Are there free international scholarships for high school students?

I'm trying to figure out my options for studying abroad after high school. Are there any scholarships that cover most or all expenses for high schoolers wanting to go international? How can I get started on searching for these opportunities?

Yes, a number of organizations do offer scholarships for high school students who are interested in studying abroad. These scholarships often cover a significant portion of the cost, if not the entire amount, including tuition, accommodation, and sometimes even travel expenses.

One notable example is the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program. This program provides full scholarships to American high school students to study for one academic year in select countries.

Another program is the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program which funds an entire academic year abroad in Germany. This scholarship program funds U.S. high school students, vocational students, young professionals for a full-year work/study program.

NSLI-Y or the National Security Language Initiative for Youth offers immersive overseas language programs during the summer and academic year for U.S. high school students to learn less commonly taught languages – this could be an excellent option if you're interested in similar fields.

However, keep in mind competition can be tough, given the limited slots and high interest. So, it's best to apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances of being awarded at least one.

While many of these programs are need-blind, some others may also consider your financial need as part of the application process. They usually require some sort of personal statement, and academic records, and sometimes letters of recommendation, so starting early is a good idea.

In terms of finding these scholarships, a good starting point is to research and identify exchange programs and international schools that offer scholarships. Then, check their requirements and deadlines. Websites such as Appily, and CollegeVine also have resources that can assist your search for scholarships.

Remember, it's never too early to start preparing your applications! It's ideal to start getting your materials ready at least a few months ahead of the application deadline. It will give you adequate time to make your application as strong as possible.