High school exchange program
in the USA

Live the life of an American teenager on a semester or year exchange program in the USA.

Discover our programs

Experience the American lifestyle - study in the States

Student exchange program in the USA

The United States of America are one of the world’s most welcoming countries: the American people are friendly and love to share their culture and lifestyle with visitors. It is no coincidence that the US are the number one student exchange destination across the globe!

Join an American family, participate in iconic festivities and experience the famous American school spirit. Without even realising, you’ll start speaking like a local, make long-life friendships and immerse yourself in a different lifestyle – your own American dream becoming daily reality.

Your wide-eyed American dream

School events

Participating in whole-school events such as Homecoming or Prom; cheering your school on at huge match-day events – whether from the bleachers or as part of the cheerleading team; singing, acting or playing an instrument in front of an audience... get ready to step out of your comfort zone!

What’s high school like in the USA?  

An enthusiastic community

School motto, mascots and colours; in the USA, you will feel part of the school community and you will experience the famous American school spirit.

Diversity and inclusion

You will meet people of every colour, culture, religion and orientation; in American high schools, everyone finds their place. Come as you are!

Yellow school bus

The yellow school bus, used by millions of students each year and featured in countless movies and TV series, is a symbol that plays a significant part in American school culture.

Vast subject offering

Psychology, programming, design, economics, social science (including American history and American government), Latin, art... challenge yourself and make new discoveries every day!

A huge country full of opportunities. 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: 

The American hospitality culture is known world-wide. If you’re lucky enough to experience it first-hand, you will soon find out that making friends is not hard at all – just break the ice and take the leap!

There is no such thing as a traditional American family. Leave aside all expectations and prepare to be surprised by new family dynamics and ways of living. It’s all part of the adventure!

You will slide into the routine of an American family and share their daily life. Iconic celebrations, local specialties, unique places that most tourists don’t know about... with your host family, it will all turn into reality.

American teenagers are quite independent and learn how to manage their own time and responsibilities early on. Follow in their footsteps!

Your school in the USA

Find out more about your school experience in the States

The American education system 

Subjects in the US

High school in the US

Extra-curricular activities

The school calendar 

Academic grading in the US

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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