You need to be 15–18 years old at the time of departure and currently enrolled in school. 

Classic offers a more traditional exchange setup – a great choice if you’re open to different types of schools and locations. Select gives you more control over your experience, including school, subjects, and city – and it comes at a higher price point due to the added flexibility. 

Yes – most high schools require it, which makes mornings easy and helps you blend in from day on

You’ll have a local contact person, regular check-ins, and 24/7 support through STS. 

Many exchange students get the chance to go on trips with their host family or school. Local tour operators offer a variety of trips, giving exchange students the chance to explore more of Australia. 

The total program fee varies based on your chosen program, duration, and any extras. Contact us for more information. Extra costs include insurance, visa, personal items, local trips, leisure activities, school uniform, school materials and pocket money. We recommend budgeting around 500 AUD per month, plus 1,000 AUD in reserve for unexpected needs.

 

Included in the fee is round trip flights, half/full board accommodation, placement in a local high school, Welcome Camp (fall departures), pre-departure materials and preparation meetings for students and parents, 24/7 support, personal support from a local contact person and STS diploma after your exchange.  

Not at all – but having solid English skills will make school, daily life, and making friends much easier. 

It depends on your profile, but most students enter year 10 or 11, while a few may be placed in Year 12. 

Each family goes through a careful screening process. They’re chosen for their motivation, safety, and desire to share everyday Australian life with a student. 

Yes, a student visa is required. Don’t worry – we’ll help guide you through every step of the process. 

Australian schools usually offer a variety of sports, clubs, and creative electives. Many students also join local teams or community groups. If that’s important to you, make sure to mention it in your application so we can help you find the right program. 

We recommend applying 6–12 months in advance. Some destinations and schools fill up quickly, and applying early gives you more flexibility – especially if you have special requests or want to travel in the autumn. However, we can often accommodate last-minute applications too, so don’t hesitate to contact us even if your timeline is tight. 

If you’re applying to the Select program, yes – you can pick both location and school. In the Classic program, your placement is arranged based on where your host family lives. 

Yes! After required courses like English, you’ll often get to pick electives in areas like surfing, marine science, visual arts, or even Aboriginal studies, depending on what your school offers. . 

We understand that adjusting to a new home can take time. If something doesn’t feel right, your local coordinator will first help you talk it through with your host family to find a solution together. If that’s not possible, we’ll find a new host family – your wellbeing always comes first.   

All students starting in the fall take part in our Welcome Camp in Sydney or Brisbane. It’s a chance to explore the city, get useful info, and make friends before school starts. 

In most cases, yes – we’ll make an individual assessment based on your situation. Be open with us early so we can make the best possible arrangements. 

The first step is to book a free consultation with us. We’ll help you choose the right program, answer your questions, and guide you through the entire application and preparation process.