
- Long-term (a school year, living with several host families) or short-term (days to 3 months) exchanges.
- When
- Ask your local Rotary club.
- Cost
- Room, board and school fees are covered; families usually pay airfare, insurance, passport/visa and spending money.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
YFU USA (Youth For Understanding)
Has a feeInternational
- Who
- Teens (see study.yfu.org for ages and programs).
- What
- Nonprofit (501(c)(3)) exchange organization; study abroad and hosting.
- When
- Check the official site.
- Cost
- Program fees; check for scholarships.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
CIEE High School Study Abroad
Has a feeInternational
- Who
- High school students (gap year and first-year college programs for recent graduates).
- What
- Summer programs (3-4 weeks, 40 destinations) and semester or year programs at a local high school.
- When
- Check the official site.
- Cost
- Program fees; CIEE says it gives close to $7 million in scholarships to U.S. high school students each year.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
ASSE International Student Exchange Programs
Has a feeInternational
- Who
- High school students and host families.
- What
- Exchange organization. CSIET lists "ASSE and World Heritage International" with 2026-27 status "Full".
- When
- Check the official site.
- Cost
- Program fees.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
CSIET Advisory List (check a program before you sign)
FreeNational (U.S.)
- Who
- Families, schools and students choosing an exchange program.
- What
- The Council on Standards for International Educational Travel lists programs found to meet its standards (separate lists for J-1, F-1, outbound programs and international agencies).
- When
- The 2026-27 list is posted now.
- Cost
- Free to use.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (college)
FreeInternational
- Who
- U.S. college undergraduates with high financial need (see the eligibility page).
- What
- Scholarship to study or intern abroad.
- When
- The fall 2026 cycle closed Oct 1, 2026. Watch for the next cycle.
- Cost
- Scholarship.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program (college graduates)
FreeInternational
- Who
- U.S. citizens who will hold a bachelor's degree by the start date.
- What
- Study/research awards and English Teaching Assistant awards abroad.
- When
- The 2027-28 application closed Oct 6, 2026.
- Cost
- Funded award.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
Boren Scholarships and Fellowships (college)
FreeInternational
- Who
- U.S. undergraduates (scholarships) and graduate students (fellowships).
- What
- Up to $25,000 for long-term study abroad in regions important to U.S. interests. Recipients do one year of federal service.
- When
- 2027 deadlines: fellowships Jan 20, 2027; scholarships Jan 27, 2027 (campuses may set earlier dates).
- Cost
- Funded award.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
Passports for children under 16 (U.S. Department of State)
Has a feeNational (U.S.)
- Who
- Children under 16 and their parents or guardians.
- What
- Apply in person with Form DS-11. Both parents agree (if one cannot come: Form DS-3053, notarized). The passport is valid 5 years.
- When
- Apply well before travel.
- Cost
- Application fee $80 (book) plus a $35 execution fee.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
Safety tips for students abroad (U.S. Department of State)
FreeNational (U.S.)
- Who
- Students and families planning travel.
- What
- Enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), get overseas insurance, save the nearest U.S. embassy contacts, set a check-in plan, and read the emergency guidance.
- When
- Before you go.
- Cost
- Free.
Official site ↗ (opens in a new tab) · Checked Nov 7, 2026
General information only. Goal100 is not connected to these programs. Dates, fees and rules change; always read the official site before you apply. Every entry was checked on Nov 7, 2026.