High school exchange program 
in South Africa

Discover South Africa from the inside, living with a South African family and attending a local high school for a short term, a semester or a year.

Discover our programs

Live like a local in the Rainbow Nation

Student exchange program in South Africa

South Africa, with its incredible diversity of cultures and landscapes, is a book to learn a lot from. Nine provinces, 11 official languages (including English and Afrikaans) and nickname the "Rainbow Nation", South Africa is a crossroads of cultures, with people from all different backgrounds committed to living in harmony after a long history marked by apartheid.

With untouched nature, including gorgeous beaches and stunning nature reserves, alternating with large, bustling cities, South Africa is truly a land of contrasts. Get ready for an unforgettable experience made of different accents, multicultural schools and mysterious beauty best observed up close.

South African magic turned into reality

Safaris and the environment

South Africa is one of the best places in the world to go on a safari and see the famous "big 5": lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant and leopard. Besides the well-known Kruger National Park, there are many nature reserves where to learn about conservation and discover the local fauna.

What’s high school like in South Africa? 

Heritage and innovation

The South African education system honours its traditional roots, while also embracing innovation. During your exchange, you will experience ancestral wisdom intertwined with modern science and methodologies.

Self-empowerment

Attending school in South Africa will help you gain confidence in yourself and your skills. Transforming ideas into action, supported by the school body, means feeling empowered as an individual and as a community.

Social commitment

The Ubuntu philosophy, roughly translated as 'I am because we are', is deeply embedded in the South African education system, where civic education is a recognised area of the curriculum. In a country that has produced leaders of the caliber of Nelson Mandela, that's not surprising!

Space for creativity

From painting classes at school, to living and breathing creativity on a daily basis - picture yourself walking around your South African neighbourhood, humming to the beat of township music permeating the streets... in the Rainbow Nation, you'll find pills of creativity at every corner.

A country full of contrasts: let it surprise you with an exchange experience!

Your host family during your exchange year

Gain a second family – they can’t wait to welcome you into their lives! 

Here is why: 

Respect for others, empathy and selflessness are in the DNA of South Africans. Discover a family you didn’t know you had!

South Africa is a kaleidoscope of cultures, colours and languages. Each family and each home are a world of their own, with traditions and stories that will paint your exchange... just like a rainbow!

From braai to traditional singing and dancing, you will learn about the ins and outs of modern South African culture and discover places that cannot be found on any travel guides. Ready to become a local?

South African teenagers are active participants in their community and grow up with a strong sense of social responsibility. Follow in their footsteps to discover a different outlook on life!

Your school in South Africa

Find out more about your school experience in the Rainbow Nation

The education system 

Subjects in South Africa

South African secondary school

Extra-curricular activities

The school calendar 

Grades in South Africa

Stories from students and parents who have been there 

Here are the testimonials of families who have chosen WEP for their exchange experience.

Going with WEP is best

Since 1988, a wide choice of destinations and comprehensive assistance before, during and after your overseas program. WEP is the ideal partner for your adventure.

Reliable travel companions

We also get to choose who we travel with: our schools, host families and overseas partner organisations are carefully selected.

Safety first

We offer a custom-made insurance policy, specifically designed for our participants, and we have a solid network behind us.

We're there for you, always

Emergency assistance, overseas and from Australia, is available 7 days out of 7, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Guaranteed placements

Allowing all our participants to live their desired overseas experience is a mission, a challenge we're thrilled to accept.

FAQ

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 case of an emergency, both you and your family will be able to call an emergency phone number that is answered 24/7.

You will be advised of your placement location, host family and host school as soon as feasible. This can range from a few months prior to departure, right up until departure, as a lot needs to happen behind the scenes before each student's placement process is complete and can be communicated to you with certainty. The placement process doesn't only include sourcing a suitable host family, but also finding availability at a local school, and completing all red tape (including, for example, lenghty criminal history checks in some countries). Prior to departure from Australia, all students will receive host family, host school and local coordinator details.

Independent travel is not permissible while on exchange. However, you will be able to travel with your host family, school, host organisation and other community groups such as sporting teams or scouts. Again, the foremost aim of the program is educational, and your priority for any holiday periods must be your host family, who will be investing a lot of time, energy and money into this experience - simply in return for your frienship and positive contribution to their household.

Generally speaking, overseas schools won't issue a diploma to exchange students who are only there for a short time and don't graduate at that school. You may however be provided with a honorary certificate, as well as a WEP certificate of completion, which however don't count towards credit or graduation in Australia.

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.

No, it's the host families who choose the student they wish to invite into their home. Based on the documents you will submit as part of your WEP application, one lucky family will choose to open their home and hearts to you, which is why for all Exchange Classic programs, and many Flex programs as well, there is no avenue for students to choose a specific location.

It may be possible to live with an overseas family that you already know (excluding relatives of the student). However, the family will have to be screened and approved, prepared and supported by our partner organisation in the same manner as any other host family. School enrolment must also be available.

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