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Vera chose to study in France

Vera chose to study in France

Vera from Sweden is on exchange to France.

Bonjour! My name is Vera and I am currently in the middle of my exchange year in France and will be staying here for another 6 months. I wanted to go to France to learn French, to develop as a person and to experience something completely different from what I am used to! And now I thought I would share a little about how it has been so far 😊

My host family

So, I remember the first time I was going to meet my host family, which consists of a mother, a father and two brothers my age, at the train station. I was very nervous, but I immediately got a big hug from the mother and the brothers had a Swedish flag that they waved, haha. I wondered a lot about how my relationship with them would develop, as I couldn't speak the language at all, but now, after six months, we have surprisingly become quite close. They were very welcoming, and I have realised that there are more ways to express your personality than just through language. In the beginning, and sometimes still, it can feel a little strange or uncomfortable to live with a foreign family when you don't know how to adapt to their everyday life, which is very different from your own, but it gets better and better. I am now four months in and I regularly practise yoga with the mother, drink tea and chat with the parents every day, play volleyball and FIFA with the sons, and even travel to and from school with them.

Getting to know the rest of the family has also been fantastic, as I have been incredibly surrounded by French culture, French food and warm, friendly French people. It has been especially cool to get to know my grandparents; I have never been close to my own, but with these I feel like their real grandchild!

Friends

Making friends has been very up and down for me. Not speaking the language makes it difficult to connect with French people. One day, for example, I might come home from school with a smile on my face because I had such a good time with a friend, and the next day it might feel more difficult and lonely. And don't count on being able to speak English with them… English-speaking French people are quite rare. On the other hand, there are other exchange students at the school who I get on really well with, and it's always reassuring to be with them. They're going through the same thing as me, so we have lots of inside jokes about our experiences. Now during the holidays, I've also learned a lot of French, so it will be exciting to see how I can use my new language skills at school, both in class and with friends.

My free time

As I said, it takes some effort to build a life both in and outside of school, but it's also fun because the worst you can get is a no, and you have nothing to lose! Just yesterday, for example, I went to a French New Year's party with my girl friend where we met new friends, tomorrow I'm going to play basketball with friends from my boxing club, and the day after that I'm going to the trampoline park with a friend from school! During Christmas, I also went to Paris with my host family, which was magical. On the other hand, there will be several days and weekends where you have absolutely nothing to do, which can feel very lonely, but then it's important to take care of yourself and be kind to yourself, because it's normal to feel that way!

Tips

  1. My tip for anyone going on an exchange year would be: don't wait for an invitation to hangouts, take the initiative and invite yourself! It sounds so awkward, I know, but it works!
  2. Don't be afraid to make mistakes with the language, because it's better to make mistakes than not to say anything at all. And you learn so much.
  3. Document your experiences from time to time! It's always fun to look back at what you've photographed, filmed or written in your diary.
  4. Last but not least: trust the process! Things will only get better and better, even if it's hard to believe when you're homesick or going through a rough patch.

I want to end by saying that despite the difficulties and challenges, I have learned so much and I am very grateful for this experience and what I have gained from it. Now that I have learned the language better, can communicate better and know a lot more people, I am really looking forward to what the rest of this year in France has to offer!

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Sanya studied abroad in New Zealand

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 war in Schweden im Austausch

Pia war in Schweden im Austausch

Hej, ich bin Pia, 18 und habe ein Semester in Jönköping, Schweden verbringen dürfen.

Reise nach Schweden

Meine Reise nach Schweden war etwas Turbulent, mein Flug ist ausgefallen und das Umbuchen war recht stressig. Wenn dir das auch passiert, die Airline schickt dir eine E-Mail beziehungsweise eine SMS mit einem Link über den sie dich umbuchen, nutze diesen auf jeden Fall. Nichts desto trotz bin ich einige Stunden verspätet in Göteborg gelandet und wurde von meiner Gastfamilie am Flughafen empfangen.

Die Gastfamilie

Meine Gastfamilie bestand aus Gasteltern und drei Gastgeschwistern, wobei nur noch mein Gastbruder zu Hause gewohnt hat und meinem Gasthund Challie. Ich habe mich von Anfang an sehr gut mit ihnen verstanden. Wir haben jeden Abend zusammen Abend gegessen und getratscht und danach habe ich mit meiner Gastmutter oft Serien geschaut oder gepuzzled.

Am Wochenende haben wir oft zusammen Hockey geschaut, vor allem mein Gastvater und Bruder sind sehr hockeybegeistert und es hat nicht lange gebraucht, bis ich vom Hockeyfieber angesteckt wurde.

Schule

Die Schule ist wahrscheinlich, der größte Kulturschock den ich erlebt habe. Angefangen davon, dass in die Schule nicht immer um acht beginnt, sondern zum Beispiel: montags um 9, dienstags um 8, mittwochs um 10 usw. gerade am Anfang war das sehr ungewohnt, aber Alles in Allem sehr entspannt. Die Atmosphäre war generell sehr entspannt sowohl zwischen Schülern, also auch Lehrern. Ich habe schnell Anschluss gefunden und bin bis heute mit meiner Freundesgruppe aus der Klasse in Kontakt.

In Schweden gibt es ähnlich wie in Österreich verschiedene Zweige, ich habe Sozialwissenschaften besucht. Mit dem Unterricht bin ich recht gut mitgekommen, auch wenn alle Fächer, außer Mathe und Englisch, Sprachlich anstrengend waren. Meine Lehrer waren jedoch sehr entgegenkommend, oft wurde mit freigestellt ob ich mitmachen will oder nicht und ich durfte alle Aufträge auf englisch machen.

Highlights

Schon in meiner zweiten Woche bin ich mit meiner Gastfamilie ins Stadium gegangen um unseren Hockeyverein anzufeuern, die Stimmung war unglaublich und bis heute hat dieser Abend einen besonderen Platz in meinem Herzen.

Was ich auch an Schweden schätze ist wie gut die Zug- und Busnetze dort sind, das hat mir die Möglichkeit gegeben Schweden zu erkunden und dafür bin ich sehr dankbar. Eine Austauschschülerin, die ich bereits bei dem Willkommenstreffen in Österreich kennengelernt habe, hat ihr Austauschsemester zwei Zugstunden südlich von mir verbracht und wir haben uns gegenseitig mehrmals für ein Wochenende besucht. Es war echt schön, mit jemanden reden zu können, der in derselben Situation ist, wie man selbst und zusammen neue Orte zu besuchen und entdecken. Wir waren beispielweise zusammen in Åhus am Meer picknicken, haben zusammen die Insel Visingsö erkundet und auch einen Tagestrip nach Kopenhagen gemacht.

Auch mit meinen schwedischen Freundinnen habe ich reichlich Erinnerungen gesammelt. Wir sind gemeinsam nach Göteborg in den Freizeitpart gefahren, waren gemeinsam shoppen und auf Stadtfesten.

Einer meiner schönsten Erlebnisse war als eine Freundin und ich spontan auf die Idee gekommen sind am See campen zu gehen und zu Sonnenuntergang Schwimmen zu gehen. Auch wenn das Schwimmen eher Eisbaden war (es war Ende Mai, der See hatte die message „Sommer“ noch nicht erhalten), werde ich mich immer daran in den Sonnenuntergang zu schauen, mit meiner Freundin zu quatschen und rundum glücklich und entspannt zu sein.

Tipps

Im Generellen ist das Auslandssemester DIE Möglichkeit um aus dem Alltag auszubrechen und neue Dinge auszuprobieren. Oft kommen die besten Ideen spontan und es ist wichtig einfach mal zu machen.

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Emma war in Frankreich im Austausch

Emma war in Frankreich im Austausch

Emma aus Österreich hat ihren Austausch in Frankreich verbracht.

Meine Gastfamilie

Ich hatte das Glück mit einer supernetten Gastfamilie. Meine Gasteltern waren beide noch jung, in ihren 30ern und mein Gastbruder war 7 Jahre alt. Mit meinem Bruder habe ich mich super verstanden und wir haben wir miteinander gespielt. Ob Brettspiele, Fußball, gemeinsam malen oder lange Spaziergänge. Ich wurde extrem offen in ihre Familie aufgenommen und ich habe mich sehr schnell wie daheim gefühlt. Auch die Großfamilie hat mich nett aufgenommen und ich war bei zwei Familienfeiern dabei und habe auch einmal bei den Großeltern geschlafen. Mit meiner kleinen Cousine habe ich mich auch super verstanden und halte auch immer noch viel Kontakt aufrecht.

Schulalltag

Ich muss sagen am Anfang hatte ich Angst, weil ich dachte französischer Schulalltag ist ultra lang und streng aber es war das genaue Gegenteil. Mein Stundenplan war relativ kurz und die Lehrer haben Rücksicht auf mich genommen oder ich habe mich einfach mit eigenen Sachen beschäftigt. In der Schule hab ich die meisten meiner Freundinnen gehabt. Das gemeinsame Mittagessen in der Schulkantine hat mir immer Spaß gemacht, auch wenn es teilweise nicht unbedingt das Beste war. Die Stunden sind schnell vergangen und ich habe sogar einmal ein Referat gehalten. Ich musste zum Glück nur in wenigen Fächern Tests schreiben, weil ich ja nicht so lange geblieben bin.

Meine Freizeit

Nach der Schule war ich oft in der Stadt und habe mich zum Lesen in ein Café gesetzt oder bin durch die Geschäfte gebummelt. Ich habe mich auch oft mit Freundinnen verabredet oder etwas mit meiner Gastfamilie unternommen. Außerdem habe ich mich in einem Volleyballverein angemeldet. Das war die beste Entscheidung überhaupt. Dort hatte ich immer die beste Zeit überhaupt. Die Mädels waren super lieb und es hat immer voll Spaß gemacht. Ich kann jedem empfehlen sich während seines Austausches ein Hobby zu suchen.

Ausflüge

Meine Gastfamilie hat sehr viele Ausflüge mit mir gemacht und mir einige Teile der Normandie gezeigt. Wir waren zum Beispiel an meinem ersten Wochenende bei der Mont Saint Michel oder auf Étretat und vieles mehr. In den Herbstferien bin ich dann mit STS nach Paris gefahren und hab dort viele neue Freundinnen gefunden und lustige Ausflüge unternommen. Meine Gastfamilie ist dann auch zu mir nach Paris gekommen und wir haben die restliche Woche zusammen mit Sightseeing in Paris verbracht.

Mein Abschied

Nach den Herbstferien ging es für mich leider schonwieder zurück. Meinen vorletzten Abend, also Halloween habe ich mit Freundinnen bei einem entspannten Film und Spieleabend verbracht. Mein letzter Tag war mit der ganzen Großfamilie, um mich bei jedem verabschieden zu können. Nachdem alle gefahren waren, hatte ich noch einen witzigen und emotionalen Abend mit meiner Gastfamilie verbracht, bevor sie mich am nächsten Tag zum Flughafen gebracht haben.

Meine Erfahrung

Ich würde jedem der überlegt einen Austausch zu machen ans Herz legen es zu machen. Mein Austausch – auch wenn er nicht besonders lang war – hat mich enorm geprägt und ich habe mich sehr weiterentwickelt. Ich habe in meinen zwei Monaten in Frankreich so viele tolle Leute kennengelernt und bin in eine ganz neue Kultur reingeschlüpft, es ist fantastisch. Wenn ich könnte wünschte ich noch immer dort zu sein oder alles von neuem zu erleben.

Traut euch. Ihr dürft Angst haben, wichtig ist nur es trotzdem zu tun!

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Vera went on high school exchange to Costa Rica

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

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 went on high school exchange to Italy

Harry 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

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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Australia – our second home

Australia - our second home

Sisters Isabella and Amanda spent their exchange on the Sunshine Coast in Australia.

Amanda who was the first one to leave on her exchange year closely looked at the different schools that STS offered all over Australia. Important for her was to live close to the ocean, in an area with beautiful nature and rather in a smaller town than a big city. Amanda decided to move to the Sunshine Coast, a coastal town an hour away from Brisbane. The Sunshine Coast turned out to be better than she had expected and when it was Isabella's turn to choose her destination she had heard about all the pro’s of the Sunshine Coast.

In order to still get a unique experience she chose another school on the Sunshine Coast. The “Sunny Coast” as it is called in aussie slang feels authentic and it was in our opinion the perfect area to explore the real aussie lifestyle. It’s a family friendly area with a very active lifestyle. The Sunshine Coast has a long coastline with stunning beaches, markets on the weekends, smaller town centers with cafés and stores, cute picnic spots and hiking trails in the hinterland.

The first weeks

When arriving in Australia, Amanda had decided to put a little extra effort in the beginning. I had decided to try and call friends or family as little as possible during the first month. I said yes to everything that I was invited to and tried to be extra kind and open. I think my effort in the beginning helped to prevent homesickness in the beginning and I jumped straight into the aussie lifestyle.

Isabella particularly remembers that everything felt new and unfamiliar in the beginning. She would like to remind herself to not expect too much from herself the first weeks, everything will eventually fall into place.

The Australian high school

Before going on exchange we had heard a lot about the American high school experience with cheerleading, football games and prom. But the Australian high school was still quite unfamiliar. Differently from the USA and many other exchange destinations, we both wore a school uniform to school everyday. Beside the compulsory subjects we got the opportunity to create our own timetables and choose courses such as Marine Science, Aquatic Practises, Furnishing and Design. We wanted to try everything that isn’t offered in the Finnisch school. For Amanda, the biggest culture chock was that we didn’t eat warm lunch in a cafeteria. Everyone brought their own lunches and ate with their friend groups somewhere around the campus area. The school days usually finished before 2 pm, which meant we always had the afternoon for our free time activities.

The aussie lifestyle – the highlight of the year

Both of us fell in love with the Australian way of living. Taking part of the lifestyle the locals were living was one of our favourite parts of the exchange year. The beach culture was a very central part in life and Australians were very active. The weekends were often spent at the beach, people woke up for early beachwalks and surfing was a common hobby in the area. The sun sets quite early and Australians love their early mornings, so it became quite natural to go to bed early and start the day in the early hours.

How we spent our free time

Both of us joined a sport when we first arrived. Amanda played tennis, and Isabella started swimming. Both sports were familiar to us from back home. After a while we discovered the Australian way of living. Everyone is very spontaneous and adventurous. We both realised that we wanted even more flexibility in our day to day life, so we quit our sports and had time for all our new free time activities. Some days we just chilled at the beach, browsed around in the town and got an acai bowl or something to eat. Other days we chose to do more active activities such as going for a coastal walk, a hike in the hinterland, running or surfing. On the weekends we loved to explore new places by bus with our friends and visit markets. One of our favourite weekend evening activities was to have sunset picnics with our friends or BBQ:s at the beach. We were both open to trying new things so we also joined our schools’ netball teams.

Challenges we faced

What you see online is often a very filtered portrait of an exchange year, and in reality it is common to face challenges. Before leaving we were encouraged to do everything we possibly could. However building a new life and socialising all the time can become exhausting at some point. Therefore we learned that it is more than okay to sometimes stay home and take a break or do something completely by yourself. It’s not only a trip, but a whole life and you need to create a balance that is sustainable to keep up for a year.

Australia is quite a popular destination for exchange students. Therefore our schools’ had quite a few other exchange students. Comparing our own experience with the other exchange students’ sometimes became exhausting and it felt like it took away from our happiness. We both learned how to focus on all that we had instead of what we didn’t.

Our aussie favourites

A song that reminds us of Australia

  • Amanda: Brazil – Declan McKenna
  • Isabella: How To Fly – Sticky Fingers

An Aussie slang word

  • Amanda: Cheers Mate (a way of saying thank you)
  • Isabella: brekkie (breakfast)

Food

  • Amanda: Acai bowl
  • Isabella: Yochi frozen yoghurt

Tradition

  • Isabella: Going to farmers markets on Sundays
  • Amanda: Having BBQ:s at the beach

The best thing our exchange gave us

We can both agree that the people we met is by far the best thing about our exchange year. Not only all the amazing friends who we’re still in contact with, but also all the people we got to have conversations with and learn from during the year.

The very international environment in Australia has given us inspiration for opportunities on what we want to do in the future.

The future

Amanda came home from her exchange year two years ago and has now graduated from high school. She decided to study business in Finland. After experiencing an exchange year she waits for her next opportunity to live abroad. Amanda has plans on doing an exchange semester abroad during University and maybe wants to move abroad to work in her twenties. Isabella on the other hand, has two more years left of high school in Finland before she takes on the next adventure. We have supported each other through the whole journey, which has brought us even closer. We are already planning a trip back to Australia. Our dream has always been to drive around in a van, surf our hearts out and enjoy the Aussie lifestyle together very soon again”.

Lastly our best piece of advice for exchange students

  • Don’t always think about the future and highlights, such as bigger events, because then you will easily miss out on enjoying the small, but still unique everyday moments that will create the best memories.
  • So much will happen during your year abroad, so document it through photos, videos or maybe a journal or memory box.
  • Try not to compare what you see on social media or with other exchange students. Often what you see is still not the whole reality, so it just takes away from your own happiness and gratitude for what you have.
  • Be open and kind to people, because often joining one activity can lead to many more opportunities.

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Johanna studied abroad in the USA

Johanna studied abroad in the USA

My Exchange Year in Missouri (2024/25).

The dream of going to the USA

I attended a public high school for an entire year starting in 2024, and I remember it as one of the best years of my life! It had always been my American dream to go on an exchange program—specifically to Missouri—because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, practice my English, and live in a completely new setting.

The idea of staying in the U.S. had always fascinated me, and I had long wanted to experience what they call "American high school life," especially after watching several movies about it.

American High School life

The spontaneity and freedom showcased in American high school movies definitely did not disappoint when I arrived at Springfield Public High School. The people at my school were very cordial and supportive, and I quickly got involved in various activities.

There were so many different extracurriculars to choose from—including cheerleading, FCA, history club, and student council—so I joined most of them, and even joined the Track team!

Joining Clubs

We also had an active school choir, which I absolutely loved. I ended up winning several talent shows during my time there. These activities helped me participate in the local community and meet lots of people. By the end of the year, I was lucky enough to call several of them my friends.

My Host Family

My host family was wonderful. From day one, they treated me like a real family member. We had long chats over dinner, went on road trips, and enjoyed game nights together. Everything—from the school spirit to football games and people greeting you in the hallway—was an exciting cultural experience for me.

Challenges

Of course, there were also some difficulties, such as homesickness. But I received a lot of help and support from the people at school and from those back home in Vienna. Now that I’ve pushed through the hard parts, I don’t want to leave my second home.

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Mathildas exchange year in Italy

Mathildas exchange year in Italy

Ciao, my name is Mathilda and I’m 17 years old. I’m from Finland and I spent my exchange year in Italy during the 24/25 school year. I was placed in the beautiful Northern-Italy near lake Maggiore.

Why did I choose Italy?

I always knew that I wanted to do an exchange year when the time would come, but a few years ago I was still thinking about which country will be good for me. I knew from the start that I wasn’t interested in America like many people are but luckily STS had many other countries around the world for me to choose from. I came to the decision to stay in Europe and to experience a different culture from my own. I looked at Spain and Italy and made the decision to choose Italy because: of the delicious food, versatile nature, fun people and the gorgeous language. I thought that Italy had so much to offer, which it did.

What was school like in Italy?

I was sure that school will be much harder than at home, and it was true. Italian students have a lot of work to do at home and in school they mostly listen to the teachers. But of course for me as an exchange student, who doesn’t even need any grades from the year, the teachers didn’t give me the same work as they got. I got to customize my timetable a bit to get more italian and subjects I’m interested in. In Italian high schools, there are different “lines” for example language line, scientific line, artistic line and many others.

After school activities

Finding something to do after school is very important to keep you busy and meet new people. In my area it wasn’t possible to continue my sport from home, so it was an excellent opportunity to try a new sport. I chose tennis and I’m happy about my decision. I learnt a new sport that I now continue back home and I got new friends. I played in a small group with girls my age. In addition to tennis I taught english as a volunteer at my host-sisters elementary school. This experience taught me a lot of things and the little kids were adorable. Every friday I went to Italian lessons with a few other exchange students and some days I went for lunch with classmates.

Building relationships

Having a good relationship with your host family and building friendships is important during your exchange, but it can be hard. It is important to spend time with your host family for example cooking with them, playing games or going outside. I felt this very easy because italians love to be around people. I found my best friend from my class. We had talked a bit and then I got the courage to ask her for lunch after school and that’s when we started to get closer as friends. You can’t expect that everyone will approach you so as an exchange student you will have to do some work as well to build strong relationships.

Learning a new language

This was easily the biggest thing I was scared of before my exchange. Having to learn a new language from zero. I knew some words before so during the first days I caught people saying those specific words sometimes but little by little I started to understand the language and memorizing more words and phrases. In the end it is quite easy to catch a language because you will hear it at school, hobbies, family and shops etc. Around christmas time I felt more comfortable and started to speak only Italian. It is a journey that needs time and patience but it is worth it!

Highlights of my year

During my year I was lucky enough to visit many beautiful places in Italy. My exchange organization in Italy made trips during the year and I participated on trips to Florence and Venice. With my host family we went skiing for a week in the mountains and over easter time we visited Croatia. Also I really enjoyed visiting Milan often.

Why did I choose STS

I felt very comfortable choosing STS because I knew they are reliable and care about each student. They truly want a safe and fun experience for every exchange student. It was nice that they were in contact with me during the exchange year and asked me how I was going.

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Maddalena spent a year abroad in the USA

Maddalena spent a year abroad in the USA

My exchange year in Oklahoma, USA.

I went for an exchange year in Bixby, Oklahoma. I chose to do a full year to get to know the culture and the English language better, and to live the life I’ve always dreamed of. Ever since I was young, I wanted to go to the United States, so my choice was pretty obvious.

The school was just like in the movies and everything was so perfect! I got to go to the football games that were magical. Making friends wasn’t hard, I joined the swim team, and I met a lot of people that quickly became some of my best friends. My host family was also perfect, and we have a really strong bond! I miss them so much.

The biggest difference between the US and Europe was probably the food and all the fast foods, but they were amazing! It was fun to try them all. The best thing about my experience was being able to share thoughts with people from different cultures. I also enjoyed the school system being more fun and relaxed.

I recommend everyone to do the exchange year. It makes you more mature and aware of who you are and how strong you are. My top advice is to be as open as you can, and to say YES to every new experience!

My exchange year was just how I expected it to be, and I would choose to do it with STS again and again! They were amazing, and I loved my host town. I didn’t need much support because everything turned out well, but they were always checking in on me.

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