Go on high school exchange in Austria
Why study abroad in Austria?
You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.
High School Classic
High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we find you a suitable host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in Austria, from the peaks of the Alps to the banks of the Danube! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.
Music is important
Winter sports aren’t everything, though. Austria is also famous for its musical history, such as Mozart’s years in Salzburg. Music is still a big deal, not the least in all the music oriented schools. You will also notice that all the cozy villages seem to have their own big orchestras. If you sing or play an instrument, there are plenty of opportunities for you to develop your talent during an exchange year in Austria.
Postcard beauty
Austria is one of the world’s most secure countries and a favorite among tourists. The country is full of postcard beautiful scenery and cities and villages with amazing architecture. Bring your skis or your instrument, or both, and grab the chance to live here and see it all for yourself!
Population: Nearly 9 million
Area: 83 856 km2
Capital: Vienna
Language: German
National holiday: October 26
Highest mountain: Grossglockner, 3 798 m
Country code: +43
High school exchange – all you need to know
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School life in Austria
Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Do you speak German? You don’t need any grades in German to become an exchange student in Austria, but some basic knowledge and a curious mindset is recommended. You will learn a lot by just living in Austria, but if you’ve studied the language before you will get the most out of the education.
Your year in an Austrian school
If you like music or sports
If you have a particular interest in music, economics or sports, please let us know. There are many high schools in Austria with a certain specialisation. We will try our best to find a school that fits your interests.
Gemütlichkeit awaits you!
Austria is famous for its conviviality, locally known as Gemütlichkeit, and you will be heartily welcomed by your warm and carefully selected host family. Our families live all over the country, meaning you may be placed in a bigger city or in a smaller, rural village.
You will spend a lot of time with your family and get to know the country through their daily life. Food is always an important part of the culture and while living in Austria you will probably be served some traditional dishes. Wiener schnitzel, sachertorte and apple strudel are some of our favorites!
Quick Facts
Who can go: 15–17,5 years on arrival
Departure month: February/August
Language requirements: Basic German knowledge
Visa: Yes (EU citizens No)
STS Welcome Camp: Yes, STS Welcome Camp included
School year: September–July
School day: Usually 08.00 – 14.00
Subjects: Compulsory and optional
Free time in Austria
Austria is a country with majestic nature and lots of outdoor activity options. Exactly what’s on offer for your free time depends on the size and location of your town or village. On the weekends families often go hiking, trekking or skiing in the mountains. Be prepared to improve your downhill skills. You might even get the chance to visit a famous ski resort such as St Anton.
If you don’t want to spend all your time on the slopes, there will of course be other things to do as well. Some popular activities can be table tennis, fencing, riding and swimming. There will probably be lots of days when you just take a stroll with your friends and visit a café. The country has a great café culture.
Activities with your school
The location of Austria makes it great for travelling. Many schools arrange trips for their students. Seize the opportunity and join your new friends on travels to France, England and the Alps.
Want to sing or play an instrument? Well, you’ve come to the perfect place. Music is important in Austria and you will have great opportunities joining a choir or an orchestra – in school or outside.
STS activities in Austria
Throughout the year in Austria, we will arrange activities and excursions for our exchange students. You can join us on a trip to St. Gilgen-Salzburg, Hallstadt, Snowboard trip or a weekend to Vienna. Your local contact person will provide you with information about travel dates and costs connected to the different activities.
Exchange student voices from Austria
My exchange year was not exactly as I expected; it was much better. There were challenges, like adapting to the language and the climate, but I overcame them with patience and effort. I learned to be more independent and to adapt to new situations. I also learned to ski, something I had never done before!
It is a time full of new things that you will never in your life live again. You will meet people who will always have you in their hearts. It is a time where you can experience everything, the good, the bad, the fun and the scary, and it is all part of it. At first it may be scary, but it is 100% worth taking the risk to do it.
It’s a life-changing experience that will change your future. You learn so much! Best of all? You learn another language! My classmates were really welcoming and understanding and never hesitated to help me. My teachers were also lovely. I really liked my host parents too.
Throughout the year, I had a lot of fun skiing with my friends in winter, going to pool parties in summer, and attending many Austrian festivals. I will never forget the feeling of eating a schnitzel at the top of a mountain with my host family. The school was very nice, and I also made many new friends very quickly.
Welcome Camp in Vienna
This is what is included in our exchange program for Austria:
- Accommodation in a host family
Full board in a host family
School spot in a local high school
Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
STS Welcome Camp
Online pre-departure meeting
Emergency support 24/7
Free interview
Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents
STS bag
STS Diploma
Extras:
In-country trips: You will have opportunities to travel to places like St. Gilgen-Salzburg, Hallstadt, Snowboard trip or a weekend to Vienna. Please note that these trips are not included in the program fee and the selection may vary depending on where in Austria you spend your exchange year.
Add-ons
Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra?
With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality.
Prepatory language course – German
Free
Our destinations
Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.
USA
Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.
Argentina
A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.
Australia
Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you're in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.
Austria
You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.
Canada
It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country's best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida ('pure life') is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.
China
Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, one that combines the cutting edge of technological development with a history that dates back millennia. The past, present and future seem to merge in China. Discover its unique culture and fascinating language from the inside on an unforgettable high school exchange.
Denmark
Take the chance to study in the lovely country Denmark! Despite the country's small size, there is a lot to discover here. Come with us to Denmark as an exchange student and experience the green landscapes, blue sea and beautiful old towns. Eat typical food such as smørrebrød and frikadeller, rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and treat yourself with some amazing Danish pastry at a cosy café!
Finland
Finland's stark Nordic scenery is home to fascinating wildlife, pristine forests, some 200,000 lakes and the world's happiest people, not to mention Europe's top educational system and an extremely high quality of life (and don't forget the saunas).
France
Around 85 million tourists from all over the world can’t be wrong – France is the place to visit. For decades the country has had the number 1 spot in the World Tourism Organisation’s yearly statistics. It’s no wonder France is a favorite. Shopping, fashion and sightseeing in Paris, the glamorous beach life on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the French Alps and a beautiful countryside are some of the things that attracts foreigners. Also, it’s no doubt that France is number 1 when it comes to food. Will you try a delicacy such as escargots?
Germany
Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.
Great Britain
Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.
Ireland
A high school exchange in Ireland means diving into a vibrant culture full of music, tradition, and friendly energy. You'll live like a local, attend an Irish secondary school, and become part of a community that is full of character. From green hills and coastal cliffs to school spirit and weekend céilís, life in Ireland is anything but ordinary.
Italy
Go on high school exchange in ItalyFree brochure Why study abroad in Italy? If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure…
Japan
Welcome to a nation like no other! Japan is the world’s third largest economy, and a trendsetter in culture, fashion, and technology. Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. It’s a country where old meets new in a totally unique way.
Netherlands
Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.
New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand is more than just scenic landscapes and friendly locals – it’s about discovering a whole new way of learning and living.
Norway
Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.
Spain
A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host family, and experience what daily life is like as a teenager in Spain. With nearly 500 million people around the world speaking Spanish, gaining confidence in the language will open up new opportunities – both now and in the future.
Sweden
Did you know that Sweden is a 1 574 kilometer long country with nearly 100 000 lakes? Pretty impressive. The country has great coastlines and lots of vast forests. But also charming cities, both big and small, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is a lively city located in the most amazing archipelago. It is a beautiful country with great wildlife and plenty of wide open spaces. If you're lucky you'll see the King of Sweden, or at least the king of the forest, the famous moose. Come join us for a genuine experience!
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