OP, you’ve gotten some great advice. Keep thinking & talking to your parents about this. Explore programs that offer both a year/semester/summer experiences abroad. But your first real tangible step would be to speak to your high school counselor for specific information how the school handles year abroad programs, and what kinds of issues you need to consider before deciding whether/when to do a year abroad. Good luck. You sound like a smart, mature and interesting person, and I wish you the best in high school and beyond!