Frequently Asked
Questions
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd wants you
to feel well informed about our programs. Here’s a sample
of our most frequently asked questions and our
answers. If you want further info or have further
questions, please call us, for the cost of a
local call, on 1300 135 331 (in Australia) or
0800 440 079 (in New Zealand).
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Is my country of choice guaranteed?
Yes. Unlike other exchange organisations we
guarantee your country of choice provided you
meet all normal eligibility criteria and there
are places available.
Am I eligible to apply to go on exchange?
If you meet our eligibility
requirements then, yes!, you can apply with confidence.
Are there language requirements?
It depends where you’re going. There are language requirements
for Argentina, Austria, Germany and Italy which may be met by
2 years of study at school or an intensive short course. Denmark
requires some study of a language other than English. Japan and
France require two continuous years of language study prior to
departure. That means there are no language requirements for
over a dozen countries!
Who will I stay with while on exchange?
You will live with a host family. Host families are volunteers
who are eager to share their life with a teenager like you. You
may live in any part of your host country and you may have more
than one host family during your experience.
Does my family have to host someone
while I am away?
No.
But can we host a student from overseas?
Yes! We would be happy to discuss hosting with your family
and arrange an interview and reference checks. We welcome enquiries
from all potential host families and would be pleased to consider
your family too.
What will my host family be like and
how are they selected?
Host families overseas come in all shapes and sizes – just
as they do at home. Your host family might be
like your family or maybe not. It
could be two parents and teenage children, or
a single parent, or an older couple or a childless
couple. Whatever their configuration, host families
are motivated to open their home to a teenager
from overseas and be part of their learning experience.
Just like at home, overseas host families are
interviewed and undergo an application screening
process which complies with the requirements of your
host country.
Can I go with a friend?
You and your friends can apply for the same programs but you
will not be placed in the same host family. The
idea of exchange is to meet new people and immerse
yourself in a new culture. Being with your friends
from home can limit this experience. You need to grab this opportunity
and make it YOUR experience.
What support will I get while overseas?
A local volunteer coordinator is assigned to every student
and will be there to assist you. If you encounter
problems the local coordinator and our partner
organisation will be able to guide and support
you through the issue. Our staff will be in regular
contact with our partner organisation and with
your parents to coordinate and support your experience.
What is expected of me?
Taking yourself out of your comfort zone means being responsible
and making decisions for yourself – within the context
of the rules and regulations of the program. You will mature
while adapting to life in another country. You are expected to
live as a local and it will be up to you to make adjustments
in order to integrate into your new host family and community.
You will need to be open-minded and non-judgemental, patient
and fair. Being an exchange student is a fantastic opportunity
to grow.
Can I work part-time when on exchange?
That depends on a few factors. First, your host country may
have laws which dictate teenagers working. Second, you’ll
need to take into consideration your responsibilities at school
and with your host family and friends. The aim of the exchange
is to experience life as a teenager overseas and to contribute
to your host family and school environment. If part-time work
prevents you from achieving these aims then it is not such a
good idea. However, if your peers in your host country have part-time
jobs and doing so is a normal part of that community, then it
is highly likely that you will find opportunity to earn a little
pocket money.
Can I go to more than one country?
If you wish to apply for a semester in one country and a semester
in another country we are happy to make the necessary arrangements.
But please be aware that there are visa and cost considerations.
Can I speak to a former exchange
student?
Of course. When we receive your application and you are accepted
into your host country, we’ll connect you with one of our
Returned Student Advisors. Returned Student Advisors are former
exchange students who have participated on an exchange in your
host country. They are happy to share their experiences with
you and can provide advice on all manner of detail regarding
being an exchange student to your destination.
Will I have to repeat my school year
when I get home?
Maybe yes, maybe no. This is a decision to be made in consultation
with your school or education authority and your
parents. It is important to speak with your school early on in
the process about how being an exchange student will impact upon
your enrolment. This may differ according to whether you participate
on a short or a long program and whether or not you have completed
your schooling before participation commences.
I’m 19.
Am I too old?
You’re too old for our high school programs, but if you’re
at uni or have nearly completed your degree,
you may be eligible for one of our work, study
or training programs through our sister organisation,
Student Placement Australia New Zealand. Call
us and we’ll see
what we can do. Check out www.studentplacement.com.au for
details.
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