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Perhaps you've considered travel. I used to think that I would travel when I was done school. Then, it occurred to me: there's no time like the present. Going on exchange was the best thing that I could have done. Here are a few reasons that studying abroad is great:

 

It's cheaper: When you travel as a student, it is often inexpensive than traveling later in life. There are a few reasons why: you can get great student discounts (get an ISIC card: an International Student Identification Card), you don't mind staying in hostels, and occasionally the school will help you pay.

 

It's more organized: If you have been scared to travel because you don't want to do all the paperwork of getting a passport, a visa, and you don't know how to book a flight, don't worry. If you go on an exchange through school, your school will help you with all of the international paperwork. They can respond all your questions. You might not have a lot of experience traveling: they have a lot of experience sending students on exchange. Don't be frightened to profit from their experience. Get in touch with Nacel to get started. 

 

It's the real experience: Every so often when people travel, they take tours or cruise. As much fun as a Contiki tour is, you will probably never get to know any of the places that you visit. You would only hang out with your friends who you came with. If you go on exchange, instead of staying at each place for only a day or so, you get to stay for a few months, or even a year. This means that you will really get the feel for your endpoint. You will make friends with people who are locals. You will have enough time to really enthrall the new culture.

 

It's a rewarding (and awarding) time: You can get certain prizes, awards and fellowships for studying abroad. You can even get some when you return from your trip. If you are worried that you won't be able to pay for your trip, find out about some internationalist awards that you can win, and take the time to apply. There are also special loans for students who plan on studying abroad.

 

It's more fun to learn: When you go on exchange, you will take courses at another high school or college. Yes, there will be school. But the real learning that you do when you are on exchange is not done in the classroom. You will learn things at school, but you will be amazed at how much you learn when you are just having fun. Go sightseeing, see everything you can see. Visit www.nacel.org to know more. 

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Know more about student exchange programs at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Student_exchange_program.