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A passion embracing past, present and future
The beginning of the story
It all started in Liège, Belgium in 1988, with three friends sharing the same passion for discovering the world and bridging the gap amongst different cultures. World Education Program (WEP) is born: an organisation that offers young people the opportunity to embark on educational experiences around the world, as a way to attain significant personal advancement and open themselves to new opportunities with a spirit of trust and curiosity.
The Australian chapter
Carleen Wheeler, a pioneer of the student exchange industry in Australia, forms WEP Australia in 2001 cooperation with WEP International and remains at the helm of the organisation for close to 20 years. Muriel Scheid, current CEO of WEP Australia, has decades of experience working within the international education industry. As a result, WEP Australia sets the benchmark for secondary student exchange organisations in Australia.
An international network
The WEP project continues to expand and to open itself to the world. Our offering grows hand in hand with the needs and desires of new generations, evermore global and inquisitive. At the same time, WEP transforms from a small, local reality to an international organisation with over 130 employees and offices in many different countries across Oceania, Europe and South America.
Our certifications
In over 50 countries
10.000 people choose us every year for their overseas experience
Thanks to our educational program, we give young people the tools to discover new ways of seeing the world, thanks to the values we promote: openness, respecting others and accepting of differences.
We educate our participants to meet diversity with respect and curiosity. Living in another culture means questioning our own beliefs and principles. The personal ties we weave with people from different backgrounds become banners against hate.
You can trust us, we've been there ourselves
Our staff has firsthand experience of the perks and the challenges of an overseas program. They'll be at your side every step of the way!
Get involved with WEP
The WEP team is always growing. Whether you are looking for work, volunteering opportunities, or simply a way to remain connected to the wonderful world of cultural exchange, have a look at how you can get involved.
FAQ
WEP is an international organisation offering academic and cultural exchange programs both to students and adults.
Our office in Australia is based in Hampton, Melbourne. Overseas, we have offices in Italy, Belgium, France, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, Norway, the UK, Spain, Switzerland and Argentina. We also have carefully selected, trustworthy partner organisations in each of the other destinations we offer.
WEP Australia offers outbound high school student exchange programs, which is the core of our business; we also operate language study programs and volunteering & internships programs overseas. Finally, in Australia we offer an inbound student hosting program and a language assistant program available to Australian schools.
Requirements vary according to the type of program and destination, but they usually include a specific age range, basic language skills, and most importantly, the right openness and motivation to live an intercultural experience.
Applications can be started on our website, filling out the relevant online form and providing the required details. You will then be given access to our application platform or receive the required application forms, depending on your chosen program - our staff will advise you accordingly.
Costs vary based on your chosen program. Specific details are available in the programs' description on our website.
WEP Australia is a not-for-profit organisation working with international partners to organise exchange programs to over 18 destinations. As a result, the program fee is based solely on the cost of program components, both in Australia and overseas.
We do offer a range of discounts to help families cover the cost of the program, and we have a payment schedule allowing participants to distribute payments over time, especially if applying well in advance. The payment schedule varies depending on the program type and can be found on our General Conditions page.
We offer comprehensive support through our overseas parter organisation, their staff and their local coordinators. Our staff in Australia is also available to discuss each student's progress with the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) back home. We also offer 24/7 emergency assistance both in Australia and overseas, to guarantee a positive and safe experience for all participants.
Provided you meet any specific requirements applicable to a specific destination, your country of choice is always guaranteed.
On High School Exchange programs, a specific location within your host country can also be chosen if a Classic + or Flex program option is available for that country.
On a Volunteering & Internships program, you can only choose the country.
On a Language Study program, you will select which country, city and language school you wish to attend.
Depending on the program type, we have short-term programs (from 2 weeks to 1, 2 or 3 months) and long-term programs (a semester or academic year).
Absolutely! For high school exchange programs, we run regular events where you can hear the stories of returned exchange students and ask them all your questions. For other programs, please get in touch and we will do out best to put you in touch with a previous participant.
