Pięć rzeczy, które musisz zrobić podczas wymiany w USA

Podróż do Stanów Zjednoczonych to niepowtarzalna okazja, by nie tylko poznać nową kulturę i odkryć nowe strony siebie, ale też przeżyć niezapomniane przygody. Oprócz wycieczek do Kalifornii czy na Hawaje, mamy dla Ciebie pięć dodatkowych inspiracji.

Odwiedź słynne miejsca i miasta

Skorzystaj z okazji i odwiedź największe i najsłynniejsze miasto w USA: Nowy Jork! Zobaczysz tam Statuę Wolności, Central Park, Pomnik 9/11 oraz Empire State Building. Warto też wybrać się do Miami lub Waszyngtonu.

Świąteczne dekoracje w Nowym Jorku

Znane z filmów migoczące witryny sklepowe, kolorowe ozdoby, czerwone kokardy na latarniach, chóry kolędników i śnieżne krajobrazy Central Parku – to wszystko czeka na Ciebie w Nowym Jorku! Obowiązkowym punktem wycieczki jest spacer Piątą Aleją, gdzie zobaczysz na własne oczy rywalizację największych domów towarowych, takich jak Macy’s i Saks Fifth Avenue, o tytuł najpiękniejszej dekoracji.

Wybierz się na mecz futbolu amerykańskiego

Futbol amerykański to w Stanach Zjednoczonych narodowa pasja, która jednoczy ludzi z różnych środowisk. Poczuj atmosferę stadionu, kibicuj drużynie i obserwuj energiczne występy cheerleaderek wspierających swoje zespoły.

Spróbuj czegoś nowego

Pobyt w Stanach Zjednoczonych to idealna okazja, aby spróbować czegoś nowego. Sandboarding na najwyższych wydmach Ameryki Północnej w Kolorado, zabawa w rzucanie podkową i darmowy popcorn podczas Popcorn Days w Nebrasce, a może odkrywanie gigantycznej księgarni Powell’s City of Books w Oregonie, której powierzchnia wynosi aż 1,6 hektara? Wybór należy do Ciebie!

Odwiedź przynajmniej jeden z 63 parków narodowych w USA

Pierwszy park narodowy w Stanach Zjednoczonych powstał w 1872 roku, a dziś kraj ten szczyci się 63 parkami w 30 stanach. Każdy z parków oferuje coś unikalnego – oto kilka z najbardziej wartych odwiedzenia. Które z tych miejsc wzbudza Twoje największe zainteresowanie?

• Yosemite National Park w Kalifornii słynie z krajobrazów, które aż proszą się o zdjęcia na Instagram. Nic dziwnego, że znajduje się na szczycie listy najpiękniejszych parków narodowych USA. Możesz tam biwakować, spacerować świetnie przygotowanymi szlakami oraz podziwiać najwyższy wodospad w Ameryce Północnej. Obowiązkowym punktem wizyty jest Tunnel View – to miejsce, którego nie można przegapić!
• Grand Canyon National Park w Arizonie to ikona amerykańskiej przyrody i jeden z Siedmiu Cudów Natury. Czekają tam na Ciebie liczne szlaki turystyczne, które prowadzą przez zachwycające, czerwone formacje skalne. Dodatkową atrakcją jest rafting po rzece Kolorado.
• Acadia National Park w Maine: Jeśli wybierasz się na wschodnie wybrzeże USA, park narodowy Acadia, położony w pobliżu wybrzeża Maine, to obowiązkowy punkt na mapie. Park ten zachwyca surowymi krajobrazami, granitowymi górami, bogatą fauną oraz rozległymi lasami. Jednym z niezapomnianych przeżyć jest oglądanie wschodu słońca z góry Cadillac. Jesienią Acadia przyciąga szczególnym urokiem dzięki barwom jesiennej scenerii.

Marzysz o nauce za granicą?

Zacznij swoją przygodę już dziś! Dowiedz się więcej o Stanach Zjednoczonych jako kraju wymiany uczniowskiej lub umów się na bezpłatne spotkanie, aby poznać szczegóły! Jeśli masz jakiekolwiek pytania, jesteśmy zawsze do Twojej dyspozycji.

New add-on: Special Wish

It’s almost Christmas – the season of wishes! What better time to introduce our brand-new concept: Special Wish?

Do you have a specific dream for your exchange? Maybe there’s a particular area you’d love to live in, a favorite subject you’d like to study, or a sport you’d like to continue or try out. Or maybe it’s all of the above – or something else entirely! Whatever your wish, share it with us, and we’ll do our very best to make it come true. The only limit? Your imagination.

We can’t guarantee 100% that every wish will be possible, but we will give it our all. If we can make it happen, an additional fee will apply; if not, no extra charge.

The Special Wish add-on is available for our programs in:
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

Want to know more? Contact your local STS office today!

Staż kreatywny Aiducatius

Dwa tygodnie w Afryce. Wpływ na całe życie.

Zgłoś się do udziału w stażu kreatywnym Aiducatius 2026 w Gambii.

Nie musisz być uznanym artystą – szukamy osób, które potrafią wyrażać swoją kreatywność w dowolnej formie. Możesz być osobą uzdolnioną manualnie, świetnie radzić sobie z dziećmi, mieć talent do fotografii lub filmowania, czuć się swobodnie w prowadzeniu zajęć lub po prostu być ciekawym świata i chętnym do wyjścia poza swoją strefę komfortu. Najważniejsza jest Twoja gotowość do wykorzystania swojego talentu, aby pozytywnie wpłynąć na społeczność, którą nasza firma macierzysta Educatius wspiera od 2009 roku.

Wybranych zostanie dwóch uczniów lub absolwentów (z STS lub innych organizacji partnerskich Educatius), wraz z jednym nauczycielem i jednym lokalnym koordynatorem lub członkiem rodziny goszczącej. Będziecie wspólnie planować i prowadzić kreatywne zajęcia w szkole St. Martin's School w Kartong, uczyć się lokalnych technik od rzemieślników i doświadczać ciepłej, gościnnej kultury. Będziecie zwiedzać wioskę, odwiedzać pobliskie społeczności i zobaczycie część świata, której większość ludzi nigdy nie ma okazji doświadczyć.

Zgłoś się między 15 grudnia 2025 r. a 31 stycznia 2026 r., aby mieć szansę na udział w tym zmieniającym życie doświadczeniu.

Kto może się zgłosić i jak?

• Musisz być uczniem, absolwentem, nauczycielem, LC lub członkiem rodziny goszczącej w STS, Educatius lub jednym z naszych partnerów strategicznych.
• Musisz być dostępny przez całe dwa tygodnie stażu pod koniec czerwca 2026 r.
• Uczniowie i absolwenci muszą mieć od 18 do 23 lat w momencie rozpoczęcia stażu (bez możliwości negocjacji).
• Musisz być gotowy na życie w rustykalnych warunkach z ograniczonymi nowoczesnymi udogodnieniami.
• Musisz być gotowy do prowadzenia kreatywnych zajęć z uczniami w Gambii — i uczenia się od nich.
• Prześlij zgłoszenie, w którym opiszesz, dlaczego chcesz pojechać i jakie zajęcia chcesz prowadzić.
• Podziel się powodem, dla którego powinieneś zostać wybrany, używając hashtagu #aiducatiusinternship.
• Zgłoszenia należy przesyłać między 15 grudnia 2025 r. a 31 stycznia 2026 r.

Zwycięzcy zostaną powiadomieni i ogłoszeni w mediach społecznościowych pod koniec lutego 2026 r.

Czeka Cię wzruszająca przygoda.

Co zapewniamy

Przelot i transport

Loty do i z Gambii oraz wszystkie lokalne środki transportu.

Zakwaterowanie i wyżywienie

Dwa tygodnie prostego, rustykalnego zakwaterowania, codzienne posiłki i zwiedzanie okolicy.

Ubezpieczenie zdrowotne i doradztwo

Ochrona ubezpieczeniowa podczas podróży oraz doradztwo w zakresie wiz i wymaganych szczepień.

Niezapomniana wymiana kulturowa

Wspomnienia i przyjaźnie, które pozostaną na długo po zakończeniu stażu.

O Gambii

Gambia — często nazywana Uśmiechniętym Wybrzeżem Afryki — to kraj w Afryce Zachodniej, zamieszkały przez 1,5 miliona ludzi, bogaty w języki, tradycje i dziedzictwo artystyczne. Kartong to wiejska wioska położona z dala od obszarów turystycznych, ale znana ze swojej serdeczności i gościnności.

W całym kraju rośnie wsparcie dla młodych artystów, a lokalna kreatywność jest wzmacniana przez turystykę i międzynarodowe partnerstwa. Od 2009 roku Aiducatius pomógł tysiącom uczniów w Kartong uzyskać dostęp do edukacji i nowych możliwości.

Czego oczekuje się od wszystkich stażystów

• Współpraca jako jeden zespół w celu wcześniejszego zaplanowania kreatywnych zajęć, w tym materiałów, zapasów i pomysłów na zajęcia w klasie.
• Koordynacja z nauczycielami w szkole St. Martin's School w celu dostosowania zajęć do lokalnych potrzeb i wieku uczniów.
• Prowadzenie lub współprowadzenie warsztatów dla uczniów od przedszkola do szkoły średniej.
• Otwartość, ciekawość i szacunek podczas poznawania nowej kultury i codziennego życia w Kartong.
• Wspieranie się nawzajem, niezależnie od tego, czy jesteś uczniem, absolwentem, nauczycielem, LC czy członkiem rodziny goszczącej.
• Utrwalajcie i dzielcie się swoją podróżą w mediach społecznościowych, aby inspirować innych.
• Reprezentujcie Educatius i naszą społeczność wymiany z dumą.

Projekty mające wpływ na społeczność

Stażyści biorą również udział w projektach społecznych, które wspierają Kartong poza salą lekcyjną. Poprzednie grupy brały udział w lokalnych akcjach sprzątania plaży i współpracowały z organizacją pozarządową, która przetwarza zebrane tworzywa sztuczne na koraliki i inne materiały artystyczne. Pomogły one zbudować i zaopatrzyć małą bibliotekę społeczną w podarowane książki.

Kilku uczestników przeniosło to doświadczenie do domu w nieoczekiwany sposób. Nauczycielka napisała sztukę inspirowaną opowieściami z Gambii i wyprodukowała ją wraz ze swoimi uczniami. Koordynator lokalny zorganizował zbiórkę funduszy, dzięki której zakupiono nowe biurka dla nauczycieli w szkole St. Martin's School. Projekty te pokazują, jak małe działania mogą przerodzić się w coś znaczącego — zarówno lokalnie, jak i po powrocie do domu.

Zgłoś się na staż Aiducatius

Chcesz wykorzystać swoją kreatywność, aby wywrzeć realny wpływ w Gambii?

Zgłoszenia są już zamknięte

Why choose Spain for the high school exchange

Imagine spending a year in Spain as a high school exchange student. It’s a chance to live like a local, fully experiencing life in Spain with good weather, a rich history and culture, great food, nice beaches, small lovely villages, and big vibrant cities. All while you’re still a teenager.

You’ll be surrounded by the Spanish language every day —a language that is the fourth largest language in the world, spoken by 580 million people, and the official language in 21 countries! Becoming fluent in Spanish opens up countless opportunities in your future studies and career.

But the benefits go beyond language Imagine being 14 to 18 years old and waking up each day in a country where life moves a bit differently. Living with a Spanish family, you will discover the Spanish way of living from the inside with lively family dinners, local traditions and festivals, and of course, the national obsession with football. Surely, you’ll soon learn how to enjoy tapas, siesta, and flamenco music!

The lovely Spanish weather makes outdoor activities the best. There is usually plenty to choose from. And not only summer sports like football and golf, when summer ends, you can even go skiing in some parts of the country! Want to try something typically Spanish? Sign up for a flamenco dance course!

Living abroad without your natural family is a big adventure, but it’s one that will give you a second home, friendships, and memories that will last far beyond your exchange. It will make you more independent, confident, and open to new perspectives. Spaniards are famously warm, social, and talkative, and even if that’s not really who you are today, that’s who you will become after living with your Spanish host family!

Good to know: No previous Spanish needed – just an open and curious mind!

Read more about going on an exchange year to Spain.

Read our student stories about being on an exchange year in Spain

How to prepare for your high school exchange!

Going on an exchange year is one of the bravest – and most exciting – things you can do as a teenager. You’ll make new friends, discover a new culture, and learn a lot about yourself.

But how do you actually prepare for something this big? Here are a few quick tips to get you started:

1. Learn the basics of the language
   It’s so worth it and helps more than you think. Start with downloading a language training app. Then switch your phone settings and watch films in your new language.
   Planning to go to an English, Spanish, Italian or German-speaking country? Join one of our online courses! Here you also get to meet other future exchange students – a great way to connect! Read more on the destination pages.
2. Learn about the country and make a scrap book
   Read up on the culture, history, school system, daily life, etc. Start a notebook or a scrapbook and add photos! Also, why not start writing a bucket list?
3. Student takeovers on Instagram
   Every week, one of our current students shows their daily life on Instagram Stories. Ask all your questions and get answers from the real pros here!
4. Lovisa’s STS Hacks
   Check out or alumna Lovisa’s best tips here!

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered

As your departure gets closer, we’ll share movie tips, packing guides, music inspiration, and more. Before take-off, you and your parents will be invited to a Pre-Departure Meeting. And last but not least – the Welcome Camp will give you the final prep and let you kick off the adventure together with other exchange students.

How to choose your exchange destination

Thinking about going on an exchange year? That’s awesome! But with 21 amazing destinations to choose from, how do you even start deciding where to go?

Don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Here are 5 questions to help you figure it out:

1. What kind of experience are you dreaming of?
   Do you want to surf after school, cheer at Friday night football games, or drink hot chocolate in a cozy village with a snowy view? Think about what your everyday life could look like.
2. Which language do you want to learn?
   Want to level up your English in the UK, and get that nice British accent? Learn French in France or Canada? Or maybe learn Spanish in Costa Rica? Living abroad is the best way to become fluent in a language! With STS you learn 12 different languages (plus a few local ones like Gaelic and Te Reo).
3. Do you prefer city vibes? The great outdoors? Social culture?
   Do you love the buzz of a city or feel more at home in a smaller town with calm surroundings? Do you enjoy hiking, skiing, or canooing? Are you at your best in a highly social and family intense culture? Everyone likes different things. Your destination choice should fit your personality.
4. What school system suits you best?
   All countries have different school systems. Some countries focus more on academics, others on creativity, sports, or independence. Maybe you want to have structured classes, interactive classes or more freedom to choose your subjects?
5. How far out of your comfort zone do you want to go?
   Are you ready to do something completely new – maybe a culture, climate or lifestyle that’s the total opposite of what you're used to? Or would you rather explore something a bit more familiar and focus on the new language?

There’s no right or wrong when deciding on your high school exchange destination. Your exchange will be an unforgettable experience either way!

Prepare yourself with our language courses

Going on an exchange year also means speaking a different language than you are used to. It can be nerve-wracking at first, but don't worry! When you least expect it, you'll be speaking and dreaming in your new language. But to make you feel more comfortable, we've developed language courses that will prepare you for your exchange year even before you leave.

The courses are online and you will first take a language test to be placed in the right group. The length of the courses varies slightly depending on the language course you take. We currently offer preparatory language courses in English, German, Italian and Spanish. Find out more at each destination.

News! Now even more choices when you go on exchange to the USA

Previously, we at STS have offered two different programs to those who have chosen to do their exchange year in the USA. Classic and Select. But now we have two new programs, which means that we also offer Academic Exchange and Boarding Exchange.

Classic is our most popular program for going on an exchange year to the USA. It means you will live and go to school somewhere in the US. This is perfect for those who are open to a genuine experience filled with adventure and surprises!

High School Select is our most flexible exchange program where you can choose where in the US you want to live and which school you want to attend. You can also choose from specific school subjects, sports or other interests that are important to you during your exchange year.

Our new program Academic Exchange is like a High School Select but in a slightly smaller version. You get to choose whether you want to go to a public school or a private school and you can choose, for example, a sport, a specific state or a specific subject that you want to study, but we will choose the school for you based on your chosen preference.

Boarding Exchange is exactly what it sounds like! You attend a US boarding school. We place you in one of the 60 different boarding schools we work with around the country. This also means that you will live at the school and not with a host family.

Find out more about our different options and what it means to do an exchange year in the US.

How to learn a new language fast

Moving to a new country and immersing yourself in a different language is one of the most exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking!) parts of an exchange year. But don’t worry –learning a language fast is possible, and it can be a lot of fun!

Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you become confident in your new language in no time.

1. Start simple
   Don’t overwhelm yourself with complicated texts right away. Instead, start with easy content like children’s books and common words. Learn basic verbs, question words, numbers, weekdays, and short phrases—these will be your foundation for everyday conversations
2. Practice every day
   Consistency is key! Spending just 15–30 minutes a day practicing is much more effective than cramming once a week. Use language apps and why not label objects around your home with post-its!
3. Make language learning part of your daily routine
   Little things like setting your phone to and start writing your to-do lists in your new language will expose you to new words constantly.
4. Surround yourself with the language
   The more exposure you get, the faster you’ll improve. A great trick is to watch series and movies you already know, but in your new language. Since you’re familiar with the storyline, you’ll pick up words and expressions naturally. More tips: Follow influencers, listen to music, and play your favorite game in the new language.
5. Start speaking – even if it feels awkward
   Speaking is the fastest way to learn! If talking to classmates feels intimidating at first, start with your host family or younger kids – they’ll be patient and happy to help. Even talking to yourself, mentioning the things you do (“putting on my jacket”, “eating a sandwich”), or thinking in the language can help build confidence.
6. Say yes to every opportunity
   Join a school club, sign up for a sport, or simply start chatting with locals. The best way to learn is by doing, and real-life interactions will help you improve faster than any textbook.
7. Enjoy the process!
   Learning a language isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Celebrate small wins, laugh at your mistakes, and enjoy the thrill of expressing yourself in a whole new way!

What not to do:

🚫 focus too much on grammar rules – learning by doing is more effective
🚫 rely only on textbooks – real conversations will take you much further

An exchange year is the ultimate language hack! When you’re surrounded by the language every day, you’ll improve faster than you ever thought possible. Ready for the adventure?

Stay tuned! Soon you will be able to take part in our language courses to prepare you even better for your exchange year

Why you should go on exchange to Germany

About 130 million people speak German as a first or second language, and you could be one of them! Germany has an excellent (and free) school and education system and attracts people from all over the world with its cultural offers, unique festivals and diverse landscapes. In addition, there is an interest in international relations and different cultures in this open and diverse country. So you can expect to feel welcome!

Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population and economy. And it really has it all. In addition to its high standard of living, you'll find a great variety of regional cultures and contrasting landscapes. Did you know Germany has coastlines with two seas and 77 islands? That it has 45 mountain ranges including the Alps? That you can hike volcanoes and swim in crater lakes?

Explore a cool music scene that ranges from Classical music to Deutschrap, Indie and Techno. Festivals throughout the year will let you delve into traditional events like Carnival, Oktoberfest and Christmas markets and showcase the international film, theater, literature and art scene. In Germany you will find cozy villages next to exciting cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Leipzig, Frankfurt or Cologne. This cosmopolitan country is also a center of technology and innovation.

The quality of German education is world-renowned and inclusive. School and university are free and teaching is interactive. Students’ opinions matter and discussions and debates are an important part of the school day.

The most common school type of German high school for exchange students to attend is called Gymnasium. Depending on your age, your grades and your knowledge of the German language you will probably be placed in a grade 10 or 11. German teachers appreciate it when you are active in class. Raise your hand, ask questions and participate in discussions. It will give your German language skills a real boost!

Germans are famously active. They love to travel and explore, enjoy the outdoors on hikes, bicycle tours or camping trips. German teenagers typically have at least one hobby like sports or music that they pursue after school in one of the many clubs aka “Verein” that exist in even the smallest villages.

Of course, you can also spend your free time in a café, cinema or shopping mall with your friends. But here's a tip for your free time in Germany: Join a club! It's a great way to make friends and have fun after school. Do you like art, dance, music or theater? Ask your host family to help you find the Verein that suits you best.

What does it mean to go on an exchange year

Going on an exchange year at a young age has many benefits. It's not just language skills and self-confidence that increase. Problem-solving, teamwork and making new friends are also on the list. What's more, you'll make great and unforgettable memories for the rest of your life!

Imagine being able to speak another language fluently! Imagine all the people you can talk to and understand, what an adventure it will be! You will experience so many things and learn so much, not only at school, but also with your new friends and your host family. And when the time comes to look for a job, language skills are often in high demand.

Going on an exchange year simply means that you will::

• Take a break from your studies here at home
• Study at a high school in another country
• Live with a host family that will become your second home
• Get to know a completely new culture and make new friends for life
• When you get home, you continue your studies

Many people want to study abroad at some point in their lives, and becoming an exchange student at a young age is a great option. An exchange year usually lasts 10 months, which is a full school year, but you can also go for 5 months and in some cases for just 3 months. It's up to you and what suits you best.

Get in touch with us at STS. We will help you find the best exchange year for you. Maybe it's the USA with the classic yellow buses and prom night, or maybe it's within Europe like Spain, Germany or Italy? We also offer exchange years to Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Argentina. In addition, many times you can wish if you want to practice a special sport or study a special subject.

The choice is yours! Sign up for an information meeting or call us right away!

Host family for life

24 years ago, I was on exchange with STS in Cape Town/South Africa. Today, as a local coordinator, I support exchange students and host families in Germany. And I'm still close with my host mom and dad. I have just visited them again in Cape Town!

At the age of 16, I spent my year abroad in Cape Town with Mr. and Mrs. Stoops. My host parents don't have any children of their own, so I was one of several exchange students they (and their dog!) hosted. Back then, friends used to ask: “Which country are you going to?” because South Africa as a nation was not yet well known among students. Or they warned me about being eaten by lions. But that didn’t put me off.

Of course, there were some issues during my stay. My host father was also my English teacher. Not only did I once get reprimanded for not doing my homework, but my classmates, with whom I became friends, were initially reluctant to come to my house and meet their teacher in their free time. But over time, it became obvious that my host family and me were made for each other. We still use the terms “host mom” and “host dad” to this day.

My year in Cape Town just flew by. The school system (including a school uniform) was exciting, and school life even more so. The national sports of rugby and cricket are played in school teams and their leagues, and once a year the schools even compete in singing performances led by cheerleaders. I tried my hand at cricket, but our team came in last in the school league. We had lots of braais (the Afrikaans word for barbecue), and I found the bilingualism in the Cape Rainbow Nation very exciting. Being involved in the church choir and orchestra helped me personally, as did the numerous excursions and field trips. The safari to Kruger National Park offered by STS was simply fantastic.

But every year comes to an end. For host mom, host dad and me, it was clear that we would see each other again. I visited my host parents a few more times in this most beautiful place in the world. But they also saw me in Germany: the first time for my graduation ball in 2003. It deepened our relationship even more to show them around my home country as a tour guide and to visit various German soccer stadiums with host dad. In 2007, a friend and I spent another three months with my host parents in Cape Town, and in 2010 I visited them with my boyfriend. Despite the great distance (but little to no time difference!), we stayed in touch over the years. My host dad actually walked me down the aisle in 2015 and they visited again 2021. In 2022 we reunited in Cape Town with my family of four.

This April I saw them again in my South African home, where I just reach into a kitchen cupboard straight after arriving and almost blindly grab a glass. We had a quiet time, both of them are retired now and I simply enjoyed the peace and nice weather. Of course, I also explored this indescribably beautiful country again.

I am just so grateful to have found these people. Here's to hopefully many more wonderful moments near and far!