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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

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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

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.

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
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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.

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Welcome Camp in Vienna

Get the best possible start to your high school exchange in Austria at our fantastic Welcome Camp in Vienna. Together with exchange students from all over the world, you will have the opportunity to get rid of your jet lag and discover the capital of Austria.
You will stay in a hostel together with other students and leaders and you will take part in an exciting activity program including team building activities and of course sightseeing in Vienna, the spectacular capital of the former Austrian empire.
You will also have the chance to share your expectations for your exchange year. You will be given more information about what to expect from this experience and how to get help and support if you need it. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and talk about the adventure ahead of you.
The beginning of your exchange year is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and your Welcome Camp in Vienna will make this a time you will never forget.

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.

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Spain
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