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1. The crucial difference between exchange students and language training

Many people confuse exchange students with language training. However, the two programs have clear goals and different methods of operation. The choice can vary depending on what kind of experience you want to give your child.

Exchange Student Program

• target: Cultural exchange, local school education experience, and improvement of English skills (incidental)
• Subject: Mainly hosted by government, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations
• school: Completed regular education at a local public high school (or private)
• lodging: mostly Unpaid homestay (Local family cultural experience)
• Visa: Specific visa requirements, such as the J-1 visa (US standard, exchange visitor visa)
• expense: Relatively inexpensive (free tuition, only living expenses and pocket money to pay)
• characteristic:
  • Take classes and participate in school life just like local students.
  • Strict enforcement of academic and living rules (grade management, prohibition of unauthorized absence, etc.)
  • A strong will to study and adaptability are important.
  • Mainly academic performance and English proficiency (ELTiS, SLEP etc.) request
  • There is a possibility of financial support or sponsorship, so the cost burden is low.

Language Study Program

• target: Focus on improving language skills (English, Chinese, etc.), preparing for specific exams (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
• Subject: Private language school, university-affiliated language school
• school: Specialized language education institution, customized classes to suit the student's level
• lodging: There are many options available, including homestay (paid), dormitory, and self-catering.
• Visa: A student visa from the country in question is required, such as an F-1 visa (student visa for the US)
• expense: Relatively expensive (tuition, accommodation, living expenses all burdensome)
• characteristic:
  • Providing a curriculum focused on improving English skills
  • Interact with students of various nationalities in a free atmosphere
  • Academic discipline is more flexible than that of exchange students.
  • Admission requirements are relatively liberal (sometimes English proficiency is irrelevant)

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2. Exchange student vs. language study, price comparison!

Cost is one of the important factors in deciding on the type of study abroad. The cost structure varies greatly depending on the nature of the program, so you should carefully consider your budget and choose accordingly.

division	Exchange student (US public, 1 year)	Language training (private language school in the US, 1 year)
school expenses	Free (school tuition)	Approximately 15 million to 30 million won per year (varies by language school size and course)
Program/foundation fees	Approximately 10 million to 15 million won (including foundation registration fee, insurance, local management fee, etc.)	Not applicable
Accommodation (Homestay/Dormitory)	Free (mostly unpaid homestays)	About 800,000 won to 1.5 million won per month (about 9.6 million won to 18 million won per year)
Airline ticket	About 1 million to 2 million won (round trip)	About 1 million to 2 million won (round trip)
Personal allowance/living expenses	About 300,000 to 500,000 won per month (about 3.6 million to 6 million won per year)	About 500,000 won to 1 million won per month (about 6 million won to 12 million won per year)
Visa application fee	About 250,000 won (US J-1 visa)	About 250,000 won (US F-1 visa)
Total Estimated Cost (1 Year)	About 15 million to 25 million won	About 32 million won to 60 million won or more

* The above amount is a general estimate and may vary greatly depending on the exchange rate, flight timing, city prices, language school level, and student spending habits.

As you can see, the exchange student program has the great advantage of being able to experience abroad at a **definitely cheaper** cost than language training because the tuition is free. On the other hand, language training costs tuition and accommodation separately, so the overall cost burden is much higher. If cost is the biggest consideration, then an exchange student may be a more attractive option.

 

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3. From what age can I become an exchange student?

Current second-year middle school students (14 years old after their birthday) can also participate in the exchange student program! However, the minimum age and grade requirements vary slightly by country and program, so it is important to check the requirements of the target country.

Most youth exchange programs have age and grade requirements as follows:

• years: Typically between 15 and 18 years of age (in the US) or 14 and 18 years of age (in some countries and foundations)
• grade: Middle school 3rd grade ~ High school 2nd grade (Korean standard) or local 9th ~ 12th grade (US standard)

If your child is currently in their 8th year of middle school (14 years old, if their birthday has passed), **the age requirement is likely met**. However, regarding the grade requirement, it is important to note that **some programs prefer that students complete their 9th year of middle school in Korea**. This is to allow for a smoother transition into the local high school curriculum.

Minimum Age and Grade Restrictions for Exchange Students by Major Country (General Standards)

The table below summarizes the minimum age and grade requirements for each country's typical high school exchange program or early study abroad program. The specific criteria may vary depending on the program entity (government, non-profit foundation, or private institution), so be sure to check the latest guidelines for the relevant institution before final application.

nation	Minimum age (years)	Minimum Grade (Korean Standard)	Note
United States (USA)	15 years old (14.5 years old or older in some schools)	3rd year of middle school ~ 2nd year of high school	Most J-1 visa programs (public schools), limited to those under 18.5 years of age.
Canada	13~14 years old	Middle school 1st grade ~ High school 2nd grade	Early study abroad is possible, some elementary school students can also study abroad. Various public/private schools.
Australia	12 to 14 years old	6th grade ~ 2nd grade	Early study abroad at state/private schools. Available from elementary school.
New Zealand	13 years old (11 years old or older in some schools)	Middle school 1st grade ~ High school 2nd grade	Early study abroad is possible from elementary school age. Various public/private schools.
United Kingdom (UK)	14 years old (some 13 years old and older)	Middle school 2nd grade ~ High school 2nd grade	Mostly private schools or boarding schools.
Ireland	14 years old	Middle school 2nd grade ~ High school 2nd grade	Similar system to UK, public/private programs.
Germany	15 years old	3rd year of middle school ~ 2nd year of high school	German language skills required, public/private.
France	15 years old	3rd year of middle school ~ 2nd year of high school	French language skills required, public/private.
Japan	15 years old	3rd year of middle school ~ 2nd year of high school	Japanese language proficiency required, public/private.
China	14~15 years old	Middle school 2nd grade ~ High school 2nd grade	Chinese language proficiency required, international or local school.
Singapore	13~14 years old	Middle school 1st grade ~ High school 2nd grade	Mainly international schools or private schools. Entrance exams are important.
Philippines	Ages 10 to 13 (elementary school upper grades)	4th grade ~ 2nd grade	Many students advance to local schools after language training. The minimum age is relatively low.
Malaysia	12 to 14 years old	6th grade ~ 2nd grade	Mainly international schools, relatively low tuition.
Thailand	12 to 14 years old	6th grade ~ 2nd grade	Mainly international schools, relatively low tuition.

* The age and grade levels in the table above are general guidelines, and it is essential to check the exact requirements for each program and school. In particular, for language study programs, the minimum age requirement may be much lower depending on the language school.

 

Key requirements and considerations for middle school exchange students:

1. English proficiency: ELTiS, iTEP, TOEFL JuniorOr you must obtain a certain score on another English proficiency test. Basic communication skills required to attend local classes and live in the country are important.
2. Academic performance: Academic performance in Korea must meet certain criteria (e.g., average C or higher).
3. Adaptability and Independence: It is very important to be able to adapt to a new environment and culture away from your parents and to have problem-solving skills. Understanding and respecting homestay life is also essential.
4. Parental Support: It is important for parents to support their children's exchange student life and work with embassies or foundations to resolve any difficulties that may arise.
5. Select Foundation and Country: Since there may be limited foundations or countries that run programs for middle school students, you should carefully research programs that will accept your age group. The most common are exchange programs in the United States.

*TIP – If you prepare the documents through a study abroad agency, they will take care of it, but be sure to check and prepare the ‘guardian documents’ for each country. View related articles

In conclusion, middle school second-year students can also participate in the exchange student program, but Sufficient preparation and careful program selectionThis is necessary. Rather than simply sending them, closely examining the child's disposition and readiness is the key to a successful exchange student life.

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In conclusion: What is the best choice for my child?

Exchange students and language students each have different advantages and purposes. If you value cultural experience and cost efficiency, consider becoming an exchange student.second, If you want to improve your language skills intensively and have flexibility, take a language courseYou may want to consider:

If you have a child in the second year of middle school, it is possible to participate in an exchange program. However, for a successful experience, you must carefully consider your child's English skills, academic performance, and most importantly, independence and adaptability. Rather than just sending your child, it is important to discuss the matter thoroughly with your child and set goals together.

Your child’s education abroad is a valuable investment for their future. We hope you make a wise decision to give your child the best experience possible.