Being an integral part of a host family and studying at a local secondary school is said to be one of the most satisfying life experiences ever!

Learn about Argentina from the inside by immersing yourself in its way of life for a short term, semester or academic year program!


Exchange Classic / Argentina

Live with an Argentine host family and attend a local secondary school.

WEP 28300009
  • Age 15-18 years old
  • Duration short term - academic year
  • Price: From
  • $12350

Being an integral part of a host family and studying at a local secondary school is said to be one of the most satisfying life experiences ever!

Learn about Argentina from the inside by immersing yourself in its way of life for a short term, semester or academic year program!

Introduction

Exchange Classic / Argentina

This is an exceptional opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the Argentinian culture for a short term period, a semester or a full academic year.

Exchanging what you know for something foreign is not always a simple task but it can be extremely rewarding. By going abroad, living with an Argentine host family and attending a local secondary school, you'll gain insight into the country’s customs and culture, and learn Spanish, while building friendships along the way!

The memories you create in Argentina will last a lifetime!

ACT & NSW Regulatory Guidelines state that secondary exchange programs must include a minimum of 10 weeks of schooling overseas. ACT & NSW students looking for a shorter experience can apply for our cultural immersion programs (available for November departures only). It's important to note that we adhere to the same quality standards for all our programs.



  • Age 15-18 years old
  • Duration short term - academic year
  • Price: From
  • $12350

This is an exceptional opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the Argentinian culture for a short term period, a semester or a full academic year.

Exchanging what you know for something foreign is not always a simple task but it can be extremely rewarding. By going abroad, living with an Argentine host family and attending a local secondary school, you'll gain insight into the country’s customs and culture, and learn Spanish, while building friendships along the way!

The memories you create in Argentina will last a lifetime!

ACT & NSW Regulatory Guidelines state that secondary exchange programs must include a minimum of 10 weeks of schooling overseas. ACT & NSW students looking for a shorter experience can apply for our cultural immersion programs (available for November departures only). It's important to note that we adhere to the same quality standards for all our programs.


Why this Program?

Immersion

Dare to be different, step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a new family and school for the experience of a lifetime!

Language

One of the most effective ways to learn a language is by full assimilation in the local way of life.

Discovery

Memories of your experiences and interactions abroad will stay with you long after you’ve returned to your home country.

Boost your Studies

An academic program abroad means gaining maturity and an open mind, which will help you continue your studies with enthusiasm!

CAPITAL: Buenos Aires

LANGUAGE: Spanish

POPULATION: Approximately 45 million

DID YOU KNOW?


  • Argentina is home to both the highest and lowest points of the Southern Hemisphere! The highest point is Mount Aconcagua, located in Mendoza, with a peak of 6,962 metres. The lowest point is Laguna del Carbon, in the Santa Cruz province, this basin sits 105 metres below sea level.
  • Many people have learned Spanish with Mafalda, the protagonist of a comic strip who hates soup as much as she cares about the world. She was “born” in Argentina to Quino (Joaquin Salvador Lavado) in the 1960's.


Why this Program?

Immersion

Dare to be different, step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a new family and school for the experience of a lifetime!

Language

One of the most effective ways to learn a language is by full assimilation in the local way of life.

Discovery

Memories of your experiences and interactions abroad will stay with you long after you’ve returned to your home country.

Boost your Studies

An academic program abroad means gaining maturity and an open mind, which will help you continue your studies with enthusiasm!


My life in Argentina

The school in Argentina begins in early March and ends in late November, providing Argentine youth with three months of summer holidays!                
                
The school curriculum in Argentina varies from school to school but three subjects are compulsory across the board: history, geography and language.                
                
Classes begin at 8:00 am and end at 2:00 pm. During school time, you will focus on your studies but you will have plenty of opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities in the afternoon, like sport (football, rugby, basketball, swimming, etc.) or other activities such as music lessons, tango dancing or theatre workshops. Engaging in an extracurricular group or club is one of the best ways to fully integrate into your host community.                

THE PEOPLE

Sociable and dynamic, Argentinians have a distinctive joie de vivre. Every 20th of July, they celebrate "Dia del Amigo" (or Friend's Day) to which they attach great importance.

Around 9:00 pm, families get together for dinner. This is the optimal time to talk about your day - and the chance to try some famous asado (Argentine steak). You are bound to notice that family life in Argentina is fundamental to their culture.

If you dream of hospitable and friendly people with a laid-back lifestyle, you'll definitely feel at home in Argentina!

THE COUNTRY

Birthplace of tango and Ernesto "Che" Guevara, Argentina is the second largest country in South America and can be divided into four topographical regions: Pampas, Patagonia, the Andes and the Northeast. The country's Atlantic coastline stretches from north to south for nearly 3,500 kilometres.

Buenos Aires is Argentina's capital and largest city, and the financial nucleus of the country. Home to approximately 13 million inhabitants and highly influenced by European culture, the city is nicknamed "Paris of South America". Its architecture is a mix of old and new, with styles inherited from former settlers juxtaposed with the ultra-modern buildings of today.

Two types of sports rival for attention in Argentina: polo (and the national variant: pato), an elegant sport that has become a symbol of the bourgeoisie, and football, which engulfs the rest of the country. Much more than a sport to many, futbol is like a religion; players, such as the illustrated Diego Maradona, are regarded as breathing gods.

INCLUDED WELCOME CAMP

  • 4 nights, 5 days    
  • 10 Spanish classes, 2 orientation workshops, 3 cultural activities including sightseeing with exchange students from all over the world!

The welcome camp will take place in the city of Funes, just outside Rosario, and is included in the WEP program fee.

I'm interested!

Practical Information

1/ Find out more before you apply! 

  • Before beginning an application, ensure you have all the required information.
  • There are several ways to get your questions answered and get help to choose the right program. You can:
    • Explore our website
    • Speak to our friendly staff on 1300 884 733 or email us at info@wep.org.au
    • Attend one of our Information Sessions or Returned Student Q&As
    • Come along to an Open Day at our Melbourne office, or make an individual appointment on your preferred date.

2/ Pre-application and eligibility interview

  • To start your application, please complete the pre-application form and pay the non-refundable $100 application fee.
  • You are invited to take part in an individual eligibility interview, either in person or online. The eligibility interview is used to determine whether you have chosen a suitable program and meet the basic eligibility requirements to participate in a WEP exchange.

3/ WEP application

  • If your interview outcome is positive, you are invited to proceed with an application for your chosen program and given access to the application platform.
  • 25% of your program fee is due upon confirmation of your eligibility to submit an application. This will be advised to you in writing by the Outbound team once your interview is completed.
  • Through your WEP application, you introduce yourself to prospective host families and schools overseas. Therefore, it is crucial that you complete your application accurately and to the best of your abilities/knowledge.

4/ Acceptance

  • Your application is reviewed by WEP and sent to the international host organisation for final acceptance. WEP then sends you an official notification to advise if you are accepted in the program.

5/ Placement process and preparing for your program

  • The overseas organisation commences the search for your host family and school. In the meantime, WEP contacts you regularly to offer tips, advice and information about all program components.
  • At the same time, you start learning as much as possible about your host country and language.
  • Placements can take a long time to be confirmed, as a lot needs to happen behind the scenes before a host family and school can be confirmed. Your patience and flexibility in understanding that placement information can come at any time up until your departure is greatly appreciated.
  • You and your parents attend a compulsory pre-departure orientation session in Australia.

6/ Exciting news!

  • Prior to your departure, information about your host family, school and community is shared with you. If necessary, documentation and assistance to obtain your visa is provided.

7/ Take off

  • You fly out of Australia to begin your adventure! You and your family receive 24-hour emergency support from WEP for the duration of your program.

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.

No, most programs require students to arrive and depart from their host countries on specific dates. School start dates, arrival orientation programs, visa rules and host country regulations are factors that determine program dates. In exceptional circumstances, a student may be given permission to arrive or depart on an alternative date. In such a case, the student must be prepared to travel independently and unassisted, internationally, in Australia and to and from the host family community.

High School Programs (Student Exchange and Study Abroad): You and a friend can apply for the same program, but you are unlikely to be placed in the same area or host community (if you both pick the same school as part of a Study Abroad program, then you will be in the same area). Two students of the same nationality are also never placed in the same host family. An exchange is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the only way to reap its many rewards, is to fully immerse yourself in a new culture and put your energy into forming new friendships in the host community.

Language Study Programs: it is possible for friends to participate together if you book the same program, at the same school, in the same overseas destination. Depending on your desired accommodation option and the school's availability, sharing the same accommodation may or may not be possible. Please chat to us to discuss further.

No. In some countries you may have a ceremonial graduation, but it will have no bearing on gaining entry into a tertiary institution in Australia.

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.

Independent travel is not permissible while on exchange. However, you will be able to travel with your host family, school, receiving 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 holidays must be your host family who will be investing a lot of time, energy and money into your program.

First consider if you are confident and mature enough to undertake a student exchange program. If you can't fly and negotiate airports by yourself (with detailed instructions provided by WEP as part of your preparation for departure), maybe you are not ready for this program.

Relatives and friends are not permitted to visit you while on exchange. Our experience shows that such visits unsettle students and interrupt schooling. Remember, this is an educational program and you must attend school full time. Your parents can meet and travel with you at the end of your 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.

Yes, the program fee covers all flight costs from designated departure airports on quality international airlines.

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.

Generally, students must be aged between 15 and 18 to qualify. However, some countries or programs may be more flexible in accepting younger applicants, while others have very specific age requirements. For example, students interested in the UK program must turn 16 before September 1 on the year of application and be no older than 17 and 9 months on program. Please contact us for more information.

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.

Great care is taken to ensure suitability! All families are interviewed in the family home. Parents are also reference checked. Criminal history checks are conducted in all countries.

Yes, as long as you meet any age and/or language requirements to qualify for your chosen country (or chosen school, e.g. for Study Abroad programs to Canada and France).

In order to be accepted into the program, you need at least a C grade average at school. If applying for an English speaking country, you are required to maintain passing grades in all subjects whilst overseas. However, in non-English speaking countries you are simply expected to display a concerted, conscientious approach to your schoolwork while you master the language. Irrespective of language skills, students are expected to participate in all assessments (exams, tests, etc).

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.

The insurance policy, the cost of which is included in your program fee, is comprehensive and covers medical, dental, theft, baggage, accident, third party liability and hospital cover.  WEP always recommends ensuring that this insurance cover is adequate for your own personal circumstances. Please reach out if you would like us to send you a copy of the current PDS.

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.

We pride ourselves on our personal approach so jump on the phone to 1300 884 733 or email us at info@wep.org.au

Students must be enrolled in full-time secondary education prior to departure and after return to Australia. Please contact us to discuss any other options to travel overseas through WEP, such as our Language Study programs or Volunteering & Internships programs.

It may be possible to live with a family that you already know. 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. Placement with relatives is generally not approved.

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!

Host families come in all shapes and sizes. They represent a complete cross-section of each host community and the richness of family diversity in today's world. Families can be "nuclear" (mum, dad plus children), "empty-nesters" (older couples or singles who now have grown children), couples (de facto or married) of any age with or without children, blended families, same-sex couples, single parents with children, single adults and more.

Most importantly, except on Study Abroad programs, all families are volunteers, eager to host students and are carefully interviewed and screened to ensure that they will make an appropriate host family.

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 in Australia, 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.

For student exchange programs: Normally, you will be advised of your host family well before you leave Australia. In some countries (e.g. Spain and the USA) and for some students, host family information may not be available until shortly prior to departure. Prior to departure from Australia, all students will receive host family, host school and local coordinator details.

For Language Study and Volunteering & Internships programs: Normally, host family details are confirmed two weeks prior to departure, however in some circumstances (including in peak season), they may only become available a few days prior to departure.

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 25%) 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 25%.

For many Study Abroad programs, the program fee also covers the cost of tuition fees at your chosen school and/or a reimbursement to the host family.

In the beginning it is rare for students not to have feeling of homesickness. However, managing these situations by yourself, along with our support, is one of the great benefits of going on exchange. It builds self-confidence, maturity and a sense of perspective.

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, unless they go overseas for a short-term program during the summer holidays. If you are concerned about this, jump on the phone! We can provide lots of helpful tips and advice.

Generally, for programs of three months or less in length, no student visa is required. For longer programs you will need to get a student visa. WEP Australia will assist you with this process. Note: visa costs are not included in the program fee.

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.

Yes, the staff at WEP Australia are available to you and your parents 24 hours a day for emergencies. We are more than happy to discuss your progress during office hours. In some host countries, in accordance with the culture, your parents will receive written reports on your progress.

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