We recommend applying 6–12 months in advance. Some destinations and schools fill up quickly, and applying early gives you more flexibility – especially if you have special requests or want to travel in the autumn. However, we can often accommodate last-minute applications too depending on destination, so don’t hesitate to contact us even if your timeline is tight.

Yes – but it depends on the destination. Some countries have strict age limits, while others are more flexible. We’ll help you check what applies in your case.

Not at all! You don’t need top grades or perfect language skills – what matters most is your motivation and willingness to learn. We offer language prep courses if you’d like to feel more confident before departure.

Yes. You’ll have a local contact person in your host country and ongoing support from STS – available 24/7 if anything urgent comes up.

In most cases, yes – we’ll make an individual assessment based on your situation. Be open with us early so we can make the best possible arrangements.

It depends on your country and school. Some students get full credit, others may need to repeat part of their studies. We always recommend discussing this with your school counselor before departure.

Let us know what you’re passionate about when you apply, and we’ll do our best to help you keep it up during your exchange. With our Select program you can choose a school that matches your preferences – whether it’s sports, arts, academics, or another passion you’d like to pursue.

It depends on the program type. In the Classic program, you’ll be placed in a location where a host family has chosen to welcome you into their home. It could be a small town, a suburb, or a larger city. In the Select program, you get to choose the school and region yourself, based on your interests, academics, or lifestyle.

Yes! It’s possible — but unless you both choose the Select program and coordinate your preferences, we can’t guarantee you’ll be placed in the same school or area.

That’s not a problem in most cases. We make an individual assessment based on your situation. Just let us know early in the process so we can match you with a host family and school that fits your needs.

In most cases! Many schools offer clubs, teams, or elective courses – and your host family can often help find activities locally. Let us know when you apply so we can factor it into your placement and choice of program.

It depends on where you go and which program you choose. For example, programs in Europe start at around €8,350, while destinations like the USA or Australia typically cost more. In addition to the program fee, you’ll need to budget for insurance, visa fees, pocket money, and personal expenses.

You’ll be supported by a local contact person, your host family, and our team – both in your home country and abroad. You’ll also have 24/7 support throughout your exchange.

That’s totally normal – especially early on. We help all students prepare emotionally with resilience training, and your host family and local contact person will be there for you. Many students find that with support and time, they settle in and thrive.

Yes, but only at the end of your program. The visit should be planned in advance and approved by your local coordinator – and your parents will need to arrange separate accommodation.

That depends on your destination and program. In the Classic program, most students are placed in public schools. In Select, you can choose between public and private schools based on your priorities.

It’s easy! Just book a free consultation and we’ll help you figure out the best destination, program, and timeline for your exchange.

STS has been a trusted name in student exchange since 1958, and we’ve helped more than 1.2 million students discover the world through education. Today, we’re part of Educatius Group – the world’s largest organization for high school exchange abroad. That means global reach, local support, and decades of experience backing your journey.