You need to be between 15 and 18.5 years old when your exchange begins. You also need to be enrolled in a school in your home country at the time of application.

Yes! While you can’t choose your exact school or city, you’re welcome to share your preference (extra cost) – such as a type of location, climate or subject area you’d love to explore. We’ll do our best to match your wish when placing you with a school and host family, although we can’t guarantee it.

New Zealand schools often offer a wide range of clubs and sports. Let us know what you’re passionate about when you apply, and we’ll do our best to help you keep it up during your exchange. With our Select program you can choose a school that matches your preferences – whether it’s sports, arts, academics, or another passion you’d like to pursue. 

Yes, you’ll need a student Visa. Don’t worry – we’ll guide you through the process step by step. The visa cost isn’t included in the program fee, so make sure to budget for it separately. 

Welcome Camp is your kickstart to Kiwi life! It takes place in Auckland and includes sightseeing, social activities, and practical workshops to prepare you for your exchange experience. It’s the perfect way to meet fellow exchange students and get settled before your year begins. 

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. 

No. What matters most is that you’re open, motivated, and willing to step outside your comfort zone. You don’t need straight As or fluent English – many students improve quickly once they arrive. You should, however, have studied English for at least three years before departure.

Program fees vary depending on your program type and length. Contact us for more information. Additional costs include insurance, visa, local trips, leisure activities, school uniform, pocket money and personal items. We recommend budgeting around 500 NZD per month, plus 1000 NZD in reserve for unexpected needs.

You’ll be supported from start to finish. In New Zealand, you’ll have a local coordinator who checks in regularly and is available for any questions. STS also provides 24/7 support, so you’re never alone – whether you need help at school, with your host family, or adjusting to a new culture.

Yes! Local tour operators arrange optional round trips for exchange students to iconic parts of the North and South Islands, including mountains, beaches, and cultural sites. Some host families and schools also take students on weekend trips, so you’ll get to explore beyond your host town. 

You’ll have a local contact person in New Zealand for everyday support and check-ins. For urgent issues, STS also provides 24/7 support – so there’s always someone to reach out to when needed. 

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. 

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. 

Included in the fee is round trip flights, half/full board accommodation, placement in a local high school, Welcome Camp, 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. 

If you’re having a hard time settling in, we’ll support you through it. Your local contact will help facilitate conversations and improvements – and if that’s not enough, we’ll work with you to find a new and suitable placement. Your comfort and safety always come first.  

Yes. The shortest stay is 3 months. We’ll help you figure out the right setup based on your goals, school calendar, and personal plans. 

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.