Student Exchange
Australia New Zealand
Imagine living overseas for a Short Program for 2 Months, up to a Classic Academic Year.
You’ll be placed with a host family and attend a local school.
Live like a local and become immersed in the culture.
Learn the language and gain valuable international experience.
Develop self knowledge and a global awareness.
Our Mission is to offer the unique experience of living, studying and working in another culture and to enable young people to develop the skills and awareness that will enhance their future potential.
Our team will help you Unlock the World.
Isabelle Piairo
Outbound Manager
Isabelle is the Outbound Manager at Student Exchange and is driven by her transformative experience as an exchange student in Spain. Her passion for cultural exchange led her to work in the field for 14 years.
Originally from Paris, Isabelle has lived in France, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile, and now calls Australia home. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and French, she enjoys bridging cultures and helping students explore the world. Outside work, Isabelle loves traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family. Her diverse background fuels her commitment to enriching student exchange experiences.
James Crimp
National Director
James is a highly experienced CEO with over 35 years in education management, specialising in student welfare and international programs. He has held senior leadership and board roles in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and the USA. Committed to student well-being, he has led two of the largest student exchange organisations in Australia and New Zealand, ensuring safe, supportive experiences for young learners.
James is dedicated to fostering enriching educational opportunities while prioritising the welfare and success of every student.
Jeanie Lindeque
Financial Controller
Jeanie is a seasoned finance professional with over 15 years of experience in the student exchange industry in Australia. Having immigrated twice and lived and worked in three countries, she deeply values openness and cultural immersion. Her global perspective reinforces her belief in the importance of creating and seizing opportunities, with high school student exchange offering a unique path to personal growth.
Outside work, Jeanie enjoys spending time with her almost-grown children and taking long coastal walks with friends — often followed by a well-earned brunch.
Emma Leach
Outbound Coordinator
Originally from the UK, Emma moved to Australia in 2007 with her four young children. She has worked for Student Exchange Australia New Zealand for 6 years and thoroughly enjoys the interaction with students, and the thrill of helping them to achieve their dream of going on exchange.
Krista Teijula
Outbound Coordinator
Krista’s passion for student exchange was sparked when she participated in a high school exchange program that took her from her home country, Finland, to Australia. This experience ignited her love for international and cultural exchange, inspiring her to study International Relations at university. Over the years, she has lived in Sweden, the UK, and Italy before making Australia her home.
With several years of experience as a Program Coordinator, Krista finds immense joy in helping students embark on life-changing adventures. Outside of work, she stays active through running, climbing, and exploring the natural wonders of Australia.
Melissa Dalton
Outbound Coordinator
Originally from the UK, Melissa spent most of her career as a Registered Nurse before moving to Australia in 2013 with her partner and three children to embrace an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Her journey in student exchange began with hosting international students, inspiring her to help others gain life-changing experiences abroad.
Since joining Student Exchange, she has loved working with students, parents, and overseas partners to make these opportunities a reality. Melissa and her family continue to enjoy beach life and love sharing it with exchange students, fostering cultural connections and unforgettable experiences.
Millie Shapiro
Inbound Coordinator
Millie’s passion for travel began with a University exchange to The Netherlands, sparking a lifelong love of exploring new places. After earning a Bachelor of Social Science, Millie worked in the social work industry, supporting youth and further fueling their desire to ensure students have a memorable exchange experience.
Outside work, Millie enjoys running marathons, swimming at the beach, and road-tripping around Australia in a camper van, always seeking the next adventure.
Sandra Harders
Placement Manager
Sandra’s journey with Student Exchange Australia New Zealand began in 1997 when she worked as a local coordinator and host mother. She has been with the company as it has evolved into the wonderful organisation it is today. Over the years, she has had the privilege of traveling overseas to visit past students, their families, and international partners. Last year, she attended the wedding of one of her former students, who is now 42 years old.
She finds great joy in placing students with host families and hearing about their experiences. In 2020, Sandra took on the role of Admissions and now has the privilege of reviewing applications from students who wish to embark on an exchange to Australia or New Zealand.
In her leisure time, she enjoys watching AFL football, gardening, and knitting.
Sandra Wetzlar
Marketing Coordinator
Having spent 10 months on exchange, Sandra understands the challenges and rewards of living in a new country. This experience sparked her passion for exploring cultures, leading her to study special needs education and teach English as a foreign language. She also worked at a multicultural institute, gaining valuable insights into diverse communities.
Seven years ago, Sandra moved to Australia and relates to the feeling of being far from family. As Marketing Coordinator, she uses her experiences to help students have a smooth, memorable exchange. When she’s not working, Sandra enjoys teaching salsa, baking, and spending time with loved ones.
Zoe Jones
Placement Coordinator
Zoe values cultural exchange and the lifelong connections it creates, even sending her daughter to France to reunite with a former host student. Passionate about community engagement, Zoe is dedicated to matching families with international students, ensuring a welcoming and enriching experience for all.
Lisianne Kanimura
Inbound Coordinator
A team with experience
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand specialise in high school exchange and offer a wide selection of programs for exchange students.
Are you interested in joining our team? New roles are posted on our Careers page when available.
One Team Across The Globe
We belong to Educatius Group, a leading and trusted organisation within the field of international education. For over two decades, Educatius has been turning the dreams of exchange students into reality. With a global presence, we connect students to outstanding high schools and cultural exchange programs, pair them with friendly host families, and offer continuous expert assistance throughout their journey. We’ve earned the trust of numerous governments in Asia, Latin America, and Brazil, who’ve placed their sponsored students in our care. Through our enduring partnerships with premier schools and unparalleled student support, Educatius Group empowers students to explore the world.
Worldwide High School Online Brochure
For an overview of our programs, our team will send you our Worldwide High School Online Brochure.
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Education & Training Directorate, ACT Government
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NSW Department of Education
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Northern Territory Department of Education
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Queensland Department of Education & Training
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South Australia Department for Education
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Tasmanian Assessment, Standards & Certification
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Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
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Western Australia Department of Education
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Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd is a fully registered not-for-profit student exchange organisation in all Australian states and territories, ensuring compliance with both state legislation and national student exchange guidelines.
