Study Abroad

For students who wish to have truly significant and extended overseas experiences, CHRHS is developing a variety of study abroad options. These options allow students to spend a semester or even a full school year studying in another country. 

 



FAQ


What type of student do I need to be in order to be successful studying in an international school?

Studying abroad is not for everyone. To have a successful study abroad experience a student must be extremely independent and very, very responsible. Most importantly, students must be willing to embrace the cultures and customs of the countries in which they are living.

It can be daunting to live thousands of miles away from family and friends; and to attend a school where many students may not speak English. Please gather as much information about the program you are interested in, and give thoughtful consideration to studying overseas. 

Students must understand that when they study abroad, they are subject to the laws of the countries they are visiting. Students must be on their best behavior and maintain excellent academic standing in their host school. Students are representatives of the United States as well as CHRHS. 

What Study Abroad options do CHRHS students have?

  1. School sponsored semeter or year long exchange. In the past, students have spent a semester in Italy, and we are currently working with counterpart schools abroad to develop more "home-grown" study abroad options that we hope to have in place in the very near future.
  2. Students may wish to consider working with our local Rotary clubs to take advantage of their study abroad programming. Rotary representatives visit the high school each fall to talk with students about short-term and year Rotary Exchanges. Our Intercultural Program Coordinator can also provide information on this opportunity.
  3. Other well known organizations such as AFS and CIEE offer study abroad programs.
  4. In addition, there are many commercial companies that provide study abroad opportunities for students.

If you are interested in any of the above opportunites please see your guidance counselor or the intercultural program coordinator.  PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT ROTARY, AFS, CIEE, AND COMMERCIAL COMPANIES ARE NOT SCHOOL SANCTIONED STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS. CHRHS counselors will work with you to see how an exchange will work regarding credits and graduation, but we do not provide any further assistance.

When should a student start considering a study abroad option?

There is no best year to study abroad, but most students start planning to study abroad during their freshman year. That gives students plenty of time to work with their counselors on their 4 year graduation plans. Studying abroad is dependent on a student’s maturity, sense of responsibility, and financial circumstances. 

Do students earn credits when they study abroad?

Whether or not students earn credits when they study abroad is dependent on the school they attend. If students attend a school in which CHRHS has a Memorandum of Understanding, all the credits they earn are accepted at CHRHS. If students attend accredited international schools, credits are generally accepted. 

It is important to note that when students attend non-accredited overseas high schools, it is quite likely that very few credits will be accepted. That is why it is important for families to work closely with our counseling department when considering a study abroad program.   

Who pays for a study abroad experience?

The cost of studying abroad is the responsibility of the family. Families must consider the following cost:        

                  Passport

                  Visa (if needed)

                  Flights

                  Tuition, Room and Board

                  Personal Living Expenses

                  Travel Opportunities

                  International Medical/Travel Insurance

Please note: Rotary and School sponsored (home-grown) study abroad programs generally do not incur tuition, room, or board costs.

Does CHRHS provide any financial assistance?

If a student participates in a school sponsored program and qualifies for free or reduced lunch, financial assistance may be available through the school. Financial assistance is determined on a case by case basis.