
High school abroad 20+ countries!
Are you 14 to 18 and ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Spend 3 months up to several years at a high school abroad.
Why go on a high school exchange?
Studying abroad during high school is more than just a trip – it’s a life-changing experience. Whether you’re aiming to grow personally, academically, or socially, an exchange year opens the door to all of it.
✅ Gain confidence and independence
✅ Improve your language skills
✅ Experience new cultures and perspectives
✅ Build friendships that last a lifetime

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!

Is high school abroad right for me?
You don’t need perfect grades or travel experience to go on a high school exchange. If you’re between 14 and 18 years old and open to new experiences, you’re already off to a great start. This is your chance to try something different – while living with a host family and attending school in another country.



How to become an exchange student?
It’s easier than you might think! Start your journey by talking to us – we will guide you from A to Z. What are you waiting for? Challenge yourself and create memories that stay with you forever.

Real students. Real stories
Legacy
Since 1958 over 1,200,000 students have studied abroad with us.
Trusted Hosts
With a trusted host family by your side, you’ll always feel at home abroad.
24/7 service
We’re here for you 24/7 when you are studying abroad.
What kind of exchange experience do you want?
When you go on a high school exchange with STS, you get to shape the experience. Dreaming of discovering a new culture and trying something completely different? Or do you want to keep focusing on a passion – like sports, arts, or academics – while living abroad? Either way, we’ll help you find the program that fits you best.
Most students go for our Classic program, where you’ll be welcomed by a host family and attend a local school in a friendly community somewhere in the country. Want to take the lead? With Select, you choose your school based on what matters most to you – from subjects and sports to location and lifestyle. Scroll down to explore your options – and don’t forget to check out the destination pages to see what’s available where!

Compare our exchange programs
We offer two main exchange programs – Classic and Select – so you can choose the experience that fits you best.
CLASSIC
From 3 months to 1 year
Live like a local and experience everyday high school life in your exchange country. You’ll be placed with a host family and a local school somewhere in the country – it could be in the countryside, a small town, a suburb, or a larger city.
AVAILABILITY
All destinations
KEY FACTS
✅ You’ll be placed in a safe and friendly community
✅ A cost-effective way to study abroad
✅ Supportive host families
✅ STS Welcome Camp included (not spring starts)
ADD-ON, examples (varies from country to country)
• State or Area Preference (e.g. Texas, Queensland)
• Urban area (no specific city)
• Language preparatory course
• Country trips (e.g. national parks, cities)
💶 Program fee: From €8,350
SELECT
From 3 months to multiple years
With Select, you’re in control. Choose the city, the school, and what you want to focus on – from academics to sports, arts, or science. This option gives you more flexibility and lets you tailor your exchange year to match your interests.
AVAILABILITY
USA, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Spain, and Italy
KEY FACTS
✅ Choose among 350+ schools
✅ Access to private schools and special programs
✅ Ideal for university prep or competitive sports
✅ You’ll live with a host family close to your school
✅ STS Welcome Camp included (not spring starts)
OPTIONS, examples
• Opportunity to earn an IB diploma (International Baccalaureate) at numerous schools.
• With Select you can choose a STEM school (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
💶 Program fee: Contact us
Exchange programs — what’s always included
No matter where you go or which program you choose, your high school exchange includes:
- Round-trip flights
- Half/full board accommodation
- Placement in a local high school
- Welcome Camp (for most destinations and programs)
- Pre-departure materials and preparation meetings for students and parents
- 24/7 support
- Personal support from a local contact person
- STS diploma after your exchange

What parents should know
We understand that sending your child abroad is a big decision. With STS, safety, support, and clear communication come first – so you can feel just as confident as your teen.
Want to know more? Visit our dedicated page for parents to get answers, tips, and stories from others who’ve been in your shoes.

Building resilience that lasts
Resilience is key to a successful exchange year. That’s why all STS students are offered access to specialized training designed to help them manage emotional challenges like homesickness, culture shock, and stress. Developed by teen psychologists and experts, this training is also available to host families and parents – so everyone around the student can provide the right kind of support when it’s needed most.
Want deeper insights into what shapes resilient teens today? Download our Global Youth Resilience Index report.

Aiducatius – you’re part of something bigger
When you go on exchange year with STS, you’re not just seeing the world – you’re helping shape it. As part of Educatius Group, we support Aiducatius, a nonprofit initiative funding meaningful education and environmental projects in Gambia and Tanzania.
Every STS student contributes. That means:
🌱 Supporting tree-planting and conservation projects in Tanzania
🌍 Helping kids in Gambia attend school with books, uniforms, and supplies
💛 Giving children with disabilities access to education and independence

STS at a glance

Founded in
1958
20+
destinations
24/7
support

