Student exchange has countless benefits for a student keen to embark on this international adventure. There is a great deal of independence inherent in an exchange program. Going overseas without one's parents and stepping outside an existing social network develops responsibility, initiative and accountability for one's actions.

Learning to work through the challenges of adapting to a new culture, family and school gives students increased maturity, confidence and flexibility. Students develop self-awareness and understanding of the world and international relations, leading to a much more worldly, focused and determined approach upon return to Australia.

Student exchange is "reality living and learning", without the cameras, in supportive, non-competitive environments. It is total-immersion learning (emotional and cognitive) where students are directly involved with explanations of human differences.

Along with distinct foreign language benefits, these tangible attributes and experiences combine to produce an advantage over peers, a kick-start on a future career and increased knowledge about and interest in a business or political future. Student exchange programs turn our students into future leaders.

I still can't believe just how different EVERYTHING is!! School is good...everyone is really nice and friendly to me. I don’t talk with an American accent yet... It's funny because my math teacher always likes it when I read the school bulletin to the class because he likes my accent so much.

- Jessica Kosic, year program to USA

I can't believe how much I have changed already, I can already tell that I have matured so much, I never that thought doing an exchange I would learn so much about myself and at the same time learn about a whole different culture. Its just amazing.

- Kelsey Booth, year program to Italy

Click here to read articles from past exchange students.