Who can go on an exchange year?
Spending a year as an exchange student offers great opportunities. Most important of all is that you are curious and have an open mind. It is a way to experience tons of incredible new things that you would never get to experience at home.
Allergies or diseases don’t have to be an obstacle, but it is important that you disclose them to us so that we can find a family and school that can meet your needs. Also remember that some countries require vaccines in order for you to be accepted there.
What are the age limits for an exchange year?
To go on an exchange year during your high school education, you must be between 14 and 18 years old when you start the exchange year, but this can vary depending on the school system in different countries. You can find more information on the pages for the country you’re interested in. Remember that there may be additional fees if you are already 18.
What language skills do I need to go on an exchange year?
Basic English is needed for all of our destinations. This means you should be able to speak, read, and write basic English. In non-English-speaking countries, the requirements vary. You can find all the information you need on the pages describing the country you’re interested in.
You also need to pass the interview with us, and some destinations require an additional online test or Skype interview.
Are you going on an exchange year to an English-, Spanish-, German- or Italian-speaking country and want to practise your language skills a little extra before you leave? Prepare yourself with our digital language course!
What grades do I need for an exchange year at high school?
To be accepted, you must have at least a passing grade in all subjects, and you need to have been in school full-time the year before you go. If you have a lower grade in some subject, contact us and we can conduct an individual assessment. We will always do what we can to help as many people as possible get to study abroad for a year.
Questions? Get in touch with us!
Before your year abroad
Before your year abroad
Before your year abroad We’ve been working with international exchanges for over 65 years and we have all the knowledge and experience necessary to be able to offer an extraordinary experience. Many of us at STS were exchange students ourselves, so we know exactly how a school year abroad works. We know what awaits, and…
The application process
How to become a high school exchange student? From idea to arrival — the application process Curious about how to become a high school exchange student? This page walks you through every step – from your first chat with us to the moment you arrive at your new home abroad. It's easier than you think,…
Who can apply
Who can go on an exchange year? Spending a year as an exchange student offers great opportunities. Most important of all is that you are curious and have an open mind. It is a way to experience tons of incredible new things that you would never get to experience at home. Allergies or diseases don’t…
Meet us
Webinars and events Are you thinking of going on a high school exchange abroad, for a semester or an entire school year? Do you have questions and concerns? We have the answers. A real good start is to sign up for a webinar. Meet us, in person or online You can meet us face to…
Classic and Select
Choose between Classic and Select A year abroad is a springboard for achieving your full potential and your future is in your hands. Spending a high school year abroad as a teen is incredibly enriching and people who do it often say it was the best year of their lives. STS High School Classic is…
Prepare yourself with our language courses
Prepare yourself with a language course! Are you going on an exchange year to an English, Spanish, German, French or Italian speaking country? Prepare yourself with our digital language course! It'll help you master the language once you're there and make it easier to understand what your new friends, host family and teachers are saying…
Benefits of a year abroad
What will I get out of a year abroad? When you return from your high school exchange year, you will realize just how much living and studying abroad has given you: new friends, new language skills, experiences of different cultures, more self-confidence, tons of fun experiences and wonderful memories. You will also have fantastic international…
10 things to bring on an exchange year
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 bring home with you. Below are a few items that are good to bring, but once you’ve been…
Legacy
Since 1958 over 1,200,000 students have studied abroad with us.
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STS at a glance
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