Greenheart Travel

Category: High School – Japan

  • Greenheart’s First Time Traveler Scholarship Winners for Spring 2024!

    Greenheart’s First Time Traveler Scholarship Winners for Spring 2024!

    Every year, Greenheart makes scholarships available to First Time Travelers. These scholarships are intended for those who have never traveled out of the country and want to immerse themselves in another culture. Here are just some of the winners of the 2024 First Time Traveler Scholarships and their thoughts on travel!

     

     

    Name: Clara

    Program: High School Abroad in Sweden

    Why is the opportunity to travel for the first time exciting for you?

     It opens a whole new world of experiences and opportunities, immersing myself in different cultures, trying new foods, exploring breathtaking landscapes, and meeting people from all walks of life. I’m getting a chance to break free from familiar everyday life and embrace the unknown. I’m excited to be in the shoes of a Swedish teenager and experience everything that comes with it. I’m hoping to be able to explore and soak up everything around me.

     

    Name: Alana

    Program: Teen Language Camp in Japan

    What does Greenheart Travel’s Mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

    “Travel for a Change” to me, means the opportunity of becoming more aware of other places and cultures in the world. It signifies the internal change that one will go through while experiencing all these ways of living life that are unlike our own. With the opportunity of traveling and visiting new places, you will learn new cultures, food, fashion, languages, and more. While you travel and come across all these experiences, you will gain a broader understanding of the world. The places you visited will leave an imprint on who you are and who you will become as a person therefore, changing you from who you used to be into someone with more comprehension of cultures and lifestyles.

     

    Name: Naomi

    Program: High School Abroad in Argentina

    What does Greenheart Travel’s mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

    To me, “Travel for a Change” means that travel breaks down barriers and prejudices between the traveler and those being visited. Furthermore, travel also builds bridges in the places of those barriers and prejudices. These changes that occur while traveling ultimately allow our world to be a more loving, accepting, and connected environment. As people begin to be more accepting of other cultures through travel, the world becomes a better place.

     

    Name: Sadie

    Program: High School Abroad in Italy

    What does Greenheart Travel’s Mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

    To me, traveling for a change also means you evolve who you are as a person and your perspective on what may be considered ‘normal’ because it provides the opportunity to see how others live! That’s why I want to actually live with a family in Italy. To live and invest in relationships with others around the world is a truly rewarding experience. Travel also forces you to grow as a person by stepping outside of your comfort zone, learning to handle responsibility, navigating different forms of transportation, learning about different currencies, language and relating to others with different backgrounds and traditions. I think travel has the capacity to help teens like me grow and gain so many more tools than what may be possible without the experience of travel.

     

    Name: Madeleine

    Program: High School Abroad in Ireland

    Why is the opportunity to travel for the first time exciting for you?

     Ever since I was young, my main goal has been to see the world. I’ve always recognized that there is much more to explore beyond my backyard. From the gorgeous hills of Ireland to the seaside cities in Greece so many call home, there are countless people to meet and endless astounding views. To not only get to travel outside of America for an extended period of time but to also be fully immersed in the day-to-day experience of the citizens there, is a first-time, life-changing experience. I am excited to connect to new people and to be able to return to the United States with a new outlook on my life!

     

    Name: Kennedi-Grace 

    Program: Teen Language Camp South Korea

    What does Greenheart Travel’s Mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

    “Travel for a Change” implies traveling with the intention of being a forever learner. To learn how to make a change in your community by learning the values of the different cultures around the world. To make a difference in the communities we are a part of, we need to be able to see ourselves from a different perspective. To learn what it means to be a community and learning to come together despite our differences.

     

    Name: Zev

    Program: Teen Language Camp Spain

    What does Greenheart Travel’s Mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

    For me, travel symbolizes more than just visiting new destinations; it’s a transformative odyssey that promises to shape my worldview, enrich my understanding of diverse cultures, and foster a profound sense of empathy and connection with the world. Stepping beyond the borders of familiarity, I anticipate encountering unfamiliar landscapes, immersing myself in vibrant cultures, and forging meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

     

    Name: Jade 

    Program: Teen Language Camp France – Saint-Malo

    Why is the opportunity to travel for the first time on your own exciting for you?

    I have never gotten on a plane by myself to a foreign country. I’ve never needed to navigate my way to a destination, nor been forced to figure out how to find my way – no less all by myself. The idea of living in a foreign city, with a new family, and leaving my home family and friends behind is something I’ve never done before. While it is all a bit intimidating, it is at the same time exciting, interesting, and adventurous!

     

    Name: Anna 

    Program: Teach Abroad Thailand

    What does Greenheart Travel’s Mission, “Travel for a Change,” mean to you?

     “There is a famous quote that says, “The sky is the limit, but there are footprints on the moon.” Like the Greenheart mission, this saying means that we create our own limits. We are not constrained to one location, aspiration, or situation unless we force ourselves to do so. Traveling can be intimidating, but it can also be the most rewarding accomplishment of a lifetime if we allow ourselves to have it. We are the creators of our own destinies, so only we have the power to step outside of the boxes in which we confine ourselves.”

     

    Learn more about Greenheart’s First Time Traveler Scholarships

  • Q&A: The Language Requirement for High School Abroad Japan

    Q&A: The Language Requirement for High School Abroad Japan

    So you’re ready to be a high school exchange student in Japan: Your U.S. school has agreed to award you credit for Greenheart Travel’s program, your parents support you study abroad, and you’ve been living and breathing all things Japan since you can remember. The only thing holding you back? The Japanese language requirement!

    All applicants of the High School Abroad Japan program are required to show proof of one of the following as part of the application process:

    1. At least one year of Japanese language instruction at the time of your application, OR
    2. A level 4 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

    Well, earning a level 4 on the JLPT seems like a pretty clear way to prove your Japanese skills, but one year of language instruction? That’s a bit less straightforward to prove, and how to do so is a common question for many applicants. We asked the Associate Director of High School Abroad and Short-Term Programs Allison to clarify.

    Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Allison.

    What do you mean when you say to have at least one year of Japanese language instruction “at the time of your application”?

    You are required to show that you have had at least one full year of Japanese language instruction BEFORE you complete your application, not based on the time you would arrive in Japan. (It’s also required you have a good grasp of hiragana, katakana, and kanji.) So, if you are applying for the Spring 2022 or Fall 2020 High School Abroad program in Japan, the deadline submit your completed application is by September 15, 2021 for Spring 2022 (Psst! Get a discount on the Spring 2022 program if  you apply by May 28, 2021). That means the latest you should have started learning Japanese was September 15, 2020!

    Do I have to take the JLPT? Am I more likely to get accepted if I’ve taken the JLPT or if I could prove one year of study?

    During the application process, you choose the way you prove your Japanese skills, either by showing proof of a level 4 on the JLPT or by showing proof of one year of Japanese language instruction. You don’t have to do both. In our experience, the majority of students opt to prove one year of Japanese language instruction instead of taking the JLPT. While a level 4 on the JLPT is very impressive, you are not less likely to be accepted if you choose not to take it.

    So if I don’t take the JLPT, what’s the best way to demonstrate I’ve had one year of Japanese study?

    If you can take Japanese at your high school, do that! Make sure to have at least one full academic year (minimum two semesters) on your transcript before you apply. If Japanese isn’t offered at your school, there other ways you can fulfill the one year requirement and other places to find a course. Most students do a mix of methods, from self-study combined with a weekly tutor to language exchanges and short-term intensives to year-long community college courses.

    If you’re in the early planning stages and you’re deciding how to learn Japanese before  you apply, think about it like this: What’s the easiest way I can show a possible school in Japan or potential host family that I’ve taken one year of Japanese? My best recommendation is to take a structured, official course, with concrete start and end dates, learning objectives, levels, and set learning materials (textbooks, websites, etc.). Make the application process easier for yourself by taking out the guess work of those reviewing your application (myself and the in-country staff in Japan!).

    Where can I find a class, online course, or private tutor?

    Have you checked our Teen Language Camp in Japan? You’ll learn a lot in a short period of time (and have a blast!), and it’s the perfect way to jumpstart your understanding Japan’s language and culture before you apply to the high school abroad program. You’ll be able to see the curriculum and prove your starting and ending level after pre- and post-course exams. However, this program lasts 1-6 weeks so you’ll need to continue learning once you return home.

    Otherwise, you might consider local or online options. The ability to meet in person in your area with a Japanese class or private tutor will vary by your location. If you’re most interested in classes in person, you could try locating a local Japanese culture center or association for course or tutor recommendations, or reaching out to a local community college or university to see if they offer a Japanese course you can enroll in.

    If you’re okay with an online course or tutor, there are many opportunities! A simple Google search will populate many results, such as Outschool. Some of the best options are online courses through universities, such as Oregon State, University of Michigan, and even other universities featured on online edX courses.  Greenheart Travel also offers online Japanese language classes for teens!

    Whichever option you choose, again — make sure you’ll be able to obtain an official proof of enrollment or completion. (For private tutoring, this could be a record or log of meetings and what you covered in each meeting, verified by the tutor.) You’ll need it for the application!

    Does self study count as one year of language instruction?

    Luckily, yes! But the truth is, it’s a lot harder to prove and a lot harder for host schools in Japan to understand. If you’ve only learned Japanese on your own, I’d recommend taking the JLPT to prove your level. One of the application requirements is a letter of recommendation from a Japanese teacher or tutor, written in Japanese. So if you study on your own, it’s a bit difficult to fulfill that requirement.

    If you do study on your own, be very detailed from the beginning. I’d recommend starting an excel spreadsheet. There, you can log the times and dates you’re studying and exactly what you’ve used to study (duolingo? a textbook?) what topics you’re covering and how you’re measuring your progress. A good rule of thumb is to study 5-10 per week and spend no longer than one semester (around 16 weeks) on one level. Need some guidance? Check out our leveling guide here.

    What happens if I apply without at least one year of language experience?

    In some cases, we will still be able to consider your application even if you haven’t had a full year of Japanese at the time you apply. If other parts of  your application are strong, we may be able to offer a “conditional acceptance.” This means that you are a good candidate and your official acceptance onto the program is dependent on a host school accepting you to study.

  • Is It Safe to Send Your Child to Japan?

    Is It Safe to Send Your Child to Japan?

    So, your teen can’t stop talking about Greenheart Travel’s Teen Summer Language Camp in Japan (and high school abroad). They can’t wait to dive into an arcade to play Taiko no Tatsujin or find their perfect bubble tea spot.

    And your biggest question?

    Is Japan safe?

    We understand why you’re asking. Whether it’s through the narrow streets of Florence, Italy or the coast of Chile, safety is an important topic to consider before going on a program. Especially when sending your teenager across the globe, alone!

    But before we gush about what a great program our Teen Summer Language Camp in Japan is, we have to be honest: we would never send our participants somewhere we would not go ourselves. We will continue to travel personally and professionally and many of us visit Japan frequently.

    Of course, no matter where you are – even in your suburban neighborhood in Ohio – there is always a certain amount of risk in traveling.

    Greenheart Travel’s Associate Director of Marketing, Sara, in Japan

    Here are a few things to consider when wondering if Japan is safe:

    By international standards, everyone is jealous.

    Remember your question “Is Japan safe?”

    Yes.

    Japan overall is an extremely safe country, in many respects actually far safer than the United States. So safe, that in fact it was ranked the “safest country in the world.” Why? One writer has some reasons.

    Greenheart Travel’s Program Manager, Kara, in Japan

    There is no Department of State Warning against Japan.

    The U.S. Department of State does not have any warnings or advisories for Japan. Even so, Greenheart Travel recommends our students enroll in the STEP program through the US embassy to receive alerts in case of emergency.

    Just to give some perspective, the United Kingdom has a travel alert about the United States right now. They warn UK citizens traveling to the US that gun violence is common, hurricanes are a problem, and there is a general threat of terrorism. The moral of the story is that from a distance, looking only at news reports and reading your own country’s travel advisories, foreign countries look much scarier than they actually are.

    Greenheart Travel’s High School & Short-Term Abroad Programs Coordinator, Allison, in Japan

    In case of emergency – we’ve got you covered.

    Greenheart Travel programs include 24/7 local and long-distance emergency support.

    Plus, our local staff have evacuation plans in place for all major threats – not only potential military escalations with North Korea but all manner of disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, etc – so you can rest assured that in the unlikely safety event, we will take the necessary steps to ensure student safety.

    We recently hosted a webinar about safety & security abroad.

    Greenheart Travel’s Teach & Work Programs Director, Lauren, in Japan

    Remember, you should treat Japan like anywhere else. You should expect the best, but always be aware and trust your gut. It is ultimately your decision to travel, and with the trust and support of an organization like Greenheart Travel, we hope you will feel comfortable doing so.

    We firmly believe that travel and cultural exchange bring the world closer together, person by person. Now is exactly the time we need the type of cross-cultural communication our programs provide.

  • 5 Reasons Studying Abroad in High School Will Change Your Life

    5 Reasons Studying Abroad in High School Will Change Your Life

    You are googling high school abroad. You are scrolling through Instagram to see all the inspiring travel photos. You are preparing a powerpoint to easily present this crazy idea to your parents – they may even have said “Yes!!”. You’ve watched all the Youtubers you can and you are ready to go!!  What is stopping you?  In case you need even more inspiration to take that leap – here is a helpful list of the ways you will be forever changed if you do decide to go on a high school abroad program.

    Be part of a select group.

    Did you know only about 1,200 students go on a high school abroad program every year? That is for the entire United States! You will be one of the select few students who actually becomes an exchange student in high school.

    Develop practical language skills.

    There is NO better way to gain fluency in another language. I get asked all the time if it would be better to study abroad in college and don’t get me wrong that is wonderful BUT the problem is you don’t usually get the same level of language and cultural immersion. How you can settle in and learn about the daily life of your host country and how can you have any hope of gaining fluency in the language if you are with international students and speaking English all day.

    Have roots on the other side of the world

    The host family you stay with will be your family for your whole life! How beautiful is that? You essentially become their son/daughter, you do life with them and that is a bond that lasts. Ask anyone who was an exchange student in high school and they will tell you that even into adulthood, they stay in touch with and visit their Host family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for a sincere connection with a family abroad. Not to mention your local friends.

    Experience being independent

    If you study abroad in High school, there is nothing that will intimidate you. If you can leave your comfort zone and spend three months, a semester, or (eek!) a year of high school abroad. You will become SO much more confident, independent, and mature. It’s amazing and you are learning a million things that you could never learn if you stay home.

    Prepare for the future

    You’ll get much more out of your college years if you study abroad in high school. So many students go to college and have no idea what they want to do. I sure didn’t! Living in another country and seeing another part of the world really helps you understand yourself better and move into your college years with more confidence and clarity.

    I hope this list was helpful. If you are still unsure, I’d be happy to talk discuss the options with you or your parents or you can reach out to past and current participants in our Facebook group. Here is my calendar, find a time that works for you and we’ll talk soon!

  • Next Step After Teen Summer Language Camp: High School Abroad

    Next Step After Teen Summer Language Camp: High School Abroad

    So you just finished your Teen Summer Language Camp. You’ve embraced life with a host family, sampled your new favorite foods, accelerated your language skills and met other teens from all over the world. But the summer is coming to a close, and you wish you could do it all over again, or at least stay abroad a little longer. 

    And you can! By being an exchange student on a High School Abroad program! 

    Now, let’s not get confused. Teen Summer Language Camp is NOT just a short version of High School Abroad. The two programs are totally different but go hand in hand. 

    Here are some of the similarities and differences broken down:

     

    High School Abroad 

    Teen Summer Language Camp 
    School   Local high school  Language school  
    Accommodation         Host family  Host family or residence hall 
    Length Summer (1-2 months), trimester, semester, or academic year  2-6 weeks  
    When  Summer, Fall, Spring  Summer  

    Both Teen Summer Language Camp and High School abroad offer full language and cultural immersion, but the lengths and experiences are vastly different.  

    After successfully completing a Teen Summer Language Camp, you’re ready for the new experiences, joys and challenges that come with studying abroad in a local high school for a longer period.  

    Greenheart Traveler Alexander Obenchain always knew he wanted to study abroad in high school in Japan. In Summer 2018, a Teen Summer Language Camp in Tokyo was the first step to help him prepare for his academic year high school study abroad in 2019. Easing into the language and culture of Japan in Summer 2018 allowed Alexander to hit the ground running when he landed in Japan for his high school program.  

    “Coming for a smaller amount of time helped me prepare for the difference in atmosphere between here and the states,” he explains. “It was certainly a good thing to have studied the language a little bit more in-depth beforehand. I can also compare my skills from now to then.”  

    And navigating the Japanese train system? He figured that out a long time ago!  

    But you don’t have to return to the same country you went to for your Language Camp. Maybe you went to Salamanca, Spain in the summer, and now that you know you can handle being far from home, want to explore Sweden!

    So is studying abroad in a local high school right for you? With improved language skills, you’ll be ready to learn subjects like math, science, and drama in another language. After living with a host family for a few weeks, you can anticipate how much you can learn about a country and its culture through observing (and living) day-to-day life abroad. You’ve proven to your parents that you’re independent, capable and problem-solving.  

    You’ve gotten a taste, now it’s time to thrive.  

  • High School in Japan Live Q&A Podcast

    High School in Japan Live Q&A Podcast

    Curious to know what studying abroad in Japan is like as a high schooler? Click to listen to the first episode of the Greenheart Travel Podcast! This recording was taken from a live Q&A  moderated by Allison Yates, Associate Director of High School and Short Term Programs. Our guests include High School Abroad in Japan alum, Maddy, and future exchange student, Jasmine.

    Read an excerpt from the recording below:

    Jasmine: One of my questions for Maddy is, did you have a phone while you were in Japan. If so, did you have a phone plan for while you were in Japan so you could contact your host family while you were in Japan?

    Maddy: Most phones come locked in America, but I had had an iPhone 6 for 3 years, which meant my phone was no longer locked so I could buy a sim card and buy a plan in Japan. Or what I did was I found a place, If I can find where I bought it they sold plans that were specific for people who were going to study or teacher. Especially if you were a student you got a discount. So, I think it was only 25 a month and you got unlimited data. I was like 7GB of 4G. I never used 7 GB and I was completely fine. And then in Japan, they use Line and lot which is a texting app.

    I had texting and phone just for emergencies. I could receive a phone call or a text for free, but if I sent a text or started a phone call I would have to pay.

    Jasmine: How much were you able to contact your family when you were in Japan? How many times in a week or a month?

    Maddy: So I’m not really the type that needs to contact their family. I don’t think I was homesick at all, which is kind of terrible. I had a group chat online with my family, so we would text. Money, I would talk about, or something specific. I have a twin brother, so we would text insults to each other. And then you know on my birthday and stuff, I was able to call. I don’t think I ever called unless I had a specific purpose like I needed to talk about money or it was Christmas, or around my birthday. I think Thanksgiving I called.

    Jasmine: So on like major holidays you were able to contact them.

    Maddy: Yeah, so for me, on the East Coast, there is a 13 hour time difference. So when it’s night here it’s morning there and vice versa. So you have to consider that difference, but it’s not hard to call. I mean you can like wake up Sunday morning and like call your family but it will be Saturday night there.

    Allison: What recommendations would you have for her to like right away feel comfortable wherever she’s at?

    Maddy: For me, food was kind of an issue when I first got there. Of course, I was actually sick so I was actively vomiting like all the time when I first got there. So that was kind of terrible. If you’re just okay with eating literally anything it’s easier to get used to. If you use chopsticks it’s easier to get used to.

    And then, I guess with your host family, it really depends on what your host family is like. And I think it’s like actually like how comfortable you feel immediately depends on your host family. If they’re treating you special, like,  it might be harder to adjust. But if they are treating you like a member of their family like taking you under. My family picked me up, brought me over, and then immediately sent me up to my room to get my stuff together and my host sister came with me. Then they immediately started watching TV and through dinner, they watch TV too. They encouraged me to sit on the couch and stuff. They weren’t making me take the first bath or anything.

    Maybe even ask your host family if you see them treating you special, you know, ask them maybe not to.

    Allison: That’s a really interesting thing you bring up. Because I think sometimes people are like, ‘well I’m just here and it should be a big deal that I’m here.’ I mean I had that perception when I went abroad, I remember. But it’s a really good point you bring up that it’s actually better for you if you’re just like one of the other members of the family.

    Jasmine: How much money did you spend while you were in Japan per month and did you have a credit card or did you just use cash? What type of system did you have?

    Maddy: So I had a hard time keeping track of how much money I spent. I probably spent between like $150 and 300. Now granted, my host family was very nice and when we went out to eat they’d pay for me. So for some reasons I spent a bit less. And then if I ever went on trips you have to cover hotel costs and food costs so I would pay extra money for that. But in general, I probably spent $200.

    I’d actually advise against buying too much stuff while you’re there. I ended up buying too much stuff and  I had to ship stuff back and one of my boxes was robbed from and I lost like $800 worth of stuff I had bought.

    Allison: Oh no!

    Maddy: Yeah, yeah. I have insurance for it, I haven’t gotten my insurance money back. But I would warn against that, just be aware. Especially US Customs will search everything you sent. If you have something really packed neatly, like I had a box full of books and they opened it and I got it in a different box, just everything thrown in there haphazardly. So I would just say to pay attention to how much you’re buying because there is that risk.

  • What It’s Like Flying Alone from the US to Japan

    What It’s Like Flying Alone from the US to Japan

    Hi! My name is Madison and I am a part of the teen language camp for Fukuoka Japan. I am currently sitting in Shanghai after a long flight. I thought this was a perfect time to let others know what it was like getting here.

    My mom and I started out in Denver. An airport I am quite familiar with. This went smoothly and I quickly arrived in LA. My experience was different from the moment I stepped off the place because I was now alone.

    I had never navigated an airport by myself until this point. I was extremely nervous and a bit uncomfortable. Already I wish I had relaxed a bit. It wasn’t as bad as I had expected. Everyone helped me out when I asked questions and I made it to my gate in plenty of time

    The next flight was very long, reaching about 13 hours. It was definitely the longest I’d spent on a plane at one time. I mainly slept on the flight but enjoyed the food and drinks that were given.

    When the plane landed I was in Shanghai!  I definitely panicked a bit because I was not able to call my mom at first due to being in a different country. I didn’t really know what to do so I just followed the signs. First I was fingerprinted, then I made my way towards international transfer. I was in the wrong line at first but they directed me to the correct stop and suddenly I was at security after scanning my passport and boarding pass. Once I made it through security my gate was very easy to find. There was English all over and everyone I spoke to was able to talk to me very well. I had a four hour layover so I walked around, seeing as much of Shanghai from the airport as I could before my last flight to Fukuoka.

    For my final flight of the day everyone has to take a bus over to the airplane with a set of stairs leading to the door. We all scanned our board passes again made our way to the plane. It was a quick flight compared to the others.

    Finally, I am in Japan! I had to fill out an entry card and go through customs. There my host family was waiting for me!

    I know it’s scary and nerve-wracking flying by yourself but it was worth it and not as bad as I was expecting. My time getting to Fukuoka was 26 hours total but I enjoyed the experience. Now I am eating ramen and walking around in Fukuoka.

    Hope this helps give everyone an understanding of what it was like traveling to Japan.

    Madison Schuler, from Wyoming, is a Greenheart Travel First Time Traveler Scholarship recipient. Learn more about Greenheart Travel’s scholarship opportunities to help you travel for a change!

  • 8 Ways to Support Your Child While Abroad

    8 Ways to Support Your Child While Abroad

    When you’re a parent sending your child abroad, you know there’s a lot they must prepare for: culture shock, homesickness, and language barriers. But your children aren’t the only ones experiencing a life change.  

    “This was definitely a learning experience for the parents as well!” says Lisa Hall, mother of high school in Sweden alum Matilda. “It was very hard to not be there to help when things were tough.” 

    So what can you do? Miles away from your children, how can you still support them? We asked parents of Greenheart Travel alumni share their insight on how you can best support your child while they’re abroad. Here are their tips.  

    Before they go abroad, talk about life when they return  

    “Prior to him leaving for the 6 months, we did discuss what he wanted to do at his school in the US during his junior year.  He decided he would try to run for student council office while he was overseas.  And unbeknownst to his dad and I – he did run, campaigned via Instagram and won the vice president spot for the upcoming junior class here in the US.  The lesson to learn…. make goals with your child and then let your child be the captain of that ship while he is away.” -Bonnie Green, mother of high school in New Zealand alum Graham.

    Agree on a weekly time to talk – and stick with it  

    Schedule a time and way to communicate in advance, that way you are both on the same page. For example, decide that they need to check-in on Sundays around 7:00 pm their time via WhatsApp. This way, you don’t need to send them texts throughout the day because you’ll already have a set time to catch up. 

    Mary Scott, mother of language camp in Spain alum Emmy, explains why it’s so important to give space. “While she was abroad, we made sure we weren’t constantly bombarding her with texts and skype calls which at first was difficult. However, we knew she would have a more enriching experience if she wasn’t having to think about us back in Michigan the whole time. We wanted her to be able to completely devote herself to speaking Spanish and learning about her new environment.”

    For Hall, being far from her daughter was “hard in a different way when she was having so much fun, there was hardly any contact! But that was the best kind of growth for us all.” 

    Olivia McCollum at her high school while studying abroad in Japan

    Recognize that YOUR life is going to change  

    Your life at home is undoubtedly going to change. For Bonnie Green, she and her husband experienced being empty nesters for the first time.

    Her advice? Take this opportunity and focus on you.  

    “Make a list of things YOU want to do while your child is away. My husband and I took dance lessons, had adult only (no children) dinner parties, accomplished house updates, traveled to visit our children who were away at college, visited aging parents, put in extra time at work and started hiking more.”  

    And that leads us to our next point… 

    Don’t say how much you miss them or how much you want them home

    Your child will most likely be homesick at some point, and it can be really hard to go through that while hearing pleads to come home. Being asked to come back and hearing about what they are missing at home can make a hard day so much worse. 

    Instead, tell them that you are so excited to hear about their adventures when they are back.   

    Jacob Dane Chilton with host family in Spain

    Encourage them to reach out to local staff and take initiative  

    Part of why going abroad builds confidence and leadership skills is because travelers are expected to speak up and handle themselves. Instead of telling your teen what to do, or doing things on their behalf, allow them the opportunity to be independent. This is especially important when handling the pre-departure logistics so that they don’t feel totally lost when stepping foot in the airport. “When a problem comes up, discuss the different ways it can be solved instead of jumping in and telling them what to do.” says Scott.

    The best thing you can do for your teen is to let them practice communicating with adults and learning how to manage themselves. It can be hard to trust your child to do everything right but giving them that space to grow will make them better prepared for their program (and life).  

    “I think it is vital that while your child is aboard that he/she become a part of their new community,” says Green. “While he did stay in touch with friends in the states, he made friends in NZ.  The small town even had a send-off for him and took him to the airport.” 

    Read about their country and take interest when they share new knowledge 

    A great way to get involved in their experience is by learning more about the culture in the country in which they’re going. As  you learn about your child’s new home, take note of what your child is excited about. “I was sure to listen to all the positive details, no matter how small!” says Hall. 

    You could practice making a tortilla española or start listening to the music of traditional Austrian brass band and surprise them with your newfound knowledge.  

    Greenheart staff member Allison Yates’s mom started learning Spanish when she studied abroad in Argentina. “She knew that Spanish was a huge part of my life, so it meant so much that she wanted to learn it too! It helped her feel like she understood my experience more,” says Yates.  

    Students attending high school abroad in the Netherlands

    Educate yourself on what they might be feeling – and how you can help from afar

    A great way to get a sense of the mental and emotional experience of studying abroad is by completing the Greenheart Travel Atlas along with your child. This is tool for before, during, and after the cultural exchange experience that includes personal and professional development, cultural understanding and environmental awareness. 

    For example, if your normally independent child calls you multiple times a day when they first arrive in the country, you’ll remember it’s likely initial culture shock.  You can remind them to follow the Greenheart Travel Atlas tools to overcome this stage and focus on meeting new people and spending time with their host family.  

    Halls says she supported Matilda by “making sure she knew I was there to talk about things, whether they were positive or negative. I tried to give her as much time as I could, but not to have it be open-ended or all the time.”  

    While your first instinct might be to check in more frequently, increased contact with friends and family back home only exacerbates culture shock. 

    Rest easy – they’re in good hands 

    “We had to give up our control and trust in the goodness and professionalism of others. We did our research, chose a great partner in Greenheart, and raised a strong daughter,” says Laura Foster, mother of high school abroad Costa Rica alum, Eleanor.  

    As parents and former exchange students, Greenheart and our in-country partners know what it’s like to be far from your family, and we work to equip students with the tools they need to succeed.  

  • The Student Visa Process Broken Down Step-By-Step

    The Student Visa Process Broken Down Step-By-Step

    If you’ve ever gone abroad before you have most likely had to fill out some sort of international documents and paperwork. It’s a drag. Who wants to fill out what seems like form after form when you could be creating a travel itinerary of all of the places you are dreaming of going! However, this paperwork plays an important part in keeping you safe and accounted for while traveling abroad. More often than not, your duration and reason for travel determine how much paperwork and planning you have to do.

    This blog will serve as a guide to my experience with obtaining a Student Visa at the Spanish Consulate in Chicago. Currently, I am nearing the end of the process of applying for a Spanish Student Visa. I will be studying at the Universidad de Sevilla in Seville, Spain next year for nine months and couldn’t be more thrilled!

    Don’t know what a visa is? Click here.

    To be honest, I’ve never really minded filling out paperwork, especially when it came to cultural exchange; I knew it meant that I was one step closer to getting off that plane and interacting with locals. However, I’m going to be frank and say that this application was no walk in the park. Because I will be studying in Spain for over 90 days, I needed to apply for a student visa, and because I would be staying over 6 months, there were additional documents I needed to obtain. 

    Before I could even start on all of this paperwork, I needed to figure out where my closest Spanish Consulate was and make an appointment no sooner than three months before the start of my university classes. Since I live in Michigan, the closest consulate was in Chicago, a place where I luckily know quite a few people (Greenheart Travel 💚). With my appointment date set, I got to work on the long list of things I needed to acquire. 

    National Visa Application 

    I got this from off of the consulate’s website and filled it out with some help from my program coordinator. This form needs to be completed in capital letters and with DD/MM/YYYY format. Once it was filled out, I glued one of my passport photos to it and made a copy.

    Money Order

    For the Chicago Spanish Consulate, the current fee for a student visa was $160. They do not accept cash or check so I went to my post office to get a money order. I paperclipped this to my application form. 

    Prepaid/ Pre-addressed USPS Priority Express Envelope and Disclaimer Form

    This envelope is a bit pricey ($30 ish) but guarantees that your documents will be delivered quickly and safely. I put the consulate’s address on the “From” and my home address on “To.” The disclaimer form is found on the instructions form from the consulate and states that you are allowing the consulate to mail your passport with the visa back to you. 

    Original Passport and ID

    A passport was something I luckily had already so there was no extra paperwork there. Keep in mind that generally, a valid passport is one that will not expire for at least six months after the date you leave the foreign country. I photocopied my passport as well as my university student ID, and my driver’s license. Be sure to bring your actual passport and cards to the appointment as well.

    Two Passport Photos

    I got these taken at the study abroad office on my university’s campus for $3, but you can get these taken at a lot of places like the post office or Walgreens.

    Original Hardcopy Acceptance Letter, Evidence of Funds, and Proof of Health Insurance

    Since I am going through a study abroad provider, this was all taken care of and sent to me. 

    All three of these needed to be in Spanish or have a translation. The acceptance letter was to prove I was enrolled as a full-time student, the evidence of funds was to assure that I would be able to pay for my program, and the proof of health insurance was to cover any medical fees I might obtain during my stay. I made a copy of each of these forms. 

    Medical Certificate (For stays over 180 days)

    On the consulate’s website, this is one of two additional forms to print out for stays over 180 days. I just made a normal appointment for a physical and brought in the paper. This form states that you are in good physical and mental health and do not have pre-existing conditions. There was a little confusion at my appointment as the form had a Spanish translation of what it said in English that needed to be stamped and signed as well. Because there wasn’t a translator in my doctor’s office that day they wouldn’t stamp it (surprising for a town that has a significant Hispanic population), so I had to come back the next week when the translator was in. I made a copy of this form. 

    FBI Background Check with an Apostille (For stays over 180 days)

    This document was definitely the most frustrating and tiring of them all. It began by going through a service called Accurate Biometrics (there are a few to choose from) to get my fingerprints scanned and sent to the FBI to run the background check. This was relatively easy as I made an appointment online then went into a FedEx office for the scan. It cost about $40 and took just about ten minutes. My results were sent to me the next day through my email.

    This is when it became difficult. I needed to get an Apostille of the Hague Convention (this is a kind of “stamp” that makes the document internationally recognized) issued by the US Department of State in Washington DC. I hadn’t received any direction on what this was or how to get it so I emailed my program coordinator and went on the government website. Since I had a little over a month until my appointment at the consulate, I decided not to go through an expensive apostille service and just send it to the Office of Authentications myself. In my envelope, I needed to include my FBI background check, an apostille request form (called a DS-4194), a check for $8 (that was the fee for my document), and a pre-paid addressed USPS envelope for them to send me my document back.

    I had read that this would take about 10 or 12 days. When it got to be around that point, I called the office to check my document status. After waiting about 20 minutes on hold, they told me that I was not in the system and that it must be in their mail room still being sorted. I knew I should’ve gotten tracking for this envelope… I called back multiple times over the next couple days and got the same response every time. I started to panic a little as my visa appointment quickly approached. With an urge from my study abroad coordinator, I swallowed my pride and contacted an apostille service. Because I didn’t have much time left before my appointment I was forced to get the “rush” service which was about $300 altogether. 

    With $300 drained from my bank account, but a bit more peace of mind, I waited for my last document to arrive. It came by mail with 3 days before my appointment. Because this also had to be translated into Spanish, I went through the company One Hour Translation. With my FBI background check and the Apostille, it was around $45 and was sent back to me within 50 minutes. After I received these last forms, I compiled everything into an envelope and waited for my appointment. 

    But you’ll never guess what showed up in the mail the day before my appointment…

    My ORIGINAL FBI background check with Apostille. Yes, the one I DIDN’T have to pay $300 for… My only advice is – buy tracking for your envelopes. 

    The Appointment

    On the day of my appointment, I woke up pretty early to catch a train from Michigan City, IN to Chicago. I got to the consulate a bit early; because there wasn’t a sign in sheet, I sat down and waited to be called. Once called up to the window, I handed over all of my documents and passport. The official checked them all and handed back the originals (to be used while in Spain) and kept the copies. All that was left to do was give him my envelope and disclaimer form. This appointment took no more than 5 minutes. He even thanked me for being so organized and following the instructions! 

    To be honest, this process was probably one of the hardest and most mentally taxing things I’ve ever had to do. However, I know I truly am one step closer to experiencing new changes; changes that will introduce new people, insights, and ideas to my life.

    This post is an example of a student’s perspective of applying for a student visa. This is not a step-by-step guide for applying for student visas. Each country (and each consulate) has different requirements. While Greenheart cannot apply for your visa for you, we provide detailed application instructions and support during the application process.

  • VIDEO: High School Exchange Students Interview Each Other

    VIDEO: High School Exchange Students Interview Each Other

    When deciding whether or not to study abroad as a high school student your mind is likely full of questions like “Will I make friends!?” or “What if I’m lonely?” While we are here to can support you as much as possible through things like the Greenheart Travel Atlas, nothing can beat hearing first-hand from two Greenheart high school study abroad students about their experience.

    Ian is an American who studied abroad in France with Greenheart Travel. Paula is a Spaniard who studied abroad in the USA with Greenheart Exchange. How are their stories the same/similar? Watch to find out!