High School Exchange in Mongolia (15-18 years old)
Home to the legendary ruler Genghis Khan, Mongolia is often seen as the last great frontier for travelers seeking a path less traveled. This enchanting country, reminiscent of Marco Polo’s journeys to the Orient, is a land of vast steppes, wild horses, and yaks—long-haired mountain cattle found throughout Asia. With yaks outnumbering cars and nearly half the population still leading a semi-nomadic lifestyle, Mongolia offers one of the most unique and authentic study abroad experiences in the world.
No Language Requirement! Whether or not you speak Mongolian, you’ll pick it up naturally through living with a host family and everyday conversations.
A high school exchange in Mongolia is more than just travel, it’s a chance to live the culture, build lasting friendships, and grow in ways that go far beyond the classroom.
Land of the Eternal Blue Sky Mongolia is nicknamed the “Land of the Eternal Blue Sky” because it has over 250 sunny days a year, perfect for outdoor adventures.
More Horses Than People There are about 4 million horses in Mongolia, which means they actually outnumber the human population! Many Mongolians learn to ride before they can walk.
Naadam Festival Fun Every July, Mongolia celebrates Naadam, a huge festival featuring horse racing, wrestling, and archery, known as the “Three Manly Sports.”
Gers, Not Houses Many families live in a “ger” (yurt), a round tent that’s warm in winter, cool in summer, and can be packed up in just a few hours.
Throat Singing Magic Mongolian throat singing is a traditional music style where singers can produce two or more notes at the same time, it’s mind-blowing to hear in person!
As an ASSE exchange student in Mongolia, you might live in a “ger”, the traditional round tent made of canvas and felt, designed to be easily disassembled and moved. You’ll see how Buddhism continues to shape daily life, even as Mongolia embraces modern opportunities. Your host family will introduce you to customs, values, and warm hospitality that define Mongolian culture.
During your exchange time, you could sip tea from a beautifully decorated bowl, learn traditional Mongolian songs, or try the nation’s favorite sport, horseback riding across the open plains. Living here means immersing yourself in a way of life that blends ancient traditions with a forward-looking spirit.
