High-schoolers who are eager to experience life in the U.K. can become exchange students, living with local families and attending British schools. Exchange students learn about their adopted culture while serving as junior ambassadors for their homeland, making new friends and having exciting, challenging experiences on a daily basis. Most exchange programs require high grades and excellent recommendations before placing applicants abroad.
Most colleges and universities offer study abroad programs, and many universities in the U.K. welcome students who wish to spend a semester or year on campus. Of course, interested students can also apply to complete their entire degree program at a university in the U.K., attending a school like Oxford or St. Andrews. Information is available online and through university study abroad offices.
BUNAC, the British Universities North America Club, is an organization dedicated to "overseas work/travel and volunteer programs," which are designed to "offer students and young people an enriching and affordable alternative to package tourism." For students interested in experiencing the U.K., BUNAC offers an internship program. College students can intern for up to six months in the U.K., earning a wage and gaining valuable international work experience.