CHICAGO, March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI), the well-respected, nonprofit student exchange organization, is looking for participants for its Fall 2011 study abroad programs. April 15, 2011 is the application deadline for high school students who would like to expand their cultural horizons and participate in study abroad programs. Participants will have a choice of academic year, semester or three month programs.

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"Study abroad programs have so much to offer the American high school student," says Juliet Jones, Travel Abroad Director for CCI. "Not only will these students have an opportunity to experience another culture first hand, they will also have a chance to give back to their new communities through environmentally-focused volunteer projects. Additionally, participation in an exchange program is viewed as a huge asset for college applicants."

Along with cultural enrichment and lifelong friendships, CCI's affordable programs include:

• Placement with a carefully screened host family and school
• Full accident and medical insurance
• Full supervision of a local coordinator
• Personal and ongoing support from U.S. staff
• Pre-departure and arrival orientation
• International flights to and from select U.S. gateways
• 24 hour emergency support

Students also have the opportunity to become fluent in another language and culture, gain maturity and independence, and develop an international perspective. Applicants must be between 15-18 years old with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75/4.0.

The April 15, 2011 deadline applies to the following countries: Spain, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Argentina and New Zealand. For more information or to apply, visit http://www.cci-exchange.com/highschoolabroad.aspx, e-mail info@greenhearttravel.org or call 1-888-ABROAD-1.

Established in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a nonprofit international education exchange organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. CCI is recognized by the U.S. Department of State as an official exchange visit program sponsor. Based in Chicago, IL, CCI organizes high school exchange, short-term group homestay, internship, work & travel, and language study programs in the United States and in over 30 countries around the world.

SOURCE Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI)