In New Zealand, you will get a high school experience like nowhere else. The country's size is just perfect – you are close to the coast no matter where you live and by being an exchange student here you get the ideal opportunity to discover all of New Zealand and its breathtaking nature.
The North Island has a warm climate and the South Island, closer to Antarctica, is home to fjords, ski slopes and glaciers. What’s so amazing about this country is that you can go skiing on a volcano and bring your surfboard to catch the perfect wave down by the coastline, all in the same day! It is a country of contrasts, for sure.
No matter where in New Zealand you find yourself, you will be in a great school. STS High School Select is perfect for you with specific subject, activity or location requirements. This can be that you want to develop your golfing skills, go sailing, or live in popular Auckland for instance. We will help you create the high school exchange that is perfect for you!
Population: 4.5 million
Area: 268 680 km2
Capital: Wellington
Language: English. Maori and New Zealand Sign Language are also recognized as official
Traffic: Left handed
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Country code: +64
New Zealanders, often called Kiwis, are relaxed people who love to have fun and enjoy life. They are often spontaneous, social and show a great commitment to 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.
A high quality school system, lots of sports options and school uniforms to unite the students and giving them a badge of pride – that is what summarizes high school in New Zealand.
In most high schools English, math and natural science are compulsory subjects. To create a full schedule, you will choose four to five additional subjects. It is a great chance to join a course you would not find at home. The STS High School Select programme gives you the perfect opportunity to create your ideal schedule.
There are in total 13 grades in the educational system in New Zealand. High school make up the last five of these, and as an exchange student, you are usually placed in one of the highest grades. Most schools require the students to dress in uniform, although some schools will allow the year 13 students to wear ""civilian"" clothes. If you are placed in the final year, you will finish your year by going to the school ball. That is often considered the event of the year, a chance to dress up like a celebrity for a night!
New Zealand schools have houses, just like Harry Potter's Hogwarts. Though you won't be living with your housemates, you will compete with them against the other houses and dress in the house colours on sports day. Many New Zealand schools offer excellent outdoor education classes. These classes teach you skills like river rafting, kayaking, caving, mountain biking and more. There are usually several tramping tours with overnight stays during the year, and this will allow you both the chance to see the unique Kiwi nature and wildlife and spend quality time with your classmates.
Since New Zealand is located in the southern hemisphere and the seasons are the opposite from Europe, the schools close for summer vacation in December. The school year starts again in January. As an exchange student, you have the option to start in either January or July.
You will need at least three years of previous English studies to apply. If you got that, go ahead and send your application. The number of spots for exchange students in public schools is limited, so make sure to secure yours today.
New Zealanders are often referred to as Kiwis. Our Kiwi host families can be found in both the South and the North Island. The families live in small towns, big towns, suburbs, and countryside. They live close enough to the school that you can easily go back and forth, so the host family location will depend on what kind of school you choose.
There is no such thing as a typical New Zealand family. They are all different and can have toddlers or teenagers, grown-up children or no children at all. However, what they do have in common is the fact that they have been carefully selected and that they are happy to welcome you to their home.
New Zealand families socialise much with friends and relatives and will gladly show you their country. You will get all the best inside info on what to see and do. New Zealanders are very engaged, can be quite impulsive and love activities. Be open to all these influences – here you have all opportunities to find a new interest!
Are you adventurous? If not, try to step out of your comfort zone, and you will see that your options in New Zealand are unlimited. The country is full of extreme sports like parachuting, rafting and bungy jumping, which originates from New Zealand. But of course, there are more laid back things to do as well. Like golf, sailing and bathing in hot springs. The capital city of Auckland is one of the cities in the world with the biggest growth, so if you are more of a city person than a wilderness person, you will still find plenty of places to call home!
Fun fact about New Zealand: the number of sheep in the country is 15 times the number of human inhabitants. Yes, herds of that furry animal can be seen everywhere. And this is not a joke: there are sports games including sheep. Like sheep throwing, sheep heading and sheep jumping. You should really try the sport sheep shearing. To shave off the wool is more difficult than you might think. Take the chance to try something unique; it might be a once in a lifetime experience.
In New Zealand, we offer all our exchange students to join a North Island Tour in April and a South Island Tour in September/October. There will be an additional cost for the tours, covering all coach travel, accommodation, most evening meals and breakfasts and optional activities. The South Island Tour is an 11-day adventure where you will experience New Zealand’s wilderness with glaciers and spectacular nature. You might also see some whales and sea lions. The North Island Tour is also 11 days of exceptional experiences. We will visit the country’s capital Wellington, the country’s largest city Auckland and enjoy the mild climate and a beautiful coastline.
New Zealand is a great country to study in, as a high school student. Here are some quick facts about school life here, and what is included your High School Select package.
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.
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