Your high school adventure starts here

A high school exchange is a life-changing experience that will leave a lasting impact. You’ll be immersed in a different culture, learn a new language and make new friends. You’ll build confidence and gain new skills that will set you up for success in the future.

We work exclusively with high school programs so it gives us the opportunity to provide our students and their parents with the best quality possible in terms of service, knowledge, experience, and program selection. Don’t delay, pick our brains today!

Enquire now Order High school guide

Is an exchange right for me?

✔️ I want to meet new people
✔️ I want to experience a new culture
✔️ I want to visit new places
✔️ I want to make new friends
✔️ I want to become independent
✔️ I want to grow as a person
✔️ I want to have an experience of a lifetime

Here are some dream destinations to choose from:

GET OUR HIGH SCHOOL GUIDE FOR more information on how you can have THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME

What makes us different?

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 student. We are here to help guide you.

Join our next webinar to get a glimpse into the life of a high school exchange student!

Meet and chat online with our team.

Register here

We figure you might have some questions

Are there different types of exchanges?

Yes, we offer Classic Short and Long Programs, Select High School and Academic Exchange Programs.

How much does an exchange usually cost?

You can see all prices here.

Where will I be staying during my exchange?

As an exchange student, you live and become part of a new and carefully selected host family. You attend the local high school and participate in lessons just like any other student. We work hard to find the right host families for our students. All host families complete a screening process to ensure that they are engaged, friendly, and safe. It is important to focus on finding the right host family, rather than focusing on just the geographic location. Students should be open minded and flexible as the exchange experience can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience.

What kind of supports are in place before and during the exchange?

Each student is assigned a Local Coordinator who is there to assist and support both the student and the host family, and to help with discussions and negotiations.

Southern Cross Cultural Exchange offers 24/7 support and can be reached by students and parents at any time. You will have a Program Manager who will support and guide you through every step of the process.

Upon arrival, students meet a Local Coordinator near the host family home as additional support. The local contact person often arranges get-togethers with other exchange students in the area, and also supports the host family.

Southern Cross Cultural Exchange is proud to be a recipient of International Standard ISO9001 certification, which means we operate using a Quality Management System essential for identifying and managing the expectations of our students and their families. Through annual audits, we maintain and continually improve a Quality Management System that complies with the requirements of the International Standard ISO 9001.

What does the application process look like?

Step 1: Planning and dreaming
– Am I eligible?
– Choosing your destination and program
– Join an Information Session Webinar

Step 2: Apply Online
– Complete your country-specific application
– Interview with our staff

Step 3: Preparation
– The placement process
– Visa application
– Mandatory: Your pre-departure orientation

For more information, please visit our Student Exchange Program – This is how it works page.

What are the deadlines for applying?

Please see each destination price page for application deadlines as these vary depending on the destination, and the program duration.

From Previous exchange students:

JESSICA

“It’s good to talk to your teachers when something confuses you or makes you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed because they are there to help you.”
– Jessica in Canada

JEMMA

“Take every chance and opportunity you get as you will not regret it and it will make the most of your exchange.”

– Jemma in USA

Ready to learn about the next steps?

Are you ready to take the first steps towards an experience that will open up a new world of possibilities? Please join our Information Session Webinar online and then complete this form to pre-apply for your exchange program.

Our team will contact you and your parents to arrange an interview, provide further instructions to complete your application, and discuss the program information and prices.

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