Studying abroad isn’t just a way to get to know another culture. It’s a way to get to know yourself. You will undoubtedly face some difficult challenges, but the rewards of self-discovery will more than compensate for the hard times. Upon your return you’ll have the satisfaction in knowing that you succeeded in using your abilities to have one of the best experiences of your life. You were able to form life-long friendships while growing independent and self-confident.
– 3.0 GPA or higher in their studies
– Demonstrated maturity level to travel and live abroad
– Interest in the country and intercultural experiences
– Willingness and flexibility to adapt to a different culture
* Foreign language requirements depend on the country
– Host family placement with full room and board
– School placement
– Monthly oversight and support by a local coordinator
– Orientation in the US and in the country of destination
– Full coverage health insurance
– Assistance with obtaining a visa
– Airport transfer (not domestic airfare)
– Airfare to and from destination country and domestic airfare
– Expenses related to obtaining passport and visa (if required)
– Personal spending money (approximately $200-$300 per month, depending on the country)
– Travel expenses
Choose your destination and have one of the best experiences of your life!
France – Italy – Spain – Germany – Japan
Step 1
There are two ways in order to begin the adventure of your lifetime. First, you can fill out the on-line pre-application. The pre-app allows us to understand a little bit more about who you are and where you want to study. Upon receipt of your pre-application, our Outbound Program Manager will contact you to answer any questions you may have.
Or you can call us directly at 503.222.9803/877-222-9803 to learn more.
Step 2
ETC will send you a Study Abroad (Outbound) Application. Depending on the country of choice, the application may be in the language of that country. Additionally, two teacher recommendations and sealed school transcripts are also required.
Step 3
The Outbound Program Manager will conduct an interview with you either by telephone or in person. The interview is weighed greatly in the application process.
Step 4
ETC works with exchange student organizations overseas in order to insure a positive and safe experience for you. The partner organization will review your application for acceptance into the program. If accepted, the organization will send confirmation to ETC and begin the process of arranging a host family and enrolling you into school.
Step 5
ETC assists the visa process by providing guidance and the necessary documents in order to study abroad. However, it is your responsibility to get your own passport/visa. You will need to contact the appropriate consulates and submit the necessary documentation by the required deadlines.
Step 6
Instead of being locked into a set price, you are allowed to shop around and find the cheapest airfare possible. ETC also works with an experienced travel agent who is excellent at finding the best fares and travel routes. You are responsible for arranging and purchasing your ticket.
Step 7
ETC will provide you with a personalized orientation about the expectations and regulations of the program prior to departure. Information at the orientation will include what to do in an emergency, issues of culture shock and guidelines to have a successful experience.
Step 8
With passport and boarding pass in hand it’s time for the adventure to begin! ETC will be with you throughout your time abroad, available to both you and your family in case any concern may arise.
Host families reflect the culture and language of the country you decide to study in. In order to have a true cultural experience you will be treated as a member, not a visitor, of their family. Families are native speakers of the language and may or may not have children in the home. All host families are carefully screened by our partner organizations abroad. Their responsibilities include attending an orientation detailing their duties, providing room/board, and a loving family experience.
We ask that students only bring one large bag with them.
Airfare to and from the country, health insurance, meals outside of the home, spending money for entertainment, clothes, gifts, calling cards, etc.
Transferring school credits depends on your high school requirements. The best advice is to talk to your school counselor about what classes you need to take in order to graduate in the US on time. This may include requirements on the type of course work, labs, physical education, and foreign language. Additionally, you will need to find out what documentation your high school asks for in order to prove. Many high schools abroad are structured differently than those in the US. Credit transfer often times will depend on the type of high school and/or subject area track a student is placed in. It is the student’s responsibility to discover what your high school requires and how to transfer those credits.
Room and board in the host family, supervision by a local coordinator, assistance attaining passport and/or visa (if required.)
Oregon: (503) 222-9803
Toll Free: (877) 222-9803
Fax: (503) 227-7224
1029 SW Washington St.
Portland, OR 97205