Go on high school exchange in France
Why study abroad in 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?
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 match you with a host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in France, from the Paris region to the rugged coastlines of Brittany! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the program for you.
Excellent education in France
As an exchange student in France, you will get to know the country from the inside, beyond the typical tourist attractions. Two years of French language study is recommended, but not required. While living here you will constantly improve your language skills and become fluent in a world language, possibly one of the most romantic ones. The French educational system is considered one of the best in the world. A year in France will be beneficial for all your further education.
Le lycée
In 2019, the French Education system underwent a reform which enables a more ‘à la carte’ approach to classes. Your school will decide your placement based on your application, age, grades and language level.
Your schedule
If you are placed in year 11 or 12 you will have the following mandatory subjects : French, Philosophy, History/Geography, Moral and Civic Education, two foreign language classes, Physical Education, Scientific and Digital Humanities. In addition to those you might be able to pick some extra classes depending on availability.
You usually go to school six days a week, however, Wednesdays and Saturdays are normally shorter.
Living with a French family
Family is important to the French and life revolves around the close-knit household. As a new family member you will be introduced to the French culture and the typical traditions of your particular family. When you gather around the dinner table to talk about your day, you will hear new words and expressions, which will sharpen your grip of the language.
What’s equally important to the French is of course food. This is the culinary heart of the world with lots of classic dishes. You might be served coq au vin, poulet basquaise or boeuf bourguignon.
North, south, farm or city
What your new home will look like depends on where you are placed. To live with a family in the north is naturally quite different from life in the south. Living on a farm in the country is something different than an apartment in a city. It’s good to know that many French families have pets, they sure love their four-legged friends. If you have any allergies, please let us know.
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Free time in France
Your leisure time in France will be rich and varied – and it’s up to you what you want to do. Your options are nearly endless. For instance, if you like shopping you will think you are dreaming. The department stores and smaller boutiques are full of the latest fashion. Your wardrobe will become full of unique French garments.
Cozy cafés
Did you know that the word café is French? This is a word that will become pretty standard in your vocabulary, since visiting cafés with friends will be something you will do a lot. Hanging out in cafés is typically French. Order a café au lait and just sit and talk for hours. Can you think of a better way to practice your French?
Tour de France and much more
Near the Alps, there is a lot of fishing, skiing and mountain climbing. As you move towards the South, water sports and beach life rule. The French are fond of all kinds of sports, both individual and in teams. Cycling is one of the national favourites. When the prestigious Tour de France begins the whole country follows the contest from start to finish. Maybe that’s a sport you want to try during your high school exchange?
See more of France
Forget about school and homework for a while and join one of our trips within the country. You will travel with other exchange students and always with experienced leaders. We offer a wide range of trips around France. Travel schedules and prices may vary. Your local contact person will provide you with all the necessary information.
Quick facts
Who can go: 15–18 years on arrival
Departure month: January/August/December
Language requirements: At least 2 years of French.
Visa: Required for non-European students.
Prep course: Yes, STS Welcome Camp is included
School year: September–June
School day: 08.00 – 18.00 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) and 08.00 – 12.00 (Wed, Sat)
Subjects: Compulsory and optional
Exchange student voices from France
My exchange had a huge impact on me and I grew a lot. I met so many great people 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!
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, I can communicate better and know a lot more people.
I had the opportunity to join an excursion to Montpellier on the French Riviera. Since there were students from all around the world, our conversations were fascinating. I learned about the New Zealand haka dance, Hungarian kakashere pörkölt (rooster testicle stew), Egyptian superstition, and the Swiss tradition of beheading poultry with a saber on St Martin’s Day!
Welcome Camp
Your exchange begins with our fun Welcome Camp in Europe! The Welcome Camp gives you the best possible start to your exchange, and is packed with sightseeing, seminars, new friends and lots of fun.
Welcome Camp in Europe
At the Welcome Camp in Europe you’ll have the chance to share your hopes, worries and expectations for your upcoming exchange along with other STS students. You’ll participate in workshops and get more information about what to expect from your experience and how to get help and support should you need it. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and talk about the adventure you have ahead of you. Best of all, you’ll do all of this while partaking in fun activities and making new friends from around the world.
Food, accommodation and other info
During the Welcome Camp, you’ll stay on campus along with other STS students and a group of leaders. You’ll also have seminars and workshops on campus. Breakfast is included, as well as a welcome dinner and transportation in the city, but you’ll also have the chance to have some meals on your own.
What’s included
- Accommodation in a host family
- Personal assistance and contact person in both home and host country
- Emergency support 24/7
- STS bag
- Full board in a host family
- STS Welcome Camp
- Free interview
- STS Diploma
- School spot in a local high school
- Online pre-departure meeting
- Meetings and material to prepare you and your parents
Add-ons
Do you already have a preferred location in France?
If so, you have the chance to request where you want to be placed in your application.
Area request
From 950 €
Do you already have a preferred location in France? If so, you have the chance to choose where you want to be placed in your application. You can request placement in one of the country’s four regions (North West, North East, South West or South East).
Be sure to apply early in order to increase your chances of getting your first-choice location. And keep in mind that if you end up in the location you selected, an extra fee will be charged.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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?
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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