i really am trying to go to australia or japan next year [ i want to do the january-april semester program for AFS] and it’s really expensive. i’ll be able to get a job this summer, but even if i don’t spend any money and if i work for minimum wage [ i'm only 16] i’ll make 2k tops….The entire cost of the basics is about $6,000 >_< what can i do to go about getting the amount of money i need to study abroad?

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Some parents will actually take out loans for their kids to do this – it often comes back in college scholarships. AFS should have some scholarship opportunities as well. In addition, you may ask different civic groups in your area for help — some will donate a few hundred each in return for you sending a monthly report and making a presentation when you return (make sure the reports are individualized for each group, but your presentation can be the same).
Good luck!