Frequently asked Questions about Secondary Student Exchange Programs

• How much do student exchange programs cost?
• What countries am I able to go to through an exchange program?
• What is the main focus of a student exchange program?
• Can I arrange my own student exchange program if I know of a host family and school I want to go to?
• Can I come to NSW/go to another country on a short term student exchange?
• How do I know if I/my child/my student will be safe and cared for while on an overseas student exchange program? I am worried about child protection issues.
• How do I make contact in the case of an emergency?
• Which student exchange organisation should I choose to arrange my exchange program?
• Where can I get more specific information on student exchange programs operating in/from NSW?

Although exchange students are exempt from school fees and accommodation costs, the overall cost of student exchange programs will vary significantly depending on factors such as duration of program, location, travel periods (and modes), and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Prices of exchange programs may also vary depending on the organisation, so you are encouraged to shop around and find the program most suited to your needs.

Registered organisations and schools are able to offer more precise and up-to-date information regarding their particular student exchange programs and fee schedules, and can be contacted directly.

The most popular overseas destinations for Australian exchange students are USA, Germany, France, Japan, Italy, Canada, Belgium, Spain and Argentina, although your choices are not limited to these.

Each registered organisation has its own list of reciprocal partner countries that it operates student exchange programs in. Registered NSW schools on the other hand usually have specific sister-school relationships in one particular country only.

Although student exchange programs will usually incorporate sufficient free time for tourist and holiday activities, the central purpose and focus of NSW student exchange programs are educational.

It should be noted that student visas will only be issued to students who are enrolled as full-time secondary students at a recognised secondary institution, in a recognised course of study.

No. Recognised student exchange programs in NSW can only be organised through a registered organisation or school.

If you have specific school or host family preferences you should discuss and negotiate these issues with your chosen exchange organisation.

Student visits of less than three months (these include short-term cultural exchange visit programs) are not considered part of the NSW student exchange arrangement. These short stay visits require only a normal visitor visa and students are subject to payment of relevant school fees if enrolled in a NSW government school.

Ensure that the organisation you are proposing to use is a registered international secondary student exchange organisation or school. These organisations have been registered on the basis of their commitment to comply with all NSW child protection and duty of care policies and procedures.

After confirming an organisation's registered status you should request all relevant information and documentation that will satisfy all queries or questions you may have regarding any part of the student exchange program. Do not hesitate to contact organisations directly with any outstanding questions regarding duty of care, health and safety – for example, host family screening, safe and supervised travel, accommodation standards and emergency contact procedures.

For a full outline of registered organisation and school responsibilities see points 4.3 and 11.0 in the Guidelines for the Operation of International Secondary Student Exchange Programs in NSW (pdf 66kb).

Each registered organisation and school must provide emergency communication procedures and have relevant contact numbers and addresses available to you.

Familiarise yourself with the organisation's emergency communication plan, especially for late evenings, weekends and holidays, and be satisfied that they are effective and operational.

Planning an exchange program should start with researching and comparing exchange organisations and programs.

There are a number of registered organisations and you should be able to find one that suits your needs in terms of destination, duration, price, policy and pre-departure procedures.

The best way to obtain more specific information on a NSW student exchange program is to contact your chosen registered organisation or school directly.