Arranging an international exchange

My eldest started high school in April. He chose the school he is now attending, because he had heard they allow students do an exchange year abroad. He was adamant this is the school he wanted to go to and didn't even research any other school. I did! Because I thought if I could find a school that would organize an exchange for him, it would be easier. But I could not find any school here in Japan that has an exchange program with his country of choice. (For privacy and safety reasons I do not disclose the country in this post.)

It is a good thing that his high school has no problem with doing a year (or more) abroad. But the biggest crux is that it falls on the student or his parents to organize the exchange school for them. Some people use an agent reportedly, but we didn't. One, I doubt there are many agents in Japan that have an existing relationship with schools in his country of choice. Two, they are very pricey if the student is going for an extended period of time, as they charge commission by the day.

My son is not a native English speaker. It would have taken him too long to research, contact and try and organize a school himself. Therefore, the job fell to me. It was quicker for me, but definitely not 'easier'. The trauma of it all is still a bit raw! But I want to share my experience in case its of use to anyone else in the future. Basically, I contacted schools by email and asked if they would take an exchange student.

Long story short, our first choice, just a five minute walk from the house we'll be staying in, ended up taking him, but not initially. So I spent a very stressful few weeks, researching schools, contacting them and getting rejection after rejection letter. Most said they didn't have a place for an exchange student, while one said they only take exchange students who are preparing for a particular exam in the country he will be studying.

A few of my Japanese friends here asked me did he have to do a test or an interview. He didn't. I did have to fill out paperwork online. Also, I want to point out that it was important that he attended as an "exchange" student. If not, he would have to quit his school here. And after the amount of money we've  paid, there is no way! Plus, if he wants to come back, is place is secure in the school here.

It wasn't easy for me to arrange an international exchange for my son, as its not a natural skill set I have.  But maybe others found / will find it easy / easier. If you can afford it, it seems the agents are a great way to remove the stress of trying to arrange an international exchange yourself.