Founded in 1983. Celebrating 40 years of creating global experiences and life-long connections

Experience Your World with Southern Cross Cultural Exchange

Focused Expertise

We focus on two things: high school exchanges and you. We have a strong understanding of school systems in other countries and take the time to understand your needs.

One Team Across the Globe

At home and in your host country, our global team is there to guide and support you before, during and after your exchange.

Safety & Wellbeing

Southern Cross Cultural Exchange has sent more exchange students than any other organisation since 1983. Your safety and wellbeing is our priority.

Guides with exchange experience

Many of our team members were exchange students, are parents of children who have studied abroad, or have hosted exchange students. We are here to help guide you.

Check out our programs

Classic Programs

A traditional exchange experience. This cultural exchange program immerses you into lifestyle, community and language of your caring host family while you attend a local high school.

Classic High School

Select High School Programs

Pick your exact location, school or extra-curricular focus. Choose a public or private with caring host family. Ideal if you’re pursuing a particular academic pathway or an elevated experience.

Select High School

Classic with Area Request

You can choose a City or Regional placement, or narrow it down to a particular location for some Semester and Academic Year exchange programs. It's your exchange, and your choice.

Destinations

Host an Exchange student

Find out how your family can host an exchange student with Southern Cross Cultural Exchange. Students arrive each year for 3, 5 and 10 months and we would love your family to get involved!

Our Host families

Amazing high schools, incredible value

Classic high school exchange programs at competitive prices

The best US high schools for sports

Make your high school dreams a reality

Our European destinations

Immerse yourself into the language, culture and lifestyle

Events & webinars – Join us live

Japan

New spots are available for August 2024 departures!

Learn more

Special offer France 2024

Short Program Host Sibling and Private School Guarantee at no additional fee. Departures are in late 2024, for 6 Weeks / 2-3 months.

Learn more

TikTok inspiration

Check out our socials

Smiling girls in British Columbia

GO WITH THE EXPERTS

High school exchange programs are are all we do, and our specialty.  We draw on our knowledge of foreign destinations and school systems, and our vast network of educators and host families. We have sent thousands of students on life-changing high school exchanges since 1983. Learn more about Southern Cross Cultural Exchange and how we aim to create the best study abroad experiences for young people. 

Get to know us

Why become an exchange student

To challenge yourself by trying something totally different! Exchange students aged 14 – 18  are granted the opportunity to become part of another culture by living with an overseas family, attending the local secondary school, immersing themselves into another way of life in a meaningful and educational way. Students gain a new perspective on themselves! Attitudes and values become clearer. Curiosity about cultural differences grows. As well as gaining new friends, a second family and language skills, future education and career opportunities are often enhanced through participation in an exchange program

Friends at a cat cafe

Our Mission Statement 

We believe in building a better cultural understanding between nations and people. By offering safe and exciting ways for young people to fulfil their dreams of discovering a new culture through learning, we help create better global citizens, while contributing to improved quality of life for those less fortunate. 

Southern Cross Cultural Exchange takes pride in designing programs ranging in duration from six weeks up to an Academic Year, which reflect the values and ideals of Australian students, families, and schools.  With four decades of Australian-based experience, SCCE staff have a unique ability to respond to the changing needs of Australian education systems through the innovation, diversification and adaptation of our programs and procedures. 

Our vast experience in providing high quality exchange programs is reflected in its approval and registration with Australian state and federal education departments, and its acceptance by immigration and education authorities around the world. 

Recruiting professionals qualified and experienced in the fields of education, counselling, travel and administration, most of Southern Cross Cultural Exchange’s staff are former exchange students whose unique experiences and knowledge, as well as enthusiasm for intercultural exchange programs, directly benefits today’s participants.

Learn more about us
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