High School Classic

High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we match you with a host family and school. In China you’ll also get to enjoy campus-homestay combo accommodation, where you’ll live on campus with local students during the week, and then spend the weekends with a Chinese host family. If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.

A language worth billions

China is also an enormous country, with a great variety of natural landscapes and cultural differences from region to region. From the towering Himalayas in Tibet, to the deep deserts of the east, tropical islands in the South China Sea to the bamboo forests and rice terraces of Yunnan and Sichuan, there’s so much to explore. And don’t forget the manmade wonders! You’ll find both impressive historical sites, like the Great Wall of China or the Terracotta Army, and modern marvels in cutting-edge cities like Shanghai or Shenzhen. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in China.

China has the world’s biggest population and oldest continuous civilization, with a rich history dating back over 4,000 years. Chinese is now the world’s most widely spoken language, and as China’s influence grows, it is set to become the language of the future. So, prepare for the future in the best possible way with a one-of-a-kind exchange in a one-of-a-kind country.

Learning the language

A large variety of languages are spoken in China, but Mandarin Chinese is the official spoken language, used by the vast majority of the population in day-to-day communication. We recommend that you already have some basic knowledge of Mandarin before considering a high school exchange in China, as well as a good level of English.

Population: 1.386 billion
Area: 9.597 million km2
Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, and many more regional languages and dialects
Capital: Beijing
Religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity and more
Currency: Chinese Yuan (Renminbi)

Living in China

On your exchange in China you’ll have the unique opportunity of experiencing two different accommodation styles. During the week you’ll live in school dorms on campus along with Chinese students. Then on the weekends you’ll stay with a local Chinese host family where you can share all aspects of daily life. These living arrangements will be very different experiences, but they will both bring something interesting and important to your exchange, providing deep cultural immersion and great opportunities to improve your language skills.

Chinese Host Families

Without a doubt, staying with a host family is the best way to learn the language and immerse yourself in the local culture. You won’t just be observing the Chinese way of life, you’ll be living it. You’ll have almost unlimited opportunities to experience and partake in the culture and use the language every day in real-life situations.

Throughout the entire exchange, your local coordinator will stay in touch with you and your host family to make sure you have everything you need and ensure you have a good experience. Feel free to contact them at any time if you need help or support.

National Holidays

There are several national holidays throughout the year in China, and you’ll get the chance to celebrate them in traditional fashion with your host family. Some of them have fixed dates, such as May Day (May 1st), while others follow the lunar calendar and are on different days each year, like Chinese New Year, which usually falls sometime in January or February.

Welcome Camp

Get the best possible start to your high school exchange with the STS Welcome Camp. You’ll meet fellow exchange students, go on excursions and prepare yourself for the experience ahead.

Welcome Camp in Beijing

No matter where in China you end up doing your exchange, your adventure will start with an orientation and Welcome Camp in Beijing. It will give you some insight into what it’s like to live in China, the school system, Chinese culture, etc. You’ll also go on small excursions and get the chance to check out some of the highlights of the country’s spectacular capital before heading to your exchange city. At the end of the Welcome Camp, a staff member will accompany you to your local community, where you’ll meet your host family and get settled in.

Adapting to a New Culture

Your daily life, cultural surroundings and general lifestyle will probably be different from what you’re used to back home. The Welcome Camp will give you the chance to discuss these things in detail with our staff and other exchange students to make sure you’re prepared for the experience, so take the opportunity have all your questions answered.

What’s included:

• Accommodation: campus Monday-Friday, with host family on weekends
• Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
• Emergency support 24/7
• STS bag
• Full board on weekends. Half or full board Monday-Friday (differs by school)
• STS Welcome Camp
• Free interview
• STS Diploma
• School spot in a local high school
• Online pre-departure meeting
• Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents