In South Africa the school year starts in January. But you can choose to follow your own school year, i.e. begin your High School year during the fall and end it in the beginning of the summer the following year. You will study four terms instead of two, as you are used to. As an exchange student you will be placed in an English and/or Afrikaan-speaking school. In most South African schools a school uniform is obligatory. Studies at high school level in South Africa are called "Standards" and they hold a high academic standard. South African students study five grades, from Standard six to ten. Standard ten, which is graduation year, is also called "Matric". Those who choose to study in South Africa will study Standard eight, nine ot ten.
Semester start: Beginning of January (or September).