Here’s why youth travel abroad programs rock: the world is a big, magical place and you’re bound to get bitten by the travel bug sooner or later. Youth travel programs allow you to get a head start on exploring, so you’ll have more time to see more of our beautiful planet.
After all, it’s never too early to spread your wings and discover new landscapes, languages, and cultures. While you’re at it, you’ll broaden your perspective and gain skills and knowledge that will significantly help you when you move on to college and the “real” world.
Plus, tons of awesome travel selfies!
But it’s not as simple as booking a flight, packing your backpack, and hopping on that plane. Youth travel programs are competitive and the application process can be lengthy (and sometimes intimidating!).
Luckily, GoAbroad believes in you, and to prove it, we’ll give you the secret formula to success during the application process for youth travel abroad programs.
Download Now → 5 Tips to Get into Youth Travel Abroad Programs [Infographic]
How to know if (and when) a program is right for you
Before sharing the secret formula to success during the application process for youth travel programs, you first need to make sure you surpass the basics. Are youth travel abroad programs the right fit for you? Are you ready to take the leap now? Keep reading to find out.
1. Fulfill the requirements.
Whether you want to study a new language abroad, do volunteer work in a developing country, or join one of the many youth travel tours through multiple cities or countries, all youth travel programs have requirements if you want to apply.
Once you find your dream program, double check the program specific requirements. Do you fit the age requirement? Are your grades sufficient?
If you plan to join one of the many youth travel tours in a non-English speaking country, check whether there is a language requirement. Not all programs require you to be fluent, but often there is a certain level of proficiency encouraged so you can communicate with locals and on-the-ground staff.
2. Be passport-ready.
Your passport is your ticket to traveling the world!
You can’t join youth travel abroad programs without a passport! If this is your first time traveling abroad, allow plenty of time to apply for your passport. If you already have one, check the validity. Passports expire every five years if you applied under the age of 16, and every ten years if you’re older. Make sure yours covers you for your entire trip.
Fun fact: most countries won’t allow you to enter if your passport expires within the next six months. Double check this, too, to avoid drama at border control!
3. Make sure you can pay for it.
Youth travel programs ain’t cheap. No matter what type of program you join, there are application costs, program fees, overseas flights, insurance, and don’t forget the on-the-ground living expenses! It can be a lot. But if you’re dying to join youth travel tours, there are ways to get you there.
First, get a student job. This helps in more ways than one. Not only can you make money to fund your travels, but working in high school gives you a step up from your competitors during the application process for youth travel abroad programs.
You’ll gain valuable real-world experience that will demonstrate your maturity and independence, and this will only help you get into youth travel programs.
Consider fundraising or scholarships to supplement your savings, and if all else fails, ask Mom and Dad.
Saving up can be hard, but is totally worth it for traveling!
4. Secure your family support.
Speaking of Mom and Dad, your family’s support is essential when exploring youth travel abroad programs. Often times, this is the first time you’ll be far from home on your own, and even if you’re super confident and independent, your parents may not be. It’s a scary thing watching your child leave the nest and travel solo overseas!
Your family is bound to have lots of questions and will want to know all the details, from finances to itineraries to safety. Even if you can afford to plan your trip on your own, you’ll want to know that your family supports you emotionally, too. If you’re nervous to talk to your family about joining youth travel abroad programs, try these techniques to get them on your side.
5. Be available and committed.
How long is your dream program abroad? A week? A month, or longer? Youth travel programs take time, and youth travel tours take even longer. Consider the time commitment before diving into the application process.
Youth travel programs are awesome, but you need to be flexible. Check with your high school to make sure you have the time to go abroad. Will you miss out on necessary studies or exams? Will it delay your graduation? If the answer is yes, is it worth it to you?
6. Demonstrate open mindedness.
Experiencing other cultures is awesome benefit of being open minded.
One of the most important parts of joining youth travel abroad programs is having an open mind. You’ll be exposed to different cultures and languages, and it will be essential to leave your comfort zone if you want to make the most of the experience.
If you don’t have the right mindset, it may be difficult to get into youth travel programs, and even if you’re accepted, it may not be a great experience for you if you aren’t ready for it.
Be open-minded and ready to learn, grow, and welcome a changed perspective.
7. Have a plan.
Where do you want to go, what do you want to accomplish, and what are the steps you are willing to take? You need a plan for the application process if you want to be successful. Sort out your finances, talk to your family (for real!), come up with a timeline, and stick to it.
Once your plan is set, it’s ready to dive into the application process for youth travel abroad programs.
Our Online Advisor will match you with youth travel abroad programs for FREE!
How to nail the application for youth travel programs
Here it is: the secret to success! Follow GoAbroad’s five tips to land the program that will change everything.
With our tips (and a little bit of pixie dust), you’ll be acing your applications in no time!
1. Make clear goals.
The first step in the application process for youth travel programs is to set goals for yourself. In fact, it is essentially the focus for any application process. Think about what you want to accomplish, both personally and academically.
What do you want to show off on those college applications? How can this program help you reach these goals and make you shine?
Not only will setting goals steer you in the right direction for the application process, but program providers will love you when they see your ambition. They will snatch you up if you can show you are motivated, passionate about the program, and can demonstrate why you are a good fit for them.
Show those providers that you want THIS program because it will benefit you the most and help you achieve your goals.
2. Prove you can handle it.
Ultimate freedom, new people, adventure: we know you’re excited. But the reality is that youth travel abroad programs can be overwhelming.
Whether this is your first passport stamp or your tenth, youth travel programs mean leaving family behind. It is usually the first time abroad alone, no parents. So…can you handle it?
Traveling abroad by yourself can be scary at first, but you’ve got this.
You need to show your maturity throughout the application process. Demonstrate your flexibility, adaptability, and open-mindedness. If you have experience in work, leadership, or extracurricular activities outside the classroom, these can all help you.
If you can show off these key skills, it will show the organization that you’re ready to tackle culture shock, language barriers, and homesickness.
Show them you are ready to embrace the ultimate independence.
3. Have a personality.
You want your application to stand out. The best way to nail the application for the youth travel program of your dreams is to show off that personality. We know you’re wonderful, now you need to show the rest of the world.
What makes you unique? How can you stand out in a crowd? Think about your key strengths and qualities that you can bring into a mixed group of teens from different backgrounds.
Are you a natural leader? Have an outgoing personality? Are you insightful and patient? You want to demonstrate the positive things that will enhance a group and make it more dynamic.
Don’t be afraid to let that personality shine! Show them you are fun, unique, and let those quirks out in the process. If you stand out, it will only improve your chances of getting into youth travel abroad programs.
You are the only you there is! And that makes you pretty special.
4. Show curiosity.
Along with ambition comes curiosity, and star candidates for youth travel tours have a lot of it. You’re interested in how the world works, in cultures and people who are different from you.
You’re willing to break outside of your comfort zone to learn, you’ll work hard in any environment, and you’re a go-getter who takes advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
Remember those goals you set? How do you plan to make them a reality? This is essential in the application process for youth travel programs. Show that you LOVE to learn!
5. Check eligibility.
This should really be at the top of your list. Before you dive into the application process, do your research and check your eligibility for the program.
This goes beyond the simple program requirements, like age, GPA, and language skills. Of course, you need to meet the basic requirements, but it’s a good idea to check the fine print, too.
Some programs are only available to certain nationalities or passport holders because of the visa eligibility. Make sure you double-check this before starting the application process for youth travel programs. You don’t want to go through the process if they’ll just throw out your application before getting to the good stuff.
You’re ready for youth travel programs!
You’ve got this!
It’s simple, really. Breaking down the application process for youth travel programs into small steps can make the process a lot less daunting. Not only will it be easier to tackle the process, but following these tips will help you impress program providers and nail the application.
If you’ve surpassed the basics and you’re ready to seize independence and tackle the world, it’s never too early to start!
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