Go on high school exchange in Ireland
Why study abroad in 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.
✅ Speak English with confidence
✅ Experience real Irish school life
✅ Make lifelong friends
✅ Explore Ireland’s wild beauty
Are you eligible for the exchange?
To join one of our exchange programs in Ireland, you’ll need to be between 14 and 18 years old when the program starts and still enrolled in school back home. You don’t need perfect grades, but a basic level of English is recommended.
Whether you stay for 3 months, a full academic year or multiple years, we’ll help you plan the right setup for your goals. If you’re ready to experience Irish school life, culture, and everyday adventure – this could be your perfect match!
Quick facts
Ages: 14-18 years
Accommodation: Local host family
Welcome camp: Included for fall departures
Duration: 3 to 9 months or multiple years
Support: 24/7 availability
Price: From €12,350
Language level: Basic English skills
Visa: Required for non-EU citizens
Exchange student voices
There was always something to do in my free time. I loved taking the bus to the nearest big town for shopping or hopping on a train to explore Dublin… I also took riding lessons, which was a wonderful way to connect with Ireland’s equestrian culture.
I made friends at school and in my sports clubs. On the weekends, we did a lot of traveling together. We went all around Ireland, to Cork, Dublin, to the beaches, to visit Gaelic football games and more. I made friends from all over Europe.
High School in Ireland
Ireland’s secondary school system is known for being academically strong, yet personal and supportive. School is divided into two stages: the Junior Cycle and the Senior Cycle. As an exchange student, you may have the opportunity to join the Transition Year – a unique part of Irish education that focuses on personal growth, creativity, and real-world learning alongside academics.
The atmosphere in Irish schools is friendly and inclusive, with teachers who encourage participation and help you settle in both academically and socially. Some schools are single-sex, others are mixed. Most require school uniforms, which help build a sense of identity and school spirit.
Your school week, schedule & subjects
School days in Ireland usually run from around 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Your timetable will include a mix of core subjects like English, maths, and science, plus electives that match your level and interests.
You could take subjects like business, geography, art, music, or home economics, and some schools also offer fun extras like media studies or drama. If you’re into languages, you might even try some Gaeilge – and before long, you could be asking your classmates “cén chaoi a bhfuil tú?” instead of “how are you doing?” There’s also time for sports and clubs, from Irish dancing and football to music groups or after-school activities.
Trusted since 1958 — why STS is a great choice
Since 1958 over 1.2 million students from across the world have studied abroad with us. With STS you get:
- 24/7 support — we’re always here for you
- Carefully selected host families
- Resilience training
- Free Welcome Camp in Dublin
- Local staff or host family will greet you at the airport
Compare our exchange programs in Ireland
We offer two main programs in Ireland. The Classic program is perfect if you’re open to adventure and want an authentic Irish experience. You can’t choose your school. The Select program is ideal if you have specific goals – you choose your preferred school and location.
CLASSIC
Live like a local and dive into real high school life in Spain. You’ll be placed with a host family and attend a local school somewhere in the country. Program from 3 to 10 months.
KEY FACTS
✅ Stay up to one academic year
✅ A cost-effective way to study abroad
✅ Supportive host families
✅ Quality local high schools
ADD-ONS (examples)
• 6th year request. Students that join 6th year in Irish high schools graduate with a qualification that is recognised around the world for entry into university – The Leaving Certificate.
• With our Family First request, you get a list of host families from which you and your parents can choose from.
• Preparatory language course (English)
💶 Program fee: From €12,100
SELECT
With Select, you’re in control. Choose the the school and what you want to focus on – from academics to sports, arts, or science. Program from 3 months to multiple years.
KEY FACTS
✅ Choose among 60+ schools
✅ Access to some of the finest schools in the country
✅ Ideal for university prep or competitive sports
✅ You’ll live with a host family close to your school
OPTIONS (examples)
• Opportunity to earn an IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate) at numerous schools.
• With Select you can choose a STEM school (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
• Preparatory language course (English)
💶 Program fee: Contact us
Ireland + UK = true
Can’t choose between Ireland and the UK (Link)? Why not do both with our Celtic Crossing! This unique exchange setup lets you experience the best of both worlds – two countries, two cultures, and two school systems in one incredible year. You’ll kick things off in Ireland, spending the fall term at a local high school while living with a welcoming host family. Then in January, you’ll head to England or Scotland for your spring semester, where a new school and host family await.
Explore life outside the classroom
Your exchange in Ireland won’t just be about school – it’s about soaking up everything this vibrant country has to offer. You’ll quickly get used to hearing the sounds of Irish folk music drifting through the streets, at local festivals, or in community gatherings – maybe even learn to play the tin whistle or bodhrán yourself. This could be the soundtrack of your year.
When it comes to sports, why not try something totally new, like hurling, camogie, or Gaelic football? Of course, you’ll also find familiar favorites – and with the sea never too far away, there are plenty of chances to go swimming, sailing, or surfing.
Living with an Irish host family
Your Irish host family will be ready to welcome you into their everyday life. Irish families are known for their hospitality, humour, and love of a good chat. You might need a moment to tune into the accent, but don’t worry – you’ll catch on quickly (and probably start loving it).
Weekends might include hikes through the hills, visits to local markets, or celebrating big traditions like St. Patrick’s Day – face paint, green outfits, and all.
Living with a host family isn’t just where you stay – it’s where your Irish story begins.
Your exchange in Ireland begins here
It’s easier than you might think! Begin your journey by talking to us – we’ll guide you every step of the way. What are you waiting for? Say yes to the adventure and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Welcome Camp in Dublin
No matter which program you go for, your Ireland high school adventure kicks off in the amazing style. Your exchange begins with our fun Welcome Camp in Dublin! The Welcome Camp gives you the best possible start to your exchange, and is packed with sightseeing, seminars, new friends and lots of fun. Welcome camp is only included for all students going in fall.
The cost of a high school exchange in Ireland?
The cost of your exchange year in Ireland depends on the program you choose, how long you’re away, and any extras you’d like to add. Below, you’ll find starting prices for our Classic program.
In addition to the program fee that you pay to STS, there are certain costs that you and your family need to cover, including costs for insurance, visas, personal items, local trips, leisure activities, school uniform and materials, and pocket money.
|
Length |
Period |
Year |
Price |
|
1 Semester |
Fall |
2026 |
From €12,100 |
|
1 Academic year |
Fall |
2026 |
From €15,100 |
Add-ons
Classic program
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. The add-ons below are for the Classic program only, except for the preparatory course that can be added for all programs.
Cork City placement request
From €1400
Choose your host family
From €1,750
Mixed-gender school
From €750
6th year request, university prep
From €1,000
Preparatory language course – English
Free
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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!
STS at a glance
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