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Sanya studied abroad in New Zealand

Sanya from Germany went on exchange to New Zealand.

Hi, I’m Sanya. I was 16 years old when I left Germany to spend six months on exchange in New Zealand. Standing at the airport, saying goodbye to my family, I felt excited and terrified at the same time. I had no idea that this decision would change me forever.

My Welcome Camp in Auckland

My journey began with a Welcome Camp in Auckland, and it couldn’t have been a better start. Surrounded by other exchange students from all over the world, I realized I wasn’t alone in feeling nervous. Together, we explored the city, shared our stories and slowly turned strangers into friends. That camp helped me arrive – not just in New Zealand, but in this new chapter of my life. It gave me confidence before I even met my host family.

Arriving in Christchurch

After the camp, I flew to Christchurch, the city that would become my home. From the first moment, it felt calm and welcoming. Parks, rivers, and open spaces gave me room to breathe and settle in. My host family welcomed me with warmth and patience, and soon their home felt like my home. At the dinner table, cultures blended, and I learned that belonging isn’t about where you’re from – it’s about how open you are.

School life

School life in Christchurch was completely different from in Germany. Teachers felt approachable, and learning felt more relaxed. I learned that confidence grows when you stop being afraid of making mistakes.

Discovering New Zealand and myself

One of the most unforgettable parts of my exchange were the many trips I got to experience. I traveled through New Zealand, discovering beaches, mountains, small towns, and breathtaking nature. Each trip showed me a new side of the country – and a new side of myself. I learned to adapt, to be independent, and to enjoy moments far outside my comfort zone. I found a lot of friends and found a second home in New Zealand. It was the perfect place for me.

When my six months came to an end and I returned to Germany, I wasn’t the same person who had left. I came back with confidence, independence, unforgettable memories, and friendships from all over the world. The world felt bigger – and so did my dreams. An exchange is more than just traveling. It’s about growing, learning, and discovering who you are. And for me, six months in New Zealand were the beginning of a lifelong journey.

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Pia went on exchange to Sweden

Hey, I’m Pia, I’m 18 and I had the opportunity to spend a semester in Jönköping, Sweden.

Trip to Sweden

My trip to Sweden was a bit turbulent, my flight was cancelled and rebooking was quite stressful. If this happens to you, the airline will send you an email or text message with a link to rebook your flight, be sure to use it. Nevertheless, I landed in Gothenburg a few hours late and was met at the airport by my host family.

The host family

My host family consisted of host parents and three host siblings, although only my host brother still lived at home, and my host dog Challie. I got on very well with them right from the start. We had dinner together every evening and chatted, and afterwards I often watched TV series or did jigsaw puzzles with my host mother.

At the weekend, we often watched ice hockey together. My host father and brother in particular are very enthusiastic ice hockey fans, and it didn’t take long before I caught the ice hockey bug too.

School

School was probably the biggest culture shock I experienced. To begin with, school doesn’t always start at 8 a.m., but for example on Mondays at 9 a.m., Tuesdays at 8 a.m., Wednesdays at 10 a.m., etc. This was very unusual at first, but all in all very relaxed. The atmosphere was generally very relaxed, both between students and teachers. I quickly made friends and am still in contact with my group of friends from class today.

In Sweden, similar to Austria, there are different fields of study, and I studied social sciences. I was able to keep up with the lessons quite well, even though all subjects except maths and English were linguistically challenging. However, my teachers were very understanding, often giving me the choice of whether I wanted to participate or not, and I was allowed to do all my assignments in English.

Highlights

In my second week, I went to the stadium with my host family to cheer on our hockey club. The atmosphere was incredible, and that evening still holds a special place in my heart.

What I also appreciate about Sweden is how good the train and bus networks are there. This gave me the opportunity to explore Sweden, and I am very grateful for that. An exchange student I had already met at the welcome meeting in Austria spent her exchange semester two hours south of me by train, and we visited each other several times for weekends. It was really nice to be able to talk to someone who was in the same situation as me and to visit and discover new places together. For example, we went on a picnic together in Åhus by the sea, explored the island of Visingsö and also took a day trip to Copenhagen.

I also made lots of memories with my Swedish friends. We went to the amusement park in Gothenburg together, went shopping and attended city festivals.

One of my best experiences was when a friend and I spontaneously decided to go camping by the lake and swim at sunset. Even though the swim was more like ice bathing (it was the end of May and the lake hadn’t quite received the ‘summer’ message yet), I will always remember watching the sunset, chatting with my friend and feeling completely happy and relaxed.

Tips

In general, a semester abroad is THE opportunity to break out of your everyday routine and try new things. Often the best ideas come spontaneously, and it’s important to just go for it.

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Emma went on exchange to France

Emma from Austria spent her exchange in France.

My host family

I was lucky to stay with a really nice host family. My host parents were both still young, in their 30s, and my host brother was 7 years old. I got on really well with my brother and we played together. Whether it was board games, football, painting together or long walks. I was welcomed into their family with open arms and I quickly felt at home. The extended family also welcomed me warmly and I attended two family celebrations and even stayed overnight with my grandparents once. I also got on really well with my little cousin and we still keep in close contact.

School life

I must say that I was a little nervous at first because I thought French school days would be extremely long and strict, but it was actually the complete opposite. My schedule was relatively short, and the teachers were considerate of me, or I simply occupied myself with my own things. School was where I made most of my friends. I always enjoyed having lunch together in the school canteen, even if it wasn’t always the best. The lessons flew by, and I even gave a presentation once. Fortunately, I only had to take tests in a few subjects because I didn’t stay that long.

My free time

After school, I often went into town and sat in a café to read or strolled through the shops. I also often met up with friends or did things with my host family. I also joined a volleyball club. That was the best decision ever. I always had the best time there. The girls were super nice and it was always great fun. I would recommend everyone to find a hobby during their exchange.

Excursions

My host family took me on lots of trips and showed me some parts of Normandy. For example, on my first weekend we went to Mont Saint Michel and Étretat, among other places. During the autumn holidays, I travelled to Paris with STS, where I made lots of new friends and went on some fun trips. My host family then came to visit me in Paris and we spent the rest of the week sightseeing together.

My farewell

Unfortunately, I had to go back after the autumn holidays. I spent my second-to-last evening, Halloween, with friends watching a relaxing film and playing games. My last day was spent with my entire extended family so that I could say goodbye to everyone. After everyone had left, I spent a fun and emotional evening with my host family before they took me to the airport the next day.

My experience

I would encourage anyone who is considering doing an exchange to go for it. My exchange – even though it wasn’t particularly long – had a huge impact on me and I grew a lot. I met so many great people during my two months in France and immersed myself in a whole new culture. It was fantastic. If I could, I would still be there or experience it all over again.

Be brave. It’s okay to be afraid, the important thing is to do it anyway!

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Vera went on high school exchange to Costa Rica

Vera from Sweden spent her high school exchange in Costa Rica.

I cannot recommend enough Costa Rica as a high school exchange destination! If you are looking for something completely different and a big adventure… this is it!!!

Living in a Costa Rican host family

Living in a host family might feel intimidating, especially in a country so culturally different to your own and where communication might be more difficult. But not to worry, Costa Ricans are the nicest people I have ever met and you will be welcomed into their family directly. They often have big families and you will find yourself at numerous big gatherings with all of their extended family, and everyone will make you fell right at home.

School in Costa Rica

School was nothing like what I was used to back home in Sweden. Which made it so much more fun. The school days in Costa Rica are quite long, but it just gives you more time to bond with your classmates. As said, Costa Ricans are incredibly nice and they will welcome you directly. My classmates always made sure to help me if I got lost and they were very patient when practicing Spanish with me.

My best memories

Some of the best memories in Costa Rica are from the numerous trips that the STS partner organization organized. They were all a great opportunity to see more of Costa Rica and I got to hang out with the other exchange students.

Friends

You easily become close friends with ther other exchange students. You will realize that they are the only ones that can truly relate to what you’re going through during your exchange. I still keep in touch with many of the exchange students I met in Costa Rica.

How the exchange affected me

I truly believe my high school exchange played I huge role in who I am today. In the best possible way. I came home more mature, confident and with new perspectives on life.

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Sofie spent a year abroad in the USA

My Exchange Year in Arizona.

Hi, I’m Sofie and I spent my exchange year in Arizona on the F1 program, which meant I could choose the state I wanted — and I knew right away it had to be the USA. Since I was little, I had dreamed of living in America. When I was about 8 years old, I randomly told my parents I wanted to move there one day, and they jokingly said I could when I was older. I never let that go. Every year I reminded them, and honestly, everyone who has ever known me knew this was my dream. So when I finally booked my exchange year, I didn’t even need to announce it — people just expected it.

The year started off with the New York Welcome Camp, which was such a fun way to meet other exchange students who were also beginning their American adventure. Later on, I even got to go back to New York, and I also traveled to California and Hawaii. Hawaii was especially unforgettable — spotting sea turtles, swimming in the ocean, and seeing everything there just felt unreal.

School in Arizona felt like being in a movie. My first football game under the Friday night lights quickly became one of my favorite things to do, and I got to experience homecoming, prom, and graduation with my class. I joined the tennis team, which gave me the chance to be part of school life in a whole new way. The biggest difference compared to back home was definitely the school spirit — everything in the U.S. felt bigger, louder, and more energetic. People got so involved with events, sports, and clubs, and I loved being part of that atmosphere.

Some of my favorite memories from my exchange were also the smaller ones. I would go on late-night cookie runs with my friends or when it got really warm after school we would have boat days on the lake surrounded with cactuses, which was truly unforgettable. During my exchange year, even ordinary days were filled with unique experiences I would never have had back home. I also got to celebrate a real American Halloween which was something I had always dreamed of.

My friend hosted a Halloween party, we went trick or treating and then we watched a Halloween movie on a huge screen straight from her pool, it was truly something I had only ever seen in movies before. I also got to celebrate thanksgiving for the first time and Christmas in the USA, eating waffles for breakfast and getting the real American experience. All the holidays in the USA felt so special and just straight out of a movie. All these big, small and just everyday moments are what really made the year special.

If I had to share a funny memory, it would probably be from spirit week at school. I had never seen people go all out for theme days like that before. Everyone was in costumes, there were decorations everywhere, and the energy in the hallways made it one of the craziest but most fun weeks of the year.

Looking back, there is not just one thing I could say was the best part of my exchange year. It was the mix of everything, the travel, the school traditions, the friendships, holidays, and the little everyday experiences. This year gave me exactly what I had always dreamed of, and I know it’s something that will stick with me forever. It really showed me the importance of chasing my goals and following my dreams, so if there is one thing I can tell you, is follow your dreams, take the risks, and go on that exchange year! It may not always be perfect, but it is an experience you will never ever forget, and the memories will last you a lifetime.

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Harry from Sweden went on high school exchange to Italy

Hi! My name is Harry and I went to Italy for my exchange year. I lived in Cagliari, Sardinia, for 10 months.

Why an exchange year and why Italy?

I thought it seemed very exciting to immerse myself in a new culture, with new people, a new language, and of course new experiences. A year where I could find what I wanted and develop myself as a person. I chose to go to Italy because when my mother and I were there on a ski trip, I fell in love with the language and the way the people seemed to be. My impression of Italians was that they were talkative, welcoming, and seemed to enjoy their lives. This was something I wanted to experience and learn from.

Italian school

I found school in Italy to be old-fashioned compared to Swedish schools. The teachers mostly lectured and we didn’t do any group work. The teachers were more authoritarian than in Sweden, where you are more like friends with your teachers. Another thing was that you went to school six days a week, even on Saturdays. However, the school days were short and you always had lunch at home after school. School was very challenging for me at first, especially since I didn’t know the language. But of course, it got better as time went on.

Friends and free time

It was pretty easy for me to make friends. My classmates were very welcoming and kind. They invited me to join them from the beginning. I also tried to always have something to do in my free time. I played a lot of soccer and went to the gym. Sports are a great thing because you find a common interest with others your age.

I also became very close with the other exchange students in Sardinia. Sometimes it can be difficult to be with people who don’t really understand what it’s like to be an exchange student, so it was very nice to have the other exchange students. My best friends among the other exchange students came from Mexico, Belgium, Bolivia, Denmark, and Sweden. One of the Swedes turned out to live very close to where my Swedish family has just moved, so now we are neighbors in Sweden!

The host family

Living with another family can sound scary. And in the beginning, it was a little strange. I was placed with a family with a mother and host sister the same age as me and a one-year-old poodle 🐶. There were some culture clashes at times, as there is quite a big difference between family culture in Sweden and Italy. But I quickly got used to it and then my host family and I became very close. They are now like an extra family that I can talk to about problems, how I feel, what I think about different things, etc. My host sister has already visited me in Sweden.

Learning Italian

I didn’t know any Italian before I came to Italy. At first it was difficult and felt almost scary, far from my comfort zone. It wasn’t very easy to talk English either, as most Italians don’t speak English very well. But when I started to understand Italian, it became so much more fun. Around Christmas, I decided to really give speaking Italian a shot, and then it went quite quickly. When I went back home to Sweden, I was basically fluent.

Differences between Italy and Sweden

Apart from the climate and school, the biggest difference was how people are. In Sweden, people are a little more quiet and reserved. In Italy, people love people and are very welcoming. They love being social and can be quite loud hahaha.

Was your exchange year what you expected?

No, haha. I thought everything would come naturally, I didn’t realize that it would take a lot of effort to learn the language.

What is the most important thing you learned during your time abroad?

If you try and make an effort, you will get results. I have developed a kind of “I can do it” mentality.

What is the best thing about your exchange?

The people I’ve gotten to know, both family and friends, and experiencing a different culture. I will always have Italy and my host family in my heart. Also, it wasn’t too bad to live on a Mediterranean island with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches for a year…

My best memories

  • The feeling when I realized, “I can speak Italian!” When I had my first real conversation with my host mom, who doesn’t speak English at all. It was an amazing feeling that I will never forget. Also, when I was able to start talking to my Italian grandfather – that feeling was amazing. And the first time I understood an entire lesson at school, that was really cool.
  • Eating seafood such as snails, lobster, oysters, and octopus – I had never dared to try it before, but in Sardinia it was a must.
  • Visiting Venice with the other exchange students.
  • The feeling of belonging somewhere else. It came quite early for me. I remember the first time I really felt “this is my home” when I came home after school and threw myself on the sofa.
  • All the crazy laughter my host mom and I had every day at lunchtime (in Italy, you eat at home, not at school).
  • When my family from Sweden visited me at the end of my exchange, it was a great feeling to show them around my city, Cagliari. They were also really impressed to hear me speaking Italian fluently, haha.

My best tips

  1. Try to study the language a little before you go. It will be much easier and faster to learn once you are there.
  2. Dare to step out of your comfort zone and speak the language as early as possible.

Would you recommend going on an exchange during high school?

100%! It’s a completely unique experience. You grow as a person when you live with people from a different culture. It gives you a new perspective. And of course, it’s also a lot of fun.

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Isabella was on an exchange year in Australia

Hello, my name is Isabella and I’m 18 years old. A few months ago I came home from the Sunshine Coast in Australia. I lived in Australia for 12 months, and now when I’m home again, I can easily say it was the best 12 months of my life. Doing an exchange year is the best decision I’ve ever made, and something I encourage everyone to do. You will not regret it!

Why did I choose to do an exchange year in Australia

The idea of doing an exchange year originally came from my dad telling stories about his high school exchange in the US. It sounded like he had so much fun and he always encouraged me to go as well. I had been thinking about it for years, and after my sister got home from her exchange year in Australia, I decided I also wanted to go. The main reason why I wanted to go was to take a step outside of my comfort zone, experience new things and live in a new country.

How was Australia as an exchange year destination?

I fell in love with Australia the first time I travelled there visiting my sister during her exchange year. I knew the moment I left Australia after visiting her, that I would be back there on my own exchange year, and so I did!

I lived on Australia’s east coast at the Sunshine Coast. The Sunny Coast is known for their amazing beaches, surfing, and as the name suggests, lots of sun! Living there was never boring, there were always things to do. The lifestyle, the beaches, the people and the overall vibe there is a lot different from home, and I loved it! As a person who loves being active and outdoors, the Sunny Coast was the perfect destination for me. I would recommend Australia as an exchange year destination for anyone that loves an active lifestyle, spending time outside, and most importantly, the sun and the beach.

Best things about my exchange

I can easily say that the best thing about my exchange year is all the people I met! My exchange year gave me so many new friends and a second family on the other side of the world.

My exchange year also taught me more than I ever expected. I’ve learned so much from leaving my comfortable and normal life behind, and stepping into a life so new and exciting, but also a bit scary. Creating a new life so far from home made me realise that the world is full of endless places and things to experience, and that life at home is not everything.

Favourite memory

It’s hard to choose one, but I would say a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with my exchange friends. My school organised a trip to an island in the Great Barrier Reef, for all the exchange students in my school. The island was surrounded by coral reefs and we snorkelled among colourful fish and corals many times per day. We saw turtles, manta rays and even a reef shark! It was one of the most unique and fun experiences during my exchange year. It is a trip I won’t forget.

The trip is a special memory, but I would also say that the small moments are the ones I miss the most now when I’m home again. Hanging out with my friends at the beach, eating dinner with my host family or going surfing on the weekend, are memories that feel so special now when I look back at my exchange year.

My top advice

My main advice for future exchange students is to try to live in the moment and appreciate every day. At first it felt like I was going to be in Australia forever, a year seemed so long, but 12 months have never flown by so fast and now I only wish I could go back. An exchange year is such a special and unique experience in your life and becomes only a memory pretty quickly. I would recommend saying yes to every opportunity you get, and try to appreciate every day as much as possible. Something I would also recommend, and I’m happy I did, is documenting my year. Take a lot of photos, videos, and maybe start a journal! It’s so fun to have your special year documented for the future.

Why I choose STS?

Finally, I want to thank STS for being the best organisation! I could not be happier with choosing STS. They have helped me with my exchange year in all matters, and made me feel like I wasn’t alone on the other side of the world. It felt good knowing that I would always get support and answers to my questions during my year abroad. STS is a trustworthy organisation with lovely people that will help and support you in all situations!

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Tamara studied abroad in Germany

Tamara from Slovakia was on exchange in Germany.

Something that has changed my life forever!

My exchange year in Germany has now come to an end. And, although I knew that this moment would come, I was never really prepared for it. When I came to Germany, I was just a girl from another country with a suitcase full of expectations, uncertainties and questions. Today I am back home – with a suitcase full of memories, hugs, laughter, friendships and all the seemingly everyday moments that have suddenly become the most precious.

The most valuable thing

This year has given me so much more than I could have ever imagined. I have learned a lot about the world and about myself. But the most valuable thing I have taken with me is a new “home” that my host family gave me. They were my support, my stability, my safe place. They gave me much more than just a roof over my head. They gave me space to be myself, to feel free, accepted and understood. I know that this year would never have been what it was without them. And even though we have already said goodbye, they will remain in my heart forever.

Thanks, STS

I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to STS – for accompanying me on this journey, for always being a reliable support in the background. For the fact that I could always turn to you when I needed help. Your support gave me the feeling that I was not alone. It was also thanks to you that I was able to enjoy this special year to the full and master everything that came with it – with all the joy, but also with the challenges that allowed me to grow.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of something so special!

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Mathilde was on an exchange year in Spain

Hi, my name is Mathilde and I am 18 years old. Right now, I am living in Corrales, Huelva, a city in the south of Spain. I am spending 10 months here as an exchange student with STS, and I’m now in the last month of my amazing experience.

Why I chose an exchange year

My motive for doing an exchange year was to learn about a new culture, learn a new language, get to know new people, and experience a totally new life. I chose Spain as my host country because their culture and way of living are so much more different from where I come from in Norway.

A new life in Spain

I have built a whole new life here, and I am so happy with how it has been. First of all, I have gotten an incredible family that has taken me into their home and made me feel like a part of them and their culture. Getting to know them has been a big part of the exchange because they become your family for the year.

Overcoming the language barrier

Even though the language barrier was hard at the start, we have made a really great connection. I have also made friends for life. I have been really lucky with the people I have met. My friends welcomed me into their group from the beginning, and being able to get to know people my age has been really cool. They have also played a big role in helping me learn the language.

Learning Spanish

One of the most important reasons I chose to do the exchange was to learn the language. The biggest thing for me was to try my best to listen and participate in conversations, even though I said — and still say — things wrong sometimes. Although I didn’t always understand and had to ask many times, even feeling a little uncomfortable, you do learn it. I’ve really seen a difference in my Spanish and now communicate with so many people. That’s what I came for, and I hope to learn even more in the future.

Discovering Spanish culture through dance

To include myself and learn as much as I could about the culture, I started dancing Sevillanas in my spare time. That’s a type of flamenco dance that’s typical in Andalucía. It’s something I really enjoy, and I’ve gotten to know many others who go to the same dance school. Thanks to learning the dance, I was able to participate in La Romería, which is one of my best memories. I dressed up in my flamencodress with my friends from the town. I really, really loved that experience.

A life-changing experience

I would 100% recommend doing an exchange year. I have learned so many things about a different culture, but also so much about myself and what I can accomplish. I truly believe this year will benefit me a lot in the future. Having STS as support has been great — all the way from the start until now at the end.

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Leonhard studied abroad in Canada

Leonhard from Vienna in Austria spent his exchange on Vancouver Island in Canada.

Why Vancouver Island in Canada?

Because I love doing sports and exploring nature and Vancouver Island is an absolute paradise for nature lovers and people who just want to get out in the wilderness. I lived in Qualicum Beach a small town on the easter coastline of Vancouver Island. It was a huge difference compared to my hometown Vienna, but I quickly fell in love with the beautiful landscapes and nature.

What was school like?

I had the chance to be part of a special program called ROAMS (River, Ocean and Mountain School). So we didn’t spend much time in the classroom doing normal classes like math, English or biology. When my other colleagues sat in class, we summited mountains, went Kayaking or Canoeing on remote lakes, went rock climbing. But it wasn’t only about the activities, we also got to learn so much about the world we live on and how we can preserve it’s beauty for future generations.

What did you do in your spare time?

I spent much time in nature hiking, did a lot of cooking and I met with friends at the mall or in town. It is important to note that public transport in many areas is not comparable to European levels, so it was sometimes a bit hard to get around on my own.

How was it to live with my host family?

I luckily got a very nice and kind family, they were not very strict at all, so I had a lot of freedom. The only problem was that they were a bit unorganized sometimes, but I had my own room where I could keep everything tidy.

What’s your best memory?

Surfing in Tofino was one of the coolest things I’ve done. We stayed three days on a campground right at the shore. It almost felt like being on Hawaii, just a bit colder. Surfing is a wonderful sport, and I really want to do it again when I am back in Europe at some point.

Can you recommend an exchange year in Canada?

Yes, absolutely. Canada is full of nice people and beautiful nature. I experienced so any different things that made me grow as a person. Just consider that Vancouver Island differs a lot from big cities in Europe, so sometimes there is just not going on in small towns.

What did you learn on your exchange year?

I learned so many important things. The most valuable skill I learned is to be way more independent, I made my own breakfast or lunch, made my own laundry or I had to organize all my activities all on my own. Our teacher also taught us cool stuff like how to make bear caches, self-rescue if you flip your Kayak/canoe or what plants we can eat in nature.

My top advice?

Realize that you have the chances to do so many great things in the free time on your exchange year. You will probably never have more time in your life so try not to just sit around in your room at your host family’s house!

Why did you choose STS

I chose STS as my agency because my parents were impressed how they handled my sister’s exchange also on Vancouver Island. So it only made sense that I would also go with STS. We only knew that I could attend my special program, because STS recommended it to me based on my interests. In addition communication is always clear and direct, and STS really takes good care of the organization, if it’s the flight, insurance or picking your host family.

How will your exchange year affect your future?

I really learned to appreciate the beautiful earth that we live on and that we will have to protect it or the stunning nature that I experienced will slowly burn down. So my perspective on everything that we are doing completely changed and I really learned to respect our earth much more.

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Elena studied abroad in Norway

Hi, I’m Elena, 17 years old, and I spent my exchange year in southern Norway. I went during the 2024/25 school year.

I’ve always wanted to go on an exchange to get to know a new culture, see something different from the German school system, and have a fun year before starting the more demanding school years.

I chose Norway for my exchange because of its school system and the greater opportunities compared to Germany. I’m also a big fan of nature, and I wasn’t disappointed — Norway truly has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes. Another reason was that Norway isn’t too far from home, which makes it easier to return to visit my friends and family.

School in Norway

My school is better than the one in Germany. We have less subjects and more freedom to choose what we want to have. I feel like I am getting way better prepared for my future life and I would have loved to spend one more year here in Norway.

My host family

My host family was really sweet and very open. My sister was the same age as me, so we bonded very well. My host dad is from New Zealand, so we spoke English and Norwegian at home. That made communication very easy. We went on a lot of small trips in the neighborhood and a bit further away. They showed me all the places around Kristiansand. I would say I found a second family. A difference that I saw quite in the beginning is that working hours for adults are way shorter. My host parents were home latest at 4pm and then we usually had our warm dinner. In the beginning that was a weird time, but I’ve gotten used to it.

Friends

Norwegians are very quiet and introverted. So, finding friends wasn’t the easiest. Overcoming the language barrier was a big challenge for me. All the schoolbooks were in Norwegian, so it was hard in the beginning to understand what we did in class. I just tried my best to understand something, and Google Translate was a big helper. With my friends also exchange students and Norwegians, that I met in school. We’ve been going to a sewing course and made my own national dress. Here in Norway those activities are for free! I was with my friends a lot, and we made food from different countries to share more of our cultures.

Expectations

My exchange year was just as I expected it to be. It was maybe even better. I went in with very low expectations, that’s the best you can do, so that you won’t be disappointed. I have been able to experience the best things, and I am happy with my choice. Getting to know so many more people that will become lifelong friends. You learn so much more about yourself and begin to grow out of your comfort zone. You have a better understanding of other cultures and begin to respect them.

Why STS?

I chose STS mainly because it was the only organization that was ready to take me in when I applied. They gave me a safe feeling and explained the process quite well.

In between applying and my placement I had to wait for quite a long time. I didn’t get any information in between, that was quite stressful to experience. But STS had a fine welcome camp. Sadly, all the other trips were too expensive and not planned at times where they fitted with my schedule. That was very sad.

If I can give tips to future exchange students, I would say:

  • Saying yes and being open are the best ways to experience new and great things.
  • Don’t have super high expectations on everything, it could happen that you won’t experience what you would like to and then get disappointed.
  • Everything will be fine and it’s always ending well. Don’t worry too much.

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Philipp chose to study in New Zealand

Kia Ora!* I’m Philipp, 16 years old, born and raised in Vienna, Austria. Currently, I’m on my exchange year in Auckland, New Zealand.

My journey to New Zealand

The flight was exhausting, almost 2 days, flying to the other side of the world takes its time. It was great not being alone on the airplane though. I was with Sophie and Almut, two girls also going on exchange to New Zealand from Austria. We had the same trip in front of us, and it was good having people to talk to and share thoughts with.

Because of the 12-hour time difference between New Zealand and Austria, I had a pretty bad jet lag. So, if you go, be prepared to have a few difficult nights after your arrival! 😊

My host families

After the long flight, I got picked up by my first host family. I was there only for the first week because my real host family was on vacation in Thailand. Nate, my host brother in this first host family, is my age and we get along really well. He took me to meet some of his friends, which was very fortunate since I’m still in good contact with them.

Now, my double placement Taichi from Japan, and I live with our proper host family. Our host parents are very accepting and interested in us. They always listen to us, and help us out. We like to watch movies, cook, go on walks, and go to the shopping mall together. We also go to the marketplace on weekends and go to some events from time to time. We also have our own space and privacy, which is also important if you’re far from home, to have “alone-time”.

The first week

The first week, I was outdoors a lot. January in New Zealand is summer, and the weather here is perfect. Still, it was not easy to get used to the 30°C… I spent the first week learning about my new surroundings, for example, the bus station, grocery shop, and the beach.

School

School is going really well at the moment. The International Department is very well organized, and it’s really easy to connect with other people. There are many international students in my school, even one from my home city in Austria! The majority are Japanese students though, because New Zealand is the closest English-speaking country to Japan.

We have to wear a school uniform here, which is common in New Zealand. For me, it didn’t take long to get used to that, as everybody wears the same. Plus you don’t have to spend so much time in the morning getting ready and picking out the right outfit. For me, that’s about 30 minutes of more sleep, haha.

In New Zealand you’re usually able to choose your subjects, so I chose English, Biology, Outdoor Education, Business Studies, Hospitality, and Drama. There were over 40 options; it was hard to choose. 😊

In every subject there are assessments. For example, in Business Studies, we have to create a product, and then work together on surveys, promotions, and much more. In Hospitality, we cook most of the time, which is very nice, because we don’t have warm meals at lunch in our school. Drama is mostly about acting, a good option to get out of my comfort zone. It’s not easy to speak different lines and act different roles in another language in front of other same-aged students, but it really helps my pronunciation and also helps me get more confident. Outdoor Education, where you go on different trips throughout the year, is something I really recommend. A lot of international students choose this class. In a few weeks, my classmates and I are going on a 3-day canoe trip on the Whanganui River on the South Island.

First trip outside Auckland

Last weekend, my local Coordinator took me and Taichi to Hamilton (about 2 hours away from Auckland). It was our first time out of the big city. We really enjoyed the trip, because a lot of other STS students from Sweden, Finland, Spain, Italy, and Austria were also there. I also Sophie and Almut again! We went to Hamilton Gardens, which was beautiful!

Planned trips

Sophie and I booked the 15-day Kiwiana Tours, which is a trip through the South Island of New Zealand. There are a lot of activities you can choose to join, for example swimming with dolphins, or cruising on a river with a jet boat. You can also go skydiving or bungee jumping (if you are not scared).

Recommendations

If you’re thinking about going to New Zealand for your high school exchange, do it! For me, it was the best decision. There are many countries to go to if you want to improve your English skills, but no country with so much culture and this stunning nature. For me, New Zealand will always have a special place in my heart.

*) “Kia Ora” means “Hello” in Māori. Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand.

If you want to follow my journey, or have any questions about exchange in New Zealand, feel free to follow me on Instagram: 0185jp.mmw 🙂

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