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 their adjustment.
- Timing: STS recommends waiting until the end of the program for visits.
- Approval: All visits must be approved by STS in advance.
Host family considerations: Avoid visiting during major host family events and show gratitude by bringing a small gift or taking them out to dinner. - Alternative: Consider planning a vacation to visit the host family after your teen has returned home.
Tips for parents
Tips for parents
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 8. Visits 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 new culture, improving…
1. Learn about the destination
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 8. Visits 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…
2. Packing and departure
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 8. Visits 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, one suitcase and…
3. Managing finances
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 8. Visits 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 and discuss ATM…
4. Communication during the exchange
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 8. Visits 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 other week. Short…
5. School
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 8. Visits 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 within the country.…
6. Host family
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 8. Visits 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 as a regular…
7. Free time and interests
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 8. Visits 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. Our High School…
8. Visits
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 8. Visits 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 their adjustment. Timing: STS…
9. Letting go and post exchange adjustment
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 8. Visits 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 your teen to…
10 things to bring on an exchange year
Home » Terms and conditions » My page High School Exchange » Tips for parents » 8. Visits 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 be able to…