Yes. WEP+ Programs and some WEP Study Abroad Programs offer an extra level of choice with respect to location or school.

On a WEP Student Exchange Program you could be placed anywhere within your chosen host country.

You and a friend can apply for the same program but you will not be placed in the same host family. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the only way to reap the many rewards is to fully immerse yourself in a new culture and put your energy into forming new friendships in the host community.

Yes, if you are really unhappy, you can return home early. However, WEP Australia and our overseas partner organisation will work very hard to ensure you have a successful program. Most problems can be solved, and our experience tells us that students who insist on returning early to Australia regret their decision. Hopefully you will have thought long and hard about going on exchange. It will take determination, courage and your best efforts, especially in the first few weeks.

First consider if you are confident and mature enough to undertake a student exchange. If you can't fly and negotiate airports by yourself maybe you are not ready for this program.

Language experience is desirable, but not necessary, for most countries. However, some countries have mandatory language requirements. You'll find the specific requirements for each country listed on its page. Intensive language courses may, in some circumstances, meet language pre-requisites. WEP strongly recommends language preparation prior to departure as language knowledge is of enormous benefit in assisting you to quickly adapt to your new family, school and life.

Of course, there are English-speaking destinations available if you are not interested in learning another language.

You should have access to at least AU$400 a month to pay for your personal items, transport to and from school, any lunches purchased at school, school uniform (if required), subject levies, any additional immunisations required for school enrolment, entertainment, the occasional meal out with your family, phone calls, school/optional trips etc. Additionally you should take $AU500 for initial purchases on arrival in your exchange country such as school books, winter clothing etc.

Your host family, local coordinator and your host organisation will provide you with support while you are overseas. WEP Australia will remain in contact with the host organisation and your parents to coordinate and support your experience. In the case of an emergency, both you and your family will be able to call an emergency phone number that is answered 24/7.

Yes, as long as you meet any age and/or language requirements to qualify for your chosen country.

After having thought carefully about why you want to be an exchange student, convinced your parents of the idea, spoken to your teachers and completed our application form, you should be assured that your chances of being accepted are high! Provided you meet the academic, health and broad personality requirements of your chosen program, there is usually little reason for us to prevent you from following your ambition and becoming an exchange student.

You will have a local coordinator to assist you in coping with any difficulties you may have while overseas, and includes any problems with  your host family. Most of the problems experienced by students are due to miscommunication and culture shock so an independent mediator is often all that is required. If problems persist you will be able to contact WEP’s international partner organisation who will be available to help you solve the problem.

Except for programs to Canada and the USA and provided you are under the age of 18, you may still be eligible! Year 13 programs give you the opportunity to take a break between school and tertiary studies, and more time to assess your future goals and options. Alternatively, if you are over 18, why not consider going on a WEP Teacher Assistant Exchange Program? Find out more here!

Students possessing all manners of different personality traits successfully become WEP exchange students. Whilst all of them share a common curiosity and tolerance of other peoples and cultures, our students can be outgoing or reserved, quiet or loud, imaginative or productive, or just a bit of everything!

Please refer to our website current application deadlines. However, we recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to ensure it is complete before applications close. WEP Australia and the receiving organisation need to ensure that you are suitable for the program, that you have the support of your parents and school, and that your expectations are realistic. The application is integral in finding a match between the student and the host family, to assist in solving any problems while you are away and to ensure you are in agreement with the legal requirements of the program.

WEP Australia is a not-for-profit student exchange organisation registered/approved by the education departments/regulatory authorities in ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and VIC. We work with independent international partners to organise exchange programs. As a result, the program fee is based solely on the cost of program components, both in Australia and overseas.
The program fee is allocated between the overseas organisation, WEP Australia, travel and independent contractors for flights and insurance.
The portion of the fee going to the overseas organisation (approximately 50%) subsidises the recruitment, screening, criminal background checks, appointment and orientation of the volunteer host family, facilitation of host school enrolment, recruitment and training of the local coordinator, arrival orientation, supervision of your program and provision of 24/7 support while you are in your host country.
The portion of the fee going to WEP Australia (approximately 20%) subsidises the organisation of your program from the Australian end, ensuring your application is processed, assessed and prepared for the international organisation and you are interviewed in a timely manner, provision of a departure orientation and resource materials (including student and parents handbooks), bookings of relevant domestic and international airfares to and from your final destination, detailed assistance with the visa process (where applicable), registration for a comprehensive medical/liability/baggage insurance policy, and support 24/7 in Australia and in your exchange country.
The portion of the fee set aside for flights and insurance is approximately 30%.

WEP Australia is unable to say whether you will have to repeat school upon your return. You should discuss your plans with your school before deciding to go on exchange. In most cases students in years 9 and 10 are able to go away for a semester or a year and fit back into the same year level as their peers upon return. For older students this is less likely to be the case and quite often students must repeat the year of Australian schooling that they have missed. If you are concerned about this, jump on the phone! We can provide lots of helpful tips and advice.

No, your family will not be required to host an exchange student in return. Of course, we would be extremely grateful if your family did consider offering another student the same hospitality and care that you will receive.