Top 3 Full Ride Scholarships to Study Abroad in High school

Are you a high schooler interested in studying abroad?

Maybe you’re a parent tired of your kid?

Whichever it may be, this is the post for you!

A little bit of context…

I’ve been accepted into two of these programs and am spending next year in Germany!

These programs are managed by the Department of States bureau of educational and cultural affairs alongside varying partners, meaning: they’re very safe!

These programs are truly amazing and I want as many people to know about them as possible.

So, let’s get started!

CBYX scholarship

The CBYX (Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange) program is dedicated to giving motivated highschoolers the chance to study abroad in Germany.

Jointly funded by the U.S. and German governments, CBYX participants are referred to as “youth ambassadors”. As a youth ambassador, you have the responsibility of representing your home country abroad. Participants will have contact with the German Bundestag (government) and even visit the U.S. senate!

Formal stuff aside, this program is incredible!

Throughout the year you’ll live with a German family, go to a German school, and learn German.

Unlike the other programs, you’ll complete an intensive German language and culture course your first month in Germany. You’ll be alongside other study abroad students staying in a unique place (last year was a castle!)

After language camp, you’ll head off to your host family and put your German to the test!

Check list:

Coverage 💸 – CBYX covers everything (medical insurance, housing, food, etc…) except spending money and flights to and from group departure location!

Application 📝 – Opens in Fall

Countries offered 🌎 – Germany

Language requirement 🗣️- English

Website 💻 – CBYX

YES abroad

With the YES abroad program, U.S. citizen highschool students can study and live abroad for an academic year in countries with a significant Muslim population.

This is what sets YES abroad apart from other programs.

 Study abroad programs usually offer countries like France, Italy, Argentina but never Ghana or Senegal. Now, not everyone wants to go to Ghana, but if you’re interested in experiencing a unique culture and way of life, this is for you. 

What you’ll learn during a year abroad in Africa will give you a completely different perspective on life than one in Europe.

Similarly, if you’re interested in learning languages not commonly taught like Arabic or Wolof, this is the perfect opportunity to learn them. Even though you’ll be completely fine with speaking just English, with a little effort on your part, learning your host country’s language shouldn’t be hard.

Check list:

Coverage 💸 – YES covers everything: flights, housing, medical insurance, food…(You even get a small monthly stipend for spending money)!

Application 📝 – Opens in Fall (same application as FLEX)

Countries offered 🌎 – Bosnia and Herzegovina | Bulgaria | Ghana | India | Indonesia | Jordan | Malaysia | Morocco | North Macedonia l Senegal | Thailand | Türkiye

Language requirement 🗣️- English (French for Senegal and Morocco)

Website 💻 – YES abroad

FLEX Abroad

With the goal of promoting mutual understanding between the United States and your host country while forming lasting relationships, FLEX is another great opportunity.

This program is the sister program to YES abroad and thus very similar. This program offers scholarships for Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Poland.

I assure you, not many interviewers or colleges have heard:

“I studied abroad in Kazakhstan”

This doesn’t come easy though. With an acceptance rate of around 2.3%, 1000 scholarships are offered each year. 

P.S. This is a great statistic to tell interviewers and colleges if you’re accepted!

If you are interested in joining the military or working for the UN, this program is especially beneficial. Organizations like these are constantly looking for not only language experience from these areas, but also cultural experience. A cultural understanding of one of these countries is not something you can acquire through the internet or a class.

Check list:

Coverage 💸 – FLEX covers everything: flights, housing, medical insurance, food…!

Application 📝 – Apply in Fall (same application as YES)

Countries offered 🌎 – Poland | Kazakhstan | Georgia

Language requirement 🗣️- English

Website 💻 – FLEX abroad

Takeaways

These programs shouldn’t be overlooked since they provide the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of traveling abroad for free!

Most important: applying doesn’t cost you anything.

Even if one of these programs really resonates with you, I recommend applying to all. Writing a couple extra essays now might change your life forever.

Even if you don’t make it in any the first time you apply, try again next year!

That’s it for me, I hope you enjoyed this post!

Feel free to check out recent posts below and if you end up applying to any of these, please let me know in the comments!