There are hundreds of programs available for CMS students to study abroad.  Specific applications will vary from program to program.  In most cases, program personnel will conduct an interview with a student to make sure that the student is a good fit for the program and/or host family.  Students should be sure to plan early because applications can be due 4 to 9 months in advance.  Age requirements vary, as well as cost.

 Types of Study Abroad Programs

Long-Term

• Semester or academic year-long programs-- students live with a host family and are expected to attend their host international high school daily. 
• Gap-Year/ 13th year of high school-- students most often live with a host family and attend high school, work as an intern, attend a language immersion school, or do community service.

Short-Term

• Short-term study abroad takes place during the summer.  The duration of time can be from 3 weeks to 8 weeks.  Studies can include language study in an immersion school or camp, a specific course related to host country/culture, community service or home stay only.
• Exchange programs also offer short-term trips available to students during the summer.  Students travel as part of an internatioanl group with a group leader to visit another country.  Trip length varies from 1 week to 4 weeks (approx.). 

International Travel (non-required international field trip)

• The international field trip takes place any time during the school year or summer and is sponsored/coordinated by a CMS school or department.  Students travel as a group with a teacher or administrator from their school to an international location, for the primary purpose of travel and tourism.  Some CMS schools may establish an exchange agreement with an international school.  A field trip under an exchange agreement would include visits to a school and host family stays, in addition to travel and tourism.  The international field trip length is typically less than three weeks.

Please note:  The above definitions were created by the CMS Study Abroad Office.  The definitions will be reviewed and editied on a regular basis as the study abroad industry continues to expand in secondary education and programs change and/or grow to include more areas of study for students.