Where to find international scholarships for high school students?

As a junior in high school, I'm planning ahead for college and curious about international scholarships. Are there opportunities available directly for high school students, or do most start at the undergraduate level? Any advice on getting started?

Great that you're being proactive and looking into scholarships early! There are indeed a variety of international scholarships available for high school students, so you're on the right track. Scholarships for high school students are typically either for study abroad experiences or for international students planning to attend college in the U.S.

To locate opportunities, many students opt to use scholarship search engines. There are several trusted ones out there - one example is Fastweb, which allows you to create a personalized profile and matches you to relevant scholarships. Another platform that provides a pretty extensive list of scholarships is Appily, which caters to students at all levels from high school to graduate school.

Also consider programs like the United States Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. They offer funding for high school students to participate in cultural exchange programs. Some of these programs even offer language learning opportunities, which could be invaluable in your academic and professional journey.

Remember to contact the financial aid offices at your prospective colleges, as many schools offer scholarships for international students or those planning to study abroad.

Most importantly, I advise that you start preparing early. While scholarship applications often require similar information (like academic transcripts and personal statements), every scholarship is unique -- some may require letters of recommendation, others may require specific projects or demonstrations of leadership. If you prepare early, you'll be able to fully meet the application criteria and submit the strongest application possible.

Remember to continue to invest in your education and in yourself. Although the scholarship process can be competitive, do not get discouraged. Keep in mind that a well-rounded student is often the most competitive for scholarships, so continue focusing on your schoolwork, your passions, and your community involvement.

Good luck on your search!