Questions? Reach out!
The most authentic experience
on exchange to Australia
Step out of your comfort zone and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime immersion experience.
Your destination? Anywhere in Australia!
The programme low-down
The true essence of a Classic exchange programme? Allowing yourself to be surprised and being ready to adapt. This is the quintessential immersion experience and the best way to discover the most authentic side of Australia. Let your spirit of adventure guide you, and you will find out that even on the other side of the world, it's possible to feel at home.
The host families selected to participate in the programme decide to open their home to an exchange student out of the goodness of their hearts. They may be located anywhere in the country, and they choose which student they wish to host and share their culture and life with.
You will attend a local secondary school, just like any Australian teenager, and experience a different education system, learning style and curriculum. Your year level and subjects will be decided by the host school, depending on availability and considering your educational background.
Eligibility requirements
Choose an option: Classic or Classic +
Get ready for a complete surprise, or increase your chances to be placed in the area of Australia that speaks to you the most.
Picture yourself...
...surrounded by natural wonders
In the heart of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Blackheath is a small country town exuding charm. With spectacular hikes and wildlife at your doorstep, you'll fall in love with this vibrant community's cute cafes, vintage shops and popular farmer markets.
...on the tropical coast of Queensland
In Townsville, a regional city in North Queensland, the sun is always shining and people spend time outside all year round. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and tropical climate, surrounded by beaches, palm trees, and beautiful Magnetic Island a short ferry ride away.
...in a rural community of Mclaren Vale
South Australia rhymes with tight-knit communities, local festivals, and vineyards as far as the eye can see. On the rolling hills of McLaren Vale, famous for its wine production, you will experience a warm hospitality in the heart of rural Australia.
All you need to know...
Transparency is important to us. Here's what's included in the program fee, and what isn't.
Included
Personal counselling to help you choose the right program for you
Selection interview and assistance with completing the application package
Research, selection and preparation of a welcoming host family
Not included
Return airfare for European destinations
Passport fees, visa fees, consulate fees, and any entry and exit fees
Welcome camp (can be purchased separately)
We're here to help. Book a free meeting with one of our Educational Advisors to discuss your options and have all your questions answered.
We're here to help. Book a free meeting with one of our Educational Advisors to discuss your options and have all your questions answered.
The next steps
Let's make sure a high school exchange programme is the right choice for you.
After receiving your pre-application form, we will assess your eligiblity and invite you to attend a free information session online. If you decide to proceed with an application, we'll get the ball rolling by asking you to provide school reports for the last 3 years, review and accept the programme's terms and conditions, and pay a £100 enrolment fee (fully refundable if you are not accepted on the programme).
Time to start writing your own story! This is where your exchange begins.
Attend an interview with our friendly staff to help us assess your readiness for an exchange. If the outcome is positive, you will start completing your application - the information you provide here will hopefully get you fully accepted on the programme, and serve as a 'calling card' to introduce yourself to your future host family and school overseas.
The big day is getting closer... we'll be at your side to help you prepare.
Once your acceptance is confirmed, the search for your overseas placement will begin. Be patient! This process can take time. To make the wait more pleasant, you will be involved in a rich pre-departure orientation programme: we will put you in contact with a WEP buddy and share lots of information - including info sheets, videos and a pre-departure session. This is the perfect time for you to start learning about your host country and practice the language. At any point after acceptance, your placement will arrive with you. We aim to have all students placed at least one month before departure.
Turn on your engines, it's finally time to board the plane and embark on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Our staff will guide you through the visa application process and arrange your flights. Now that the paperwork is done, you know where you're headed, and your bags are ready... it's time to say your goodbyes! If you're feeling nervous, don't worry: our staff are available to ensure everything goes smoothly and will remain available for your parents once you've left. On arrival in your host country, you will be met by your host family or a representative from the host organisation who will take you to your new home or to your orientation camp. The host organisation and your area representative overseas will provide support to you for the full duration of your programme - just remember to ask.
Your host family on a Classic exchange programme
Host families
are volunteers
Here's why:
Hosting you is a unique opportunity to create an everlasting bond. The family have chosen you, and they want to build global friendships and understanding by writing the next chapter of their story with you alongside them.
They believe in the enrichment an exchange programme can bring to their home through joy, curiosity and different perspectives. They host out of the goodness of their hearts to discover and share different ways of living.
They hope to have a positive impact on your future, helping you realise your dream of living in their country. They provide a safe environment for you to grow and learn. They want to contribute something meaningful and hosting a student who is appreciative and kind is deeply rewarding.
FAQ
Both programmes offer a very similar experience, with placement in a host family and enrolment in a local high school. However, on a Classic program host families are volunteers, and no tuition fees are charged by the host schools; on a Flex program instead, host families receive a stipend to help with the costs associated with hosting a student, and tuition fees may be charged by the host school.
Classic program participants are guaranteed a placement in their country of choice, however there is generally no avenue to choose a specific area/location within the host country, unless a Classic + option is available for that specific destination.
We work with international partners to organise exchange programs. As a result, the program fee is based solely on the cost of program components, both in the UK and overseas. The program fee is allocated between the overseas organisation, WEP UK, travel and independent contractors for flights and insurance.
The portion of the fee set aside for flights and insurance is approximately 25%.
The portion of the fee going to the overseas organisation (approximately 50%) subsidises the recruitment, screening, criminal background checks, appointment and orientation of the volunteer host family, facilitation of host school enrolment, recruitment and training of the local coordinator, arrival orientation, supervision of your program and provision of 24/7 support while you are in your host country.
The portion of the fee going to WEP UK (approximately 25%) subsidises the organisation of the program from the UK end, ensuring: timeliness of your eligibility interview; processing, assessment and preparation of your application for the overseas partner organisation; provision of a departure orientation session and resource materials (including student and parents handbooks); bookings of relevant domestic and international airfares to and from your final destination; detailed assistance with the visa process (where applicable); registration for a comprehensive medical/liability/baggage insurance policy; comprehensive support before, during and after your program, including emergency 24/7 support in the UK and overseas.
Before going through the application process, it is important for us to make sure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements of the programme you have chosen (such as age, language skills, academic performance, etc.) and discuss any specific circumstances, requirements or conditions that may have an impact on your program.
A high school student exchange program requires significant flexibility, open-mindednees, maturity and ability to adapt. The eligibility interview helps us assess your real motivation to participate in the program, and (together with the rest of your application documents) make sure you have all the required tools to succeed!