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High School in Wales

Explore the rugged landscapes, colossal castles, and ancient roots of Wales!

Study Abroad in Wales

Studying in the capital city of Cardiff or by the seaside, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your ideal high school in either south or mid-Wales. Although part of the United Kingdom, living in Wales is a wholly unique cultural experience – from the rich history of Welsh traditions to the breathtaking natural beauty of more than 1,800 miles of coastline, you’ll never run out of ways to discover this small but vibrant country. Seated on the western boarder of England, Wales is surrounded by the Irish and Celtic seas, boasting colorful seaside villages, bustling cities, and wondrous mountains.

During your time in Wales, you’ll have the opportunity to absorb Welsh culture firsthand by living with a host family, attending high school with other students from the UK, and participating in activities to fully immerse yourself in your community.

Things to know about Wales

Living in Wales is an opportunity for you to step back in time – from massive mountains shaped by glaciers to rocky cliffs overlooking the sea, your adventures will feel like something out of a storybook! The weather is temperate throughout the year and can change quickly. You may often find yourself caught in the rain, which contributes to the lush greenery found across the country. Wales is well known as the home to one of Europe’s oldest literary traditions, with its heroic poetry roots dating back to the 6th century BCE. Welsh people are proud of their heritage and value a strong sense of community, but their warm and welcoming nature means that you’ll feel right at home.

Due to the influence of other cultures and occupations through the ages, the people of Wales have developed a sense of resilience and patriotism, celebrating their long history through music and storytelling. By becoming a part of the Welsh community, you’ll learn what it means to embrace cultural identity, honor the past, and express gratitude for the natural world.

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? Yes, high school graduates are eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA No Minimum GPA
Age Range (at program start) 16 years and 0 months to 19 years and 0 months at the start of the program
Language Skills No language requirement

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your Journey to Wales

Visa Information

AFS will provide visa guidance and support documents (if applicable). Visa processes can be lengthy and complex; you may be required to travel long distances to apply for the visa if there is not an embassy, consulate, etc. close to your home. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond a return date from your host country. We urge you to apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible if applying to an AFS program. We recommend not taking any trips (domestically or internationally) within 2 months prior to your AFS program as it may interfere with the visa application process and result in a late program start date.

Travel & Orientation

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience. 

Also during this time, AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in Wales will begin when you land, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers…as well as your fellow AFSers from around the world! Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on Welsh culture, living with a host family, safety, and support structures.  

Wales_Accommodations

Your Accommodations

Meeting your Welsh Host Family

Your host family may come from a variety of backgrounds – while they may not necessarily speak the Welsh language, many families in Wales value their identity and embrace their history. Families often tend to be on the smaller side in Wales, so you may or may not have host siblings living in your household. Most Welsh people are known to be laid back, good-humored, and hospitable. Because of the abundance of natural beauty, you’ll likely find yourself with many opportunities to explore the outdoors.

Wales_High School

Your Welsh High School

Some aspects of high school in Wales may be similar to the U.S. – you’ll likely take classes such as literature, psychology, biology, and economics. However, many schools offer a wide variety of additional class choices in the areas of art, technology, languages, and engineering. These classes provide an opportunity to discover and focus energy on your passions and explore potential career paths. You’ll also find many student societies and activities to participate in – some of which may be more familiar than others. You can immerse yourself in activities such as rugby and cricket to learn more about these popular sports. Depending on where in Wales you attend school, the size, population, and student culture may vary greatly.

Wales_Food

Food You’ll Encounter

Welsh food is often warm, hearty home-style meals. One of the most common dishes is Cawl, a traditional stew made with lamb or beef and vegetables such as carrots and potatoes. Sausages, leeks, and cheeses are also common elements of Welsh recipes. A lighter snack may the popular Welsh Rarebit, a creamy, savory cheese sauce spread on toast. Sweeter dishes generally consist of foods like cakes, pancakes, and breads with dried fruits and sugar. Depending on where you’re hosted, seafoods may be more common in areas close to the coastline!

What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 30,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations with a vetted host family
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
  • School enrollment fees
  • Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
  • Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
  • Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

Scholarships and Aid

We believe in the power of intercultural experiences and the potential of our students! That’s why we’re dedicated to meeting the demonstrated financial need of accepted applicants. The deadline to be considered for scholarships for semester and year-long programs departing January through March is July 15th. For programs departing July through September the deadline is December 5th. Learn more and view all deadlines below!

Learn More View Deadlines

Visa Info

Do I need a visa/residence permit for Mexico? Yes
How do I apply for the visa? (By mail, In-person, In host country) In-person
Visa/Residence Permit Process Difficulty Level (Easy, Average, Complex) Average
Estimated Visa/Residence Permit Expenses
($ – $$$)		 $$
Frequently Asked Visa Questions Visit our general visa FAQ page for more information.

Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one. When you return home from your study abroad in Wales, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.

That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning. It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in Wales.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.