Student exchange is living overseas with a host family and attending the local high school. It is living the life of a teenager in another country. It is immersing oneself in a different culture and developing tolerance. It is gaining an understanding of new ways of life and people. Often, it is learning a new language. Most of all, it is fun!

Secondary student exchange has different meanings in different countries, but a basic premise is that students will exchange their school, culture, family and possibly language for a limited time in a foreign country.

Students are placed with a volunteer family and attend a local high school for the duration of their time overseas. Families and students are matched as closely as possible based on such things as interests and hobbies.

Unlike backpacking, student exchange allows young people to immerse themselves in another culture and thus gain a true understanding of what it means to be a member of that culture. They have the support of a loving and caring family and develop a network of friends at school and in the community.

Student exchange is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the window of opportunity is now! The chance to travel and study overseas with the support of a host family (your second family), school and community is only available to students in years 9-13. There is no other time that young people can gain such an experience living overseas - backpacking, university exchanges and work-and-travel holidays very rarely involve living with members of the culture and immersing oneself in such a way.

Contrary to popular belief, being an exchange student does not mean you must directly exchange with a family overseas and have a student stay with your family. Of course, if you would like to have an international exchange student stay with you it can certainly be arranged, but there is no obligation.

Click here to read more on the benefits of student exchange