Short-term Cultural Immersion Programs are 6 – 8 weeks and offer an exciting opportunity for students to enjoy the immersive experience of living with a host family and attending high school overseas without significant disruption to their academic year. Some are scheduled in November, December, and January. These programs perfectly coincide with our school holiday period, allowing students to immerse themselves in a new culture and educational environment and enjoy a different experience during the festive season. Other departure dates have been carefully chosen to ensure minimal interference with the school year at home.
Trimester Exchange Programs offer students the whole exchange experience condensed into 12 weeks to various exciting destinations with less impact on the school year at home than longer exchange programs.
Immerse yourself in Italy! This short-term program offers a unique exchange with full cultural immersion, personal growth and an Italian high school experience during the Australian summer break.
Italian high schools (‘scuole superiori’) are divided into different types, focusing on areas like classical studies, scientific studies, or vocational training. The school day typically starts around 8am and can end in the early afternoon.
For teenagers, a common social activity is the ‘passeggiata,’ an evening stroll in the town’s main streets, often ending with gatherings in cafes or gelaterias. Football (soccer) is immensely popular. Many teens also engage in other sports, arts, or music-related extracurricular activities.
Christmas in Italy is a cherished holiday marked by religious traditions, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. Italian cities and towns are adorned with lights and elaborate nativity scenes (‘presepi’) and Christmas markets (‘mercatini di Natale’) offering holiday crafts, gifts, and treats.
Italian culture is very family-oriented. Teenagers often have close relationships with extended family members. Meals, especially dinners, are important for family bonding and are often long, with multiple courses and lively conversation.
A short-term program to Spain is ideal for students who want to experience Spanish culture, language, and lifestyle.
Immerse yourself in Spain’s unique winter and holiday traditions.
Life for teenagers in Spain involves a blend of rigorous education, close family ties, and an active social life. The Spanish education system provides a broad curriculum, while family life centres around shared meals and gatherings. Spanish cuisine, known for its variety and flavours, offers a delicious gastronomic experience.
Teenagers in Spain enjoy a vibrant social life, balancing their studies with leisure activities, sports, and cultural pursuits. Living in Spain and interacting daily in Spanish also offers a unique opportunity to enhance your language skills!
Spain’s rich history, art, and diverse landscapes, from vibrant cities to scenic coastlines, provide ample opportunities for exploration and learning.
A short-term program to France offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture known for its contributions to art, fashion, and food! It’s a chance to experience the French way of life, improve your language skills, and gain a deeper understanding of a country with a rich historical and cultural heritage.
The school year in France typically runs from early September to early July, with two-week breaks at the end of each quarter and a more extended summer break. As an exchange student, you’ll attend a ‘lycée’ (high school), where lessons are taught in French.
Christmas in France is a festive and heartwarming season celebrated with a blend of religious traditions, family gatherings, and fantastic food. French cities and towns are beautifully adorned with lights and decorations. The streets often have a magical feel with Christmas markets, known as “Marchés de Noël,” offering seasonal treats, crafts, and gifts.
For teenagers, socialising in cafés is a common pastime. Teenagers often gather in cafés after school. Participating in sports, music, or other clubs is popular among teenagers.
Family life in France is characterised by close familial bonds and a focus on enjoying life’s pleasures, such as food and leisure. Meal times, especially dinner, are an important part of family life, focusing on enjoying good food and conversation.
You will experience a very different Christmas in the UK, with possible snow and only a short break from school in December.
The Secondary School year begins in September and is divided into 2 terms. The school curriculum is a mixture of traditional subjects and electives. You will learn about British history and culture and enjoy socialising with friends. Winter sports and indoor activities are popular with teenagers at this time of year, with January often being the coldest month in the UK.
Christmas is a festive time when friends and families socialise, and schools hold Christmas events such as plays and concerts. Christmas markets are popular with locals and tourists, and towns and cities across the UK get into the Christmas spirit with beautiful decorations and Christmas lights.
Family life is characterised by a strong tradition of family mealtimes and spending time together while allowing teenagers some independence to socialise with friends and participate in sports and school activities.
Experience everything Austria has to offer, including living with a host family, attending school, a variety of outdoor activities, and the deep-rooted traditions and cultural experience of an Austrian Christmas during this short-term program.
A strong emphasis on cultural experiences, active lifestyles, and academic commitment characterizes teenage life in Austria. Soccer and biking are popular, but the country is most famous for its winter sports, particularly alpine skiing. The opportunity to ski in breathtaking Alpine landscapes is something many Austrian teens enjoy, an experience not to be missed!
Popular foods include Wiener schnitzel, sausages, goulash, and pastries like apple strudel and sachertorte. The historic ‘kaffeehaus’ culture is popular with teenagers and provides an ideal setting for spending time with friends and family sipping coffee and sampling delicious pastries.
Family life in Austria is marked by a blend of traditional values and modern life, providing a supportive environment for children and adults.
Teenage life in the Netherlands is characterised by a balanced approach to education, family, and social life. The Dutch educational system caters to different interests and abilities.
Family life emphasises independence and practicality. Teenagers enjoy a socially active and environmentally conscious lifestyle. Visiting museums, the theatre, and concerts are common. Many teenagers are fluent in English, making it easier for English-speaking students to adapt while learning or improving Dutch.
Christmas is a blend of unique traditions like Sinterklaas, cozy family gatherings, and festive culinary delights. The Christmas season unofficially begins in mid-November with the arrival of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) from Spain. Sinterklaasavond is celebrated on December 5th, when families exchange gifts and sweets. It’s a separate celebration from Christmas and is a major part of the holiday season in the Netherlands.
If you want to expand your horizons in a safe, progressive, and culturally rich environment, a short-term program in the Netherlands offers a unique experience not to be missed!
Canada offers a short-term winter program where you can experience a traditional Thanksgiving with your host family, a white Christmas and attend a Canadian High School.
The school year in Canada begins in September, and in December, schools close for just two weeks.
You will be enrolled in a High School in the same district as your Host Family, where you will find a range of academic and elective courses, allowing you to explore different subjects and interests.
Canadian Schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities. Sports such as hockey, soccer, basketball, and swimming are popular, and other activities might include music, drama, art, debate clubs, and student government.
Socializing with peers is a major part of Canadian teenage life. This can include hanging out with friends, attending parties, watching movies, and participating in community events. Overall, a balance of education, family, and social interactions shapes teenage life in Canada.
Latvia offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a distinct educational system and cultural environment.
Teenagers enjoy various outdoor activities throughout the year, from cycling and hiking in the summer to skiing and ice skating in the winter. Latvia’s towns and cities, including the vibrant capital, Riga, are filled with cafes, museums, and theatres, providing ample opportunities for socialising and cultural exploration.
The Latvian educational system is well-regarded for its comprehensive curriculum that balances sciences, humanities, and languages, including mandatory courses in Latvian and English, making it an accessible environment for English-speaking students.
Latvian families are known for their hospitality and warmth, integrating exchange students into their family life as one of their own.
Belgium is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and linguistic variety.
Teenagers in Belgium enjoy a balanced lifestyle that includes education, leisure, and social activities. Sports, music, and arts are popular, with plenty of clubs and societies to join, both within and outside schools. Belgium’s compact size and efficient public transport make it easy for teenagers to explore local towns, historical sites, and natural landscapes.
Belgian High Schools, or “secundair onderwijs” in Dutch and “enseignement secondaire” in French, offer a range of subjects, including languages, sciences, humanities, and arts. The school year in Belgium starts in early September and ends in late June and is divided into two semesters.
Belgian families have a strong sense of hospitality. Meals are an important aspect of family life, often featuring a mix of local and international dishes, reflecting Belgium’s culinary diversity.
Germany offers a unique blend of modern living alongside deep-rooted traditions.
Teenage life in Germany is rich with opportunities for leisure and personal development. Sports, music, and various clubs are popular activities within schools, while the country’s efficient public transport system allows for easy exploration of local and national sights. German teens enjoy a high degree of independence, which is reflected in their social interactions and activities.
The German education system is distinguished by its emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills. Exchange students will find a wide range of subjects, including languages, with English widely taught and spoken, making it easier for Australian students to adapt.
German families value punctuality, privacy, and directness, and are known for their warm hospitality. Meals are an important time for family discussions with a focus on hearty and diverse cuisines.
Simply register and attend one of our in-person Information Evenings and you will automatically get $100 off your program fee.
