Application requirements

I have made list of the most critical and most common requirements that the aspiring exchange students are to meet in order to be allowed to apply. Note that the requirements can vary among companies, countries, and types of the exchange programs.

My notes are based upon the exchange program I’ve participated in and the accounts on my friends who’ve also studied abroad.

1. Language. You are very likely to take an exam evaluating your language skills as the very first step, preceding the application process, for the knowledge of English language is the most critical factor taken into consideration. As a future exchange student you need to know the language well enough to make contact with foreigners and to be able to indulge some basic needs, such as getting around the airports when travelling over, getting to the right places, asking questions, introducing yourself, getting to know people, and understanding what’s going on around you both at home and at school. It is normal than during first days, weeks, or months, the language you encounter might overwhelm you, for the language spoken by natives is slightly different than the one learnt at school. People use it on the everyday basis, so it seems that they speak fast and unclearly. It’s all the matter of getting used to it – as with everything during the exchange program.
2. Course of education. High school exchange programs require you to be enrolled to a high (or middle) school at the time of planning departure for the program, meaning that you can go any year during your course of education as long as you’re not graduated. That means, you can’t study abroad once you’ve graduated from high school, and once you go for an exchange program, you are to attend the grade that directly follows the one you’ve just completed (for example, if you leave after 11^th grade, you will attend 12^th grade). Read more in American High School.
3. Age. Companies do set the upper age limit for the applicants, but it varies. In my case it was something around 24 or 25 years of age.
4. Academic performance. Keeping it sweet and short: bad students are not to be exchange students, but neither do you need to be a super excellent student. Companies usually set the grade average, which is usually based on last couple years or semesters, that is required in order to apply. The grades from your school need to be ‘translated’ into the American grading system (so A, B, C and so on). The grades you’ve performed determine what school you are going to attend in the States, so the better grades you have, the better school you have a chance to attend.
5. Medical examination. Some serious illnesses or disabilities, which need a regular medical treatment and might be bothersome while abroad, might be an obstacle in becoming an exchange student, but, for example, being allergic is tolerated. During the application process you are asked to visit a physician who does some basic medical examination.
6. Social skills. One's social skills are not that straightforward to evaluate, so it consists of couple different parts. One of them is an opinion note, or a recommendation letter, provided by your teachers. Their job is to outline both your academic and social capabilities as seen by the teachers. 
7. Extra achievements. When collecting documents for the application, any diplomas, certificates, pictures, or prizes proving your achievements in fields such as sports, arts, music, voluntary, or any other, may be handy. The more you advertise about yourself, the more 'attractive' you will be in the eyes of the future host family or the school; it is definitely worth to include them. 
8. Self-presentation. The way you present yourself to the company is also significant. Sometimes it's an interview, sometimes it's a personal essay, but whatever the form would be, you will need to say something about yourself. In the first place, you need to prove that you are confident and open enough to have at least some ease in making friends and getting along with people. But don't worry here - if you are shy, treat an exchange as an opportunity to change something about yourself. It actually happens anyway, believe me. Also, don't hesitate to outline your strengths, hobbies, and interests - remember that you are being assigned to a host family also according to who you are. The more you reveal about yourself, the easier and more fun it will be to get along with people on the exchange program.

In case of any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.