Student exchange programs in England and the UK
Immerse yourself in tradition and culture
Imagine studying high school in the UK with wonderful academic heritage and traditions, mixed with a thoroughly modern pulse!
As an exchange student in the UK, you will experience a beautiful country with friendly people. England, with her heritage alive and acclaimed in the works of historical writers, poets, artists, and musicians, is a compelling destination. Her captivating history is evident in charismatic kings and queens whose castles and citadels have largely withstood the tests of time, including, of course, the Royal Family. The education system is ranked as one of the world’s best, as is the standard of living.
When you study in the UK with Southern Cross Cultural Exchange, you can choose from a range of student exchange program choices – all expertly run by our own sister company, Educatius Group, in the UK. Study on Classic program for a traditional exchange and cultural immersion, or you can take an Area Request option if you know where you would like to study. You can be confident that you’ll be supported by a caring team throughout your program.
Quick facts
Age of students: 16–17 years
Departure: September or January
Visa: UK offer 3 months or Semester (5-6 months) programs only due to visa restrictions. Students can be accepted on a 10 month program in January or September of each year if an EU passport is held.
Area Request: Yes
Soft Landing Camp: Yes, in London at an additional fee
School day: Normally from 8.30 to 15.30
Subjects: There are both compulsory subjects and electives
Check out our Student Exchange Programs
In the UK, we offer Classic High School program with an Area Request option. Read more about our Classic High School program in the United Kingdom.
Tell us where you want to study in the UK
Brighton, Birmingham or Liverpool? With our Classic program, you can make an area request for your preferred location in the UK. Check out our area requests and secure your spot today.
About high school in the United Kingdom
As a Southern Cross Cultural Exchange student in the UK, you will experience life as a British teenager. Education in the country is of a high standard. The teachers are highly involved in every student’s individual development and are eager to help you get the most out of your school day.
Authentic high school life in the UK is like ours in many ways. School uniforms are common, and addressing your teachers with “Mrs, Mr, and Ms” is expected. It’s interesting to experience cultural differences every day.
Enquire nowSchool types and subjects
In the United Kingdom, there are different types of high schools and colleges*. Depending on the program you choose, you might attend a Vocational College, Grammar School or Sixth Form College, which is the most common one. You will enrol in classes that suit your level and previous knowledge. Math and English are compulsory subjects, but other than that, you are relatively free to choose the subjects you want to take by yourself.
The British school year contains of three semesters that start in September, January, and April. As an exchange student, you start in September or January.
*Thus, College in England is not the same as college in the United States, where it means university.
Enquire nowYour spare time in Great Britain
Your spare time in the UK will depend on where your host family lives. You may spend your free time hanging out with your friends at the piers in Brighton or Bournemouth, trying delicious treats at food markets in Birmingham or Glasgow, or hiking through beautiful surroundings in Cornwall.
In the UK, there is so much to discover. The capital city of London is amazing, but the country has plenty more to offer. Beautiful landscapes and medieval towns, along with an incredible coastline makes the country diverse and multifaceted. Your exchange program in the UK will be full of different experiences and activities.
The most popular sport
Soccer (football) is an extremely popular sport all over the UK. If you play soccer or any other sport, you should try to find a local team you can practice with after school. If you do not play any sport, it is well worth supporting a Premier League or English Football League time during your exchange year. This is a fantastic way to immerse in the culture.
Enquire nowStaying with a British host family
In the UK, there is a longstanding tradition of accepting exchange students from all over the world. When staying with a British host family on a Southern Cross Cultural Exchange program, you get to experience the British culture and family life up close. All our families are carefully selected by our colleagues in the UK and are looking forward to welcoming you into their home.
Many of our host families have hosted students several times before. They know how amazing it is getting a new member to the family, as well as understanding the cultural clashes that may arise. It is important to communicate, especially at the beginning of the exchange program. Things that you take for granted may not be as natural for your host family and vice-versa.
Your English host family can live in the city, the countryside, in an apartment, a villa, with or without kids. Some have pets, some do not. Regardless, you will be staying with a kind and caring family who are looking forward to meeting you. Your host family will be excited to show you authentic English life, as well as learning about your culture. Why not impress them by making a special dish from your family?
Unbeatable support in your new home
Our colleagues in the UK will be taking expert care of you while you are on your program. In addition to your host family, each student will be assigned to a local coordinator who is there to answer questions, provide on-going support and give regular reports on each student’s well-being.
Learn about our host familiesAbout high school in the United Kingdom
As a Southern Cross Cultural Exchange student in the UK, you will experience life as a British teenager. Education in the country is of a high standard. The teachers are highly involved in every student’s individual development and are eager to help you get the most out of your school day.
Authentic high school life in the UK is like ours in many ways. School uniforms are common, and addressing your teachers with “Mrs, Mr, and Ms” is expected. It’s interesting to experience cultural differences every day.
School types and subjects
In the United Kingdom, there are different types of high schools and colleges*. Depending on the program you choose, you might attend a Vocational College, Grammar School or Sixth Form College, which is the most common one. You will enrol in classes that suit your level and previous knowledge. Math and English are compulsory subjects, but other than that, you are relatively free to choose the subjects you want to take by yourself.
The British school year contains of three semesters that start in September, January, and April. As an exchange student, you start in September or January.
*Thus, College in England is not the same as college in the United States, where it means university.
Your spare time in Great Britain
Your spare time in the UK will depend on where your host family lives. You may spend your free time hanging out with your friends at the piers in Brighton or Bournemouth, trying delicious treats at food markets in Birmingham or Glasgow, or hiking through beautiful surroundings in Cornwall.
In the UK, there is so much to discover. The capital city of London is amazing, but the country has plenty more to offer. Beautiful landscapes and medieval towns, along with an incredible coastline makes the country diverse and multifaceted. Your exchange program in the UK will be full of different experiences and activities.
The most popular sport
Soccer (football) is an extremely popular sport all over the UK. If you play soccer or any other sport, you should try to find a local team you can practice with after school. If you do not play any sport, it is well worth supporting a Premier League or English Football League time during your exchange year. This is a fantastic way to immerse in the culture.
Staying with a British host family
In the UK, there is a longstanding tradition of accepting exchange students from all over the world. When staying with a British host family on a Southern Cross Cultural Exchange program, you get to experience the British culture and family life up close. All our families are carefully selected by our colleagues in the UK and are looking forward to welcoming you into their home.
Many of our host families have hosted students several times before. They know how amazing it is getting a new member to the family, as well as understanding the cultural clashes that may arise. It is important to communicate, especially at the beginning of the exchange program. Things that you take for granted may not be as natural for your host family and vice-versa.
Your English host family can live in the city, the countryside, in an apartment, a villa, with or without kids. Some have pets, some do not. Regardless, you will be staying with a kind and caring family who are looking forward to meeting you. Your host family will be excited to show you authentic English life, as well as learning about your culture. Why not impress them by making a special dish from your family?
Unbeatable support in your new home
Our colleagues in the UK will be taking expert care of you while you are on your program. In addition to your host family, each student will be assigned to a local coordinator who is there to answer questions, provide on-going support and give regular reports on each student’s well-being.
Soft Landing Camp in London
Regardless of which high school program you choose, your big UK adventure will start in the beautiful city of London. With incoming students from all over the world, we’ll all stay here for three nights, preparing you to be ready for the year to come and have an amazing time in tis vibrant city. You will get the best possible start on your high school exchange.
Soft Landing Camp is only available for students who start in September and is an additional cost.
Area requests in the UK
Tailor your exchange program in the UK with Southern Cross Cultural Exchange. Choose a Region or City option if you know where you want to study – limited spots apply and requests are available for an additional fee.
Area Requests in the UKHear from our former exchange students in UK
Brodie
“Before you head off, think of some things you would like to achieve while overseas, whether this be just to enjoy your time and make new relationships or it be to travel the country.
– Brodie in UK
Rachel
“The most rewarding part about my exchange was that I meet people from different cultures. not just in my host country but also the other exchange students around my area.”
– Rachel in UK
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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