Exchange programs in Australia

Experience Australian lifestyle

Student exchange programs in Australia offer students from New Zealand the opportunity to spread their wings and experience life as a local in another country without being on the other side of the world.

Australia boasts a wide landscape and diverse climates, and for this reason there is no such thing as a “typical Aussie lifestyle”. Life in Australia could include wide open spaces, small country towns and close knit communities, or in contrast, you could live in a suburban city with buzzing streets and a large population.

Regardless of where you may call home, you will enjoy friendly locals with a sense of humour, family barbeques and beautiful landscapes to explore.

Quick facts

Age of students: 15–17 years

Departure: January or July

Soft Landing Camp: Yes, in Sydney at an additional cost

School day: Normally from 8.15 to 15.20

Subjects: There are both compulsory subjects and electives

Programs: Classic High School

Views from Australia

Views from Australia

Check out our high school programs

We offer Classic High School programs in Australia. Read more about Classic High School in Australia.

The experience of a lifetime

Travelling on an exchange year is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shapes your future. Check out this short guide to planning your exchange in Australia. Please join an Information Session Webinar and then contact us to make that plan a reality. 

About high school in Australia

As an exchange student in Australia, you will get to experience life an Australian High School. You will notice the similarities to school’s art home, such as school uniforms, but there may be some different subjects and sports you can try throughout your exchange.

Enquire now

Subjects and school activities

You will have mandatory subjects such as Math and English, but may be able to choose from a wide range of exciting subjects. We highly recommend you to enrol in classes that are not as common in in New Zealand.

Australian high schools have different sports and activities available. Popular sports include rugby, tennis, soccer, AFL, and basketball. Engaging in these clubs at school is a great way of finding new friends and becoming a part of the school community.

Enquire now

Your spare time in Australia

Landscapes and sunsets, vibrant cities, diverse wildlife or beautiful beaches. How you spend your spare time will depend on you. Get involved in local community groups, sports and activities or join a local gym. It is important to be proactive to make the most of your exchange program in Australia.

Sports and activities

Sports are often available as extra-curricular activities in school. Some high schools even offer unique sports options, such as surfing or scuba diving.

The climate creates perfect opportunities for excursions and fun outdoor activities. You can discover more by going on hikes, on road trips with your family, and school excursions.

Enquire now

Staying with an Australian host family

Your caring host family will give you insight into the Australian culture.

All our host families are different – they may live in a city, in a regional area, others by the coast, some have children, some do not. What they all have in common is that they are excited about welcoming you into their home.

About our host families

About high school in Australia

As an exchange student in Australia, you will get to experience life an Australian High School. You will notice the similarities to school’s art home, such as school uniforms, but there may be some different subjects and sports you can try throughout your exchange.

Enquire now
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Subjects and school activities

You will have mandatory subjects such as Math and English, but may be able to choose from a wide range of exciting subjects. We highly recommend you to enrol in classes that are not as common in in New Zealand.

Australian high schools have different sports and activities available. Popular sports include rugby, tennis, soccer, AFL, and basketball. Engaging in these clubs at school is a great way of finding new friends and becoming a part of the school community.

Enquire now
banner-img

Your spare time in Australia

Landscapes and sunsets, vibrant cities, diverse wildlife or beautiful beaches. How you spend your spare time will depend on you. Get involved in local community groups, sports and activities or join a local gym. It is important to be proactive to make the most of your exchange program in Australia.

Sports and activities

Sports are often available as extra-curricular activities in school. Some high schools even offer unique sports options, such as surfing or scuba diving.

The climate creates perfect opportunities for excursions and fun outdoor activities. You can discover more by going on hikes, on road trips with your family, and school excursions.

Enquire now
banner-img

Staying with an Australian host family

Your caring host family will give you insight into the Australian culture.

All our host families are different – they may live in a city, in a regional area, others by the coast, some have children, some do not. What they all have in common is that they are excited about welcoming you into their home.

About our host families
banner-img
Students at the Opera House in Sydney

Soft Landing Camp in Sydney

Our Soft Landing Camps are the best start to your exchange program abroad. You get to meet Southern Cross Cultural Exchange students looking forward to the same adventure as you, as well as to find out more the life in Australia. You also get to see the beautiful city of Sydney, the harbour and the beach!

Join an information session webinar

Preparing for your exchange program is an important part of the process and is vital to continued program success. We provide a number of ways for you to become fully prepared for your exchange program. These sessions online give you the opportunity to find out more about living with a host family and studying overseas, plus you can meet a member of our team and ask any further questions.

Register here!

Hear from our former exchange students in Australia

Kristie

“These boys have seriously tried nearly everything on the farm. Always happy to jump in and learn a new skill. Oscar was even considering a career in farming until he found out how much they are paid in Denmark ?”

Kristie, host mum in Australia

VIctor AND julian

Sunshine Coast for a quick holiday –
a break from Melbourne’s endless winter.

– Victor and Julian in Australia

Enquire now

The best way to prepare for your exchange program is to join an Information Session Webinar.
Please click here to register and then complete your details below and we will be in touch to answer your questions.

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