1. Learn about the destination
Understanding your teen’s host country will help them adapt more easily. Research the region they will be living in; even within a single country, there can be significant differences between urban and rural areas or different regions.
- Laws and culture: Familiarize yourself and your teen with any specific laws or cultural norms and values that may differ from your home country.
- Resources: Encourage your teen to connect with their host family for insights into local customs. Books, blogs, and online resources from past exchange students can also be valuable.
- Safety information: Stay informed about the political situation and safety considerations in the host country. Check updates from your country’s ministry of foreign affairs.
- Previous student contact: If you’d like to contact former exchange students for advice, let us know, and we’ll assist you.
Tips for parents
Tips for parents
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 1. Learn about the destination Tips for parents Dear parent,Welcome to STS and congratulations on making the fantastic decision to send your teen on a life-changing high school exchange program with STS! This journey is all about embracing a…
1. Learn about the destination
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 1. Learn about the destination 1. Learn about the destination Understanding your teen’s host country will help them adapt more easily. Research the region they will be living in; even within a single country, there can be significant differences…
2. Packing and departure
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 1. Learn about the destination 2. Packing and departure The departure date will be decided once the placement – host family and school – is confirmed and finalized. With international luggage restrictions, help your teen to pack wisely. Typically,…
3. Managing finances
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 1. Learn about the destination 3. Managing finances Teaching your teen financial independence is a crucial part of their exchange experience. Budgeting: Start teaching budgeting skills before departure. Show them how to withdraw small amounts of cash at a time…
4. Communication during the exchange
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 1. Learn about the destination 4. Communication during the exchange Staying in touch is important, but so is giving your teen the space to immerse themselves in their new environment. Balance contact: Limit calls to once a week or every…
5. School
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 1. Learn about the destination 5. School School life abroad can vary significantly from what your teen is used to. Here are some key considerations: School subjects and size: Mandatory and optional subjects vary by country and may vary even…
6. Host family
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 1. Learn about the destination 6. Host family Your teen’s host family will play an important role in their exchange experience. Here are some things to keep in mind: Chores: Your teen will be expected to contribute to household chores…
7. Free time and interests
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 1. Learn about the destination 7. Free time and interests Encouraging your teen to explore their hobbies and interests abroad can make their experience even more rewarding: Favorite sports: While STS tries to accommodate interests, it cannot guarantee specific sports.…
8. Visits
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 1. Learn about the destination 8. Visits Students are not allowed to return home during the program, except in rare circumstances. Visiting your teen can be a wonderful experience, but it’s essential to follow program guidelines to avoid disrupting…
9. Letting go and post exchange adjustment
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 1. Learn about the destination 9. Letting go and Post-exchange adjustment Letting go Letting go is one of the hardest but most rewarding parts of the exchange experience. Trust your teen to navigate their new world independently. Problem-solving: Encourage…
10 things to bring on an exchange year
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 1. Learn about the destination 10 things to bring on an exchange year Remember to pack as light as possible. In a whole year abroad, you will end up getting lots of new things that you probably want to…