Unlike backpacking, a student exchange program involves immersing yourself in the life of your chosen country. You are supported by a network of caring people who will assist you throughout the duration of your program.

When you are overseas, you will have the support of your host family, a local coordinator, your friends and teachers at school, the staff at our partner organisation and, of course, the staff at WEP back in Australia.

In the first instance, your host family will support you in your day-to-day life overseas as your natural family would do here in Australia. They will provide a welcoming and friendly face when you first arrive at your destination, share the highs and lows with you, open your eyes to family life in a new country and provide a caring, warm and supportive environment in which to live.

You local coordinator is an extra support person whose role is to assist you in settling in to your family and school and in making the most of your exchange program. They are an impartial representative who you can approach with issues you do not feel comfortable raising with your host family. Coordinators generally have a great deal of experience with exchange students and understand the challenges you may experience, so they are excellent sounding boards when you need someone to talk to.

WEP Australia only works with reputable and proven partner organisations. The organisation overseas will provide you with an arrival orientation to improve your understanding of the culture, life and expectations of families, schools and the general public in your chosen country. You will receive 24-hour support whilst overseas - so if you wake up in the middle of the night with appendicitis or something has gone wrong back in Australia, there is always a person to call.

Likewise, in Australia, WEP provides 24 hour support to your parents. If there is a problem here or overseas, we have an emergency mobile phone which is switched on 24/7 and a staff member ready to take your call.