What is an exchange program?

Travel on an adventure of a lifetime

We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding what it’s like to go on a high school exchange program.

Southern Cross Cultural Exchange helps young people between the ages of 14–17 take their first steps out into the world as exchange students. With Southern Cross Cultural Exchange programs, you learn for life; with experiences that will shape your future opportunities.

But what exactly is an exchange program? And how do you become an exchange student?

It’s much easier than you might think – you’re in great hands with our team of experts.

In short: what is an exchange program?

Going on an exchange program means:  

When you go on a high school exchange, you take a break from high school at home so you can attend a high school abroad, immersing yourself in the local life, culture, language and education system. When your exchange is finished, you go back and resume school in your home country. 

As an exchange student, you live and become part of a new host family. You attend the local high school and participate in lessons just like any other student.  Programs are available for an Academic Year or Semester, however we also have Short Programs ranging from 6 weeks – 3 Months.   

That’s how easy it is!  

Academic Year Program 

There is no doubt about it, if you want to get the absolute most out of your exchange experience, going for the full academic year is your best option.  The program will range from 10-11 months and the departure date will depend on your destination country.   

Semester Program 

Going overseas for a semester can mean a duration of 4 – 6 months, depending on your destination.  The vast majority of our semester students feel as though they’ve truly become a local, a classmate, a family member and more.   

Short Program 

Not everyone has a full year available to experience their world, but there is still a lot you can see and do in a shorter amount of time.  Our shorter programs are 6 weeks, 2 months, 2.5 months and 3 months in duration and can take you to many destinations around the world. Our short term programs are typically scheduled for an end-of-year departure, often meaning you only miss the summer break or final term of your Australian education. 

On an exchange program, you may become fluent in a new language, will make friends from all over the world and participate in adventures that your classmates at home can only dream of. You will have a second family away from home who will cherish you.  You will have experiences that you will benefit greatly from in the future, particularly in your future academic and professional pathways. You will discover your own strengths and be confident that you are ready to reach your highest potential! 

Note for NSW Students (only)
NSW Student Exchange Guidelines consider exchange programs to be a minimum of 10 weeks abroad. NSW students who prefer a shorter duration are eligible to apply for our high school 2 Month or 6 Week programs. Please be aware that we abide by the same regulatory conditions for all programs, however in NSW these are considered cultural immersion programs, rather than student exchange programs.

How do I apply?

To apply is simple: 

1. Register for an Information Session Webinar.

2. If you have further questions, please use our Enquire Now form below and we will contact you to discuss the best program options for your goals and answer your questions.  

3. Register online and we will guide you through the Application process, deposit payments and interview.  We’ll review your application and goals and make sure your exchange program fits! 

Student Exchange in France

France offers students a captivating environment for a first-hand education of French culture and language. The French patriotism, present in the country’s refined leisure, philosophy and arts, comes alive for students at every turn. Enjoy croissants, sip coffee in a café, and just embrace everything that the French culture has to offer.

Learn more

Student Exchange in Italy

Italian culture is renowned for placing the highest importance on family. Italians enjoy spending time with extended family members and will always find reasons to have large family gatherings. Italy is also blessed with a great diversity of landscapes: they ski all year round on the Alpine glaciers, sunbathe on an Adriatic beach or walk around the cozy medieval towns in Tuscany. The quality and variety of local cuisine are unforgettable; every region has its own savoury dishes cooked with healthy and fresh local ingredients.

Learn more

Student Exchange in the USA

Get the ultimate high school experience as an exchange student in the United States. It’s the most popular destination for students wishing for cultural immersion, and the extracurricular fun American high schools are famous for. Be placed anywhere in the Country on a Classic Program, choose a subject or sport on an Academic Exchange, or have total control and choose your school and location on a Select Program

Learn more

Canada offers everything from bustling city life in Vancouver and Toronto, skiing in the Rocky Mountains, to long sandy beaches by the coast. There is more to Canada than snowy landscapes, cold temperatures, and hockey games… just waiting for you to discover.

Learn more

Student Exchange in France

France offers students a captivating environment for a first-hand education of French culture and language. The French patriotism, present in the country’s refined leisure, philosophy and arts, comes alive for students at every turn. Enjoy croissants, sip coffee in a café, and just embrace everything that the French culture has to offer.

Learn more
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Student Exchange in Italy

Italian culture is renowned for placing the highest importance on family. Italians enjoy spending time with extended family members and will always find reasons to have large family gatherings. Italy is also blessed with a great diversity of landscapes: they ski all year round on the Alpine glaciers, sunbathe on an Adriatic beach or walk around the cozy medieval towns in Tuscany. The quality and variety of local cuisine are unforgettable; every region has its own savoury dishes cooked with healthy and fresh local ingredients.

Learn more
banner-img

Student Exchange in the USA

Get the ultimate high school experience as an exchange student in the United States. It’s the most popular destination for students wishing for cultural immersion, and the extracurricular fun American high schools are famous for. Be placed anywhere in the Country on a Classic Program, choose a subject or sport on an Academic Exchange, or have total control and choose your school and location on a Select Program

Learn more
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Canada offers everything from bustling city life in Vancouver and Toronto, skiing in the Rocky Mountains, to long sandy beaches by the coast. There is more to Canada than snowy landscapes, cold temperatures, and hockey games… just waiting for you to discover.

Learn more
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How much does it cost to become an exchange student?

What an exchange year costs depends on which country you want to study in and the duration of your exchange. 

Classic High School

Classic High School is our traditional exchange program. With the Classic High School program, you choose your country, and we will place you with caring host family who will immerse you into their family, culture and language while you study in a nearby local school. In many of our destinations, you can submit a request for a specific area or city, at an additional fee that will be charged if your request is approved.

See price

Select High School

We recommend the Select High School program if you want a tailored exchange program. Do you dream of playing a specific sport, have a favorite subject that you want to learn more about, or know where you want to spend your exchange program? Then the Select High School program is perfect for you.

See price

Classic High School

Classic High School is our traditional exchange program. With the Classic High School program, you choose your country, and we will place you with caring host family who will immerse you into their family, culture and language while you study in a nearby local school. In many of our destinations, you can submit a request for a specific area or city, at an additional fee that will be charged if your request is approved.

See price
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Select High School

We recommend the Select High School program if you want a tailored exchange program. Do you dream of playing a specific sport, have a favorite subject that you want to learn more about, or know where you want to spend your exchange program? Then the Select High School program is perfect for you.

See price
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Take the next step towards your exchange program!

Join an Information Session Webinar  

At Southern Cross Cultural Exchange, we understand that there is a lot to consider when going on exchange, which is why we are happy to offer these regular Information Session Webinars to guide you through your exchange program options. Our online sessions run for approximately 60 minutes. They will guide you through everything from you need to know about our programs. There is also time at the end of the presentation to ask questions.

Take the next step towards an unforgettable experience and start planning for your high school exchange year today! Join a webinar here.

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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