
Go on high school exchange in Austria
Why study abroad in Austria?
A high school exchange in Austria is more than Alpine views and snowy winters – it’s about discovering a new language, new friendships, and a whole new way of life. You’ll go to school alongside Austrian students, experience local traditions, and improve your German naturally as part of everyday life. From beautiful cities to mountain towns, you’ll experience Austria like a local and make memories that last long after your exchange.
✅ Improve your German naturally
✅ Make lifelong friends
✅ Experience real Austrian culture
✅ Live like a local in Austria
Are you eligible for a high school exchange in Austria?
If you’re between 15 and 17.5 years old when you arrive, still enrolled in school, and ready for a new challenge, a high school exchange in Austria could be for you. You don’t need perfect grades. What matters is that you’re curious, motivated, and open to a different way of life.
During your semester or academic year, you’ll get used to a new school routine, hear German all around you, and gradually find your place among new classmates and friends. Along the way, you’ll discover what everyday life in Austria is really like, from local traditions and city life to weekends spent in the mountains.



Quick facts
Ages: 15–17,5 years on arrival
Visa: Yes (EU citizens No)
Welcome Camp: Included
Support: 24/7 availability
Price: See prices
Accommodation: Local host family
Language requirements: Basic German knowledge
Exchange student voices from Austria

My exchange year was not exactly as I expected; it was much better. There were challenges, like adapting to the language and the climate, but I overcame them with patience and effort. I learned to be more independent and to adapt to new situations. I also learned to ski, something I had never done before!

It is a time full of new things that you will never in your life live again. You will meet people who will always have you in their hearts. It is a time where you can experience everything, the good, the bad, the fun and the scary, and it is all part of it. At first it may be scary, but it is 100% worth taking the risk to do it.

It’s a life-changing experience that will change your future. You learn so much! Best of all? You learn another language! My classmates were really welcoming and understanding and never hesitated to help me. My teachers were also lovely. I really liked my host parents too.

Throughout the year, I had a lot of fun skiing with my friends in winter, going to pool parties in summer, and attending many Austrian festivals. I will never forget the feeling of eating a schnitzel at the top of a mountain with my host family. The school was very nice, and I also made many new friends very quickly.
High School in Austria
High school in Austria combines a structured learning environment with a strong sense of classroom community. As an exchange student, you’ll attend school alongside local students and spend much of your day with the same group of classmates, making it easier to get to know each other and feel part of the class.
The school day often starts early, and some days may finish around lunchtime, leaving the afternoon free for homework, friends, sports, or other activities. With German all around you, your language skills will develop naturally too. From following lessons to chatting with classmates between classes, everyday school life gives you plenty of opportunities to listen, learn, and speak German.

Your school week, schedule & subjects
Your school week in Austria runs from Monday to Friday, with classes usually starting just before 8:00 AM and often finishing around 2:00 PM. You’ll normally join Year 10 or 11 and follow a set timetable alongside your Austrian classmates, with breaks throughout the day to chat, grab a snack, and catch up between lessons. The school year runs from September to July.
Your timetable will include subjects like German, English, maths, history, geography, science, and PE, with other subjects depending on your school and year group. Some days may be shorter than others, giving you more time in the afternoon for homework, activities, or meeting up with friends. It’s a school routine that might take a little getting used to, but soon enough, you’ll know your timetable just like everyone else.

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Trusted since 1958 – why STS is a great choice
Since 1958 over 1.2 million students from across the world have studied abroad with us. With STS you get:
- 24/7 support — we’re always here for you
- Carefully selected host families
- Resilience training
- Free Welcome Camp in Vienna
- Local staff or host family will greet you at the airport

High School Classic
High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange program, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect program for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here’s how it works: based on your profile, we find you a suitable host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in Austria, from the peaks of the Alps to the banks of the Danube! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.
Explore life outside the classroom
When school’s out, there’s plenty to discover in Austria. Meet up with friends at a local café, go swimming, join a sports club, or try something new like horse riding or fencing. Your free time is a chance to find your favourite places, get involved in local life, and spend more time with the people you meet along the way.
And with the Alps never too far away, the outdoors can become a big part of your exchange too. Warmer weekends might mean hiking, cycling, or swimming in a lake, while winter brings the chance to go skiing or snowboarding. You might even find yourself spending a day on the slopes at a famous ski destination like St. Anton. Whatever you’re into, there are plenty of ways to make the most of life outside school.

Living with an Austrian host family
Living with an Austrian host family is your chance to become part of daily life in your new home. You could find yourself in a lively city, a small town, or a quiet village, and no two families are the same. What they do share is a willingness to welcome you into their routines, traditions, and family life. You might even discover Gemütlichkeit, an Austrian idea that’s all about feeling comfortable, welcome, and at home together.
From chatting around the dinner table to relaxed evenings, weekend plans, and family celebrations, it’s often the little moments that make your host family experience special. You’ll practise your German, discover new habits, and share some of your own culture too. Before long, Austria might start to feel a little less like somewhere you’re visiting and a lot more like home.

Your exchange in Austria starts here
It’s easier than you might think! Begin your journey by talking to us – we’ll guide you every step of the way. What are you waiting for? Say yes to the adventure and create memories that will stay with you forever.

Welcome Camp in Vienna
STS activities in Austria
Throughout the year in Austria, we will arrange activities and excursions for our exchange students. You can join us on a trip to St. Gilgen-Salzburg, Hallstadt, Snowboard trip or a weekend to Vienna. Your local contact person will provide you with information about travel dates and costs connected to the different activities.
How much does it cost to be an exchange student in Austria?
In addition to the program fee that you pay to STS, you and your family will need to cover additional costs, including insurance, visas, toiletries, any trips you want to take, leisure activities and pocket money.
See the full list of additional costs here.
Add-ons
Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra?
With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality.

Prepatory language course – German
Free
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Our destinations
Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.

USA
Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.

Australia
Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you're in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.

New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand is more than just scenic landscapes and friendly locals – it’s about discovering a whole new way of learning and living.

Great Britain
Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.

Ireland
A high school exchange in Ireland means diving into a vibrant culture full of music, tradition, and friendly energy. You'll live like a local, attend an Irish secondary school, and become part of a community that is full of character. From green hills and coastal cliffs to school spirit and weekend céilís, life in Ireland is anything but ordinary.

Spain
A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host family, and experience what daily life is like as a teenager in Spain. With nearly 500 million people around the world speaking Spanish, gaining confidence in the language will open up new opportunities – both now and in the future.

France
Around 85 million tourists from all over the world can’t be wrong – France is the place to visit. For decades the country has had the number 1 spot in the World Tourism Organisation’s yearly statistics. It’s no wonder France is a favorite. Shopping, fashion and sightseeing in Paris, the glamorous beach life on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the French Alps and a beautiful countryside are some of the things that attracts foreigners. Also, it’s no doubt that France is number 1 when it comes to food. Will you try a delicacy such as escargots?

Italy
Go on high school exchange in ItalyFree brochure Why study abroad in Italy? If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure…

Germany
Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.

Canada
It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.

Argentina
A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.

Austria
You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.

Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country's best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida ('pure life') is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.

China
Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, one that combines the cutting edge of technological development with a history that dates back millennia. The past, present and future seem to merge in China. Discover its unique culture and fascinating language from the inside on an unforgettable high school exchange.

Denmark
Take the chance to study in the lovely country Denmark! Despite the country's small size, there is a lot to discover here. Come with us to Denmark as an exchange student and experience the green landscapes, blue sea and beautiful old towns. Eat typical food such as smørrebrød and frikadeller, rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and treat yourself with some amazing Danish pastry at a cosy café!

Finland
Finland's stark Nordic scenery is home to fascinating wildlife, pristine forests, some 200,000 lakes and the world's happiest people, not to mention Europe's top educational system and an extremely high quality of life (and don't forget the saunas).

Japan
Welcome to a nation like no other! Japan is the world’s third largest economy, and a trendsetter in culture, fashion, and technology. Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. It’s a country where old meets new in a totally unique way.

Netherlands
Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.

Norway
Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.

Sweden
Did you know that Sweden is a 1 574 kilometer long country with nearly 100 000 lakes? Pretty impressive. The country has great coastlines and lots of vast forests. But also charming cities, both big and small, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is a lively city located in the most amazing archipelago. It is a beautiful country with great wildlife and plenty of wide open spaces. If you're lucky you'll see the King of Sweden, or at least the king of the forest, the famous moose. Come join us for a genuine experience!
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