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Experience the Aussie lifestyle
In lovely Australia, you will experience a high school life like nowhere else. Australia offers something for everyone; it is a modern country with vibrant big cities, amazing beaches and mesmerising nature. It is a vast continent with fantastic wildlife, coral reefs, and believe it or not – snowy mountains. When the European summer ends, the Australian one starts, which means that it is the perfect destination for European high school students who indeed do not mind sunshine and a pleasant climate all year round.
With STS High School Select, you choose where in Australia you want to study yourself. Whether you want to live the high school dream in Sydney, learn how to surf on the Sunshine Coast or enjoy the city life in prospering Brisbane, we have options that will suit you perfectly. Why not take the chance to study a subject that is not available in your home country, such as marine science for instance? Just tell us what is the most important for you, and we will help you find the school and area that best fits this. No matter if it is the academy, geography, or free time activities that influence your decision, we will help you customise the perfect high school exchange for you.
Area: 7 692 km2
Population: 24 million
Capital: Canberra
Language: English
Largest city: Sydney (4.9 million)
Country code: +61
Your carefully selected host family will open their arms for you and you will have a great time experiencing the Aussie way of life from the inside. Look forward to barbeques and picnics with your new family.
Responsibility, safety and quality that’s been our motto since 1958. We have the passion and the experience that will make your adventure as an exchange student a memorable success.
The educational system in Australia is one of the finest and most innovative in the world. Thousands of exchange students enroll into Australian high schools and universities every year. You will find many modern schools with big and well equipped classrooms.
High school in Australia make up the last five years of a 12-year school system. Most exchange students are placed in year 11, some in year 10 and very few in year 12. Since the seasons are the opposite from Europe, Australians have their summer holiday for two months from December to January. In January, a new school year begins, ending in December. As an STS exchange student, you can start in January or in July.
If you are placed in year 10, most of your subjects will be mandatory; this, for example, English, math and geography. In year 11, it is common that the only mandatory subject is English. The rest is up to you. You will be amazed by the unique range of subjects and sports, such as marine biology, multimedia, drama, Indonesian language, Aboriginal studies, surfing, diving and performing arts.
In most Australian high schools, it is mandatory for all students to wear a school uniform. This may feel unusual for the unfamiliar one in the beginning, but you will soon fall in love with it. Your school uniform will make you fit in just smoothly and make you look like a true Aussie teenager from the first day at school!
The Australian families are warm-hearted, caring and welcoming. They have an open-minded mentality, probably thanks to its multicultural population. Even though the country is located far away from the Western countries, the influence is clear, and you will soon feel like home in Australia. The host family is carefully selected and will be very social, friendly, and humorous. You will notice that Australians like to joke – also at their own expense!
Australian families are usually active, and you might go on outings and picnics together. It could be a road trip to a nearby beach or a bike ride up in the mountains. For many families, weekends are dedicated to different kinds of sports. Join them and get the true Australian experience!
When you choose Australia for your high school exchange you get a programme tailored after your preferences. After telling us what you find important for your Aussie exchange, we will help you find the perfect school. Grab the chance and embark on a learning adventure!
All the schools we work with are high-reputation schools with excellent teachers and tutoring. You can choose a school based on your preferred region, subjects you want to take, how long you want your exchange to be and what school activities you would like to have. Some schools are great for a particular sport or hobby, and others offer subjects that you might find interesting, such as multimedia, surfing, marine biology, drama or art. We will help you find the school that fits you like a glove!
STS cooperates with DET (Department of Education and Training) in New South Wales, EQI (Educational Queensland International) in Queensland and SA (South Australian Government Schools) in South Australia.
In New South Wales, eastern Australia, you will find cities with beautiful beaches, national parks and even ski areas. North of New South Wales is Queensland, also known as "the Sunshine State", and here you find paradise beaches, rainforests and several tropical islands. In the South Australia state, the center of the nature "down under" you find plenty of koala and kangaroos in outstanding environments.
Which of these three amazing areas do you want to be your home in the coming months, semester or year?
Australia is full of possible outdoor activities – much thanks to an excellent climate. Barbecues, sports and outings in the wilderness are some of the most common alternatives. Also, the exciting wildlife is not to be missed. Have you ever seen a koala bear or a kangaroo? Well, now is the time!
Sporty or not, the Australian enthusiasm will probably make you curious to try, or maybe just watch, some of the nation’s most popular sports. Rugby, golf and Australian rules football are played in the winter and snorkelling, sailing, tennis and volleyball in the summer. The coastline is full of great beaches, perfect for every kind of water activity. If you prefer to ski, you will find great snowy slopes in the mountains.
If you stay in Australia for a whole year, you will have the possibility to follow us on two amazing trips. During the school break in September, we pack our swim and sports gear to visit Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. The activities in focus will be mostly about beach life and water sports. In April, it is time for another break and another trip, this time for two weeks. We will head out to the Australian Outback, explore Uluru (Ayers Rock), travel along the Great Ocean Road and also make a stop in super exciting Sydney. There will be an additional cost for these trips.
Studying at high school in Australia will give you the time of your life. Here are some quick facts about school life here, and what is included your High School Select package.
STS Learn & Surf is an exclusive program combining high school studies in a top private school of the Gold Coast in Queensland with a 10-Day Surf Camp in New South Wales, taking you from Sydney to the world famous Byron Bay. The program runs from June to September and we offer flexible starting dates & program lengths, so you can fit the program into your summer break.
You will study among Australian students at one of the top private schools in Queensland, Saint Stephen’s College. Ideally located on the Gold Coast, close to its famous beaches, the school offers world class facilities for learning: i-Centre, Arts & Applied Technology precinct, super Science Center, sports dome and much more. As an International Student at Saint Stephen’s College you will be able to design your program based on your specific interests and choose among many subjects on offer in academics, arts, sports and technology. You will live with a host family carefully selected by the school and experience the Australian beach lifestyle. You will have your own room, a private study area, as well as all meals and transport to / from school provided by your host family. After school and on weekends you will be able to join activities organised by the school or your local community.
With 287 days of sunshine per year and an average water temperature of 22 degrees, the Gold Coast has a lot to offer all year round.
Australia is the best place to learn to surf or to practice your skills. “The Ultimate Search” is a Surf Camp run by highly experienced Australian surfers, who want to share their passion and teach their skills over 10 fun and exciting days. It starts at Surf Camp, ideally located on a 7-mile beach in the southern region of Sydney and ends in Byron Bay, on the Northern Coast of New South Wales. You will spend the first 5 days at Surf Camp, learning the essentials and improving your surfing. The course includes surfing lessons every day and is designed for absolute beginners. After this very intensive 5-day course you will travel to the North Coast by private coach, ready to practice your new skills in world famous surfing spots, Yamba and Byron Bay. You will stay in shared beachside cabins at Surf Camp and in youth hostels on the North Coast, with the other STS students participating in the Camp and adult supervisors.
All surfing equipment, accommodation, meals and transport are included in the STS program package, so you can relax and fully enjoy your Camp.
Interested in choosing where you want to study and where you want to live? STS can help you choose the school of your liking that supports your favorite sport, academic etc.
The easiest way to apply is to visit the page of your favorite destination and click the "Apply now" button. Your application is not binding, and you make your final decision once you have been accepted.
Yes, no matter where you go, we have a local representative on your location. He or she selects our host families, has contact with schools and will be your supporter and advisor during your exchange.
Yes, we have several scholarships to apply for each year. We are also happy to guide you in the application for other grants.
You can choose if you want to attend a public or a private school with High School Select.
Yes, with High School Select you have an increased possibility to choose schools depending on their specific sport profiles.
