1. experience
is everything
TM
SECONDARY STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
RAMS

2. Whether you’re interested
in a short summer program,
a semester program or an
academic year program you’ll
find this brochure a great
place to start.
Toward the back, we highlight
Gap year and school leaver
contents
options and provide a summary
of additional programs that Prog
Programs at a glance 2
are pitched towards people
who have completed their Eligi
Eligibility 3
secondary education.
Free information evenings & online sessions 4
We have many years experience
in delivering high quality Stu
Student exchange programs 5-6
programs. All our staff have
either been exchange students, S
Safety and wellbeing 7
have lived, worked or studied
overseas. They understand the Online student resources 8
challenges involved and are
committed to providing you Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd 9-10
with a high level of service and
support throughout.
How do I apply? 11
Disclaimer: the information contained in this
brochure is correct at the time of printing,
January 2012. Student Exchange Australia New
Our customer service commitment 12
Zealand Ltd and Student Placement Australia
New Zealand Pty Ltd reserve the right to change
program specifications at any time.
Frequently asked questions 13-14
Host an exchange student 15
Business relationships 16
Gap year options 17-18
COVER IMAGE: Emma-Lee Foy (bottom right),
on exchange in The Netherlands, our first
Indigenous Scholarship Winner 2011, WA
1 experienceiseverythingTM

3. programs
at a glance
Age Program Description Program Features Page
Secondary Student Exchange Programs
Summer Explorer Program
Short term exchange program over the summer break. Spend
14 -19 2-3 months in France, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, 5
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand;
living with a host family and attending school.
Semester Exchange Program
Spend 4-6 months in one of over 20 destinations;
14 - 19 6
living with a host family and attending school.
Departures early in the year or mid year.
Year Exchange Program
Spend 10-12 months in one of over 20 destinations;
14 - 19 6
living with a host family and attending school.
Departures early in the year or mid year.
Additional Gap year and school leaver options
Sports Scholarships USA
Use your sporting skills to access generous sports
16 - 26 scholarships to study at a university in the USA. 17-18
Open to recreational or amateur sports men or women
of low, average and high level ability.
Study USA
The program gives you access to a wide range of generous
16+ 17-18
academic scholarships from a large number of universities
across the United States.
Live & Learn
Spend up to 3 months in France or Germany; living with a host
18 - 30 17-18
family and helping them learn English. Great stepping stone for
a working holiday.
Au Pair
Spend 12 months in the US, France, Germany or Spain; living
18 - 30 17-18
with a host family and caring for their children. Pocket money
included plus the chance to attend Evening College.
www.studentexchange.org.nz www.studentexchange.org.au 2

4. experience
is everything TM
We are looking for bright, open minded,
flexible young people who are willing to move
outside their comfort zones and who want to
learn about the world and themselves.
Being an exchange student is a challenging, rewarding and fun
experience. You’re not a tourist or a guest. You’re actually living in
your host country as a member of that community.
You’ll be placed with a host family and attend a local school.
You’ll live like a local and become immersed in the culture.
You’ll learn the language and gain invaluable international
experience. You’ll learn a lot about yourself.
Student exchange programs promote tolerance, maturity and
Challenge Yourself
self
independence. They also encourage an international perspective.
In a very competitive world these are highly sought after qualities. Please don’t think living and studying overseas is easy:
Experience is everything™. It requires courage to travel half way round the world to live
in a new community very different from your own.
Investment for Life It requires an open mind to live in another culture,
Being an exchange student is an investment for life and to observe and appreciate the differences and to truly
complements your formal education in important and exciting learn from the experience.
ways. The experience of living, studying or working overseas It requires flexibility to attend a new school, make new
can bring enormous rewards: friends and perhaps learn a new language.
learn another language and open career doors you You will find that all the familiarity of home – the ways of doing
didn’t know existed things, the people, sights, sounds, smells - are suddenly no
get to know how others live and come to see the world longer there. You will be confronted with completely different
from another perspective ways of seeing and understanding the world around you.
test yourself and acquire independence and maturity You become immersed in the local community.
make new friends and appreciate old ones even more You may encounter homesickness and culture shock
gain experience and judgement particularly in the early stages of the program.
learn about the world first hand But if you have realistic expectations and are prepared to challenge
yourself then it can be a life changing experience.
Long after you return home your exchange experience will
influence and inform your life. It will provide you with a substantial Eligibility
backdrop from which to make future study and career choices.
You are eligible to participate on the Summer Explorer,
Employers are increasingly alert to the benefits of student
Semester, or Year exchange programs if you meet the
exchange. Your experience will set you apart from the crowd and
following requirements:
mark you as someone who has proven themselves in challenging
circumstances. still at school when you apply
have maintained the equivalent of or better than a C grade
average since Year 9 (Australia)
have achieved a National Certificate of Educational
Gap year options Achievement at the appropriate level, or produce a statement
If you are finishing school soon why not spend from your school about anticipated levels of achievement when
your Gap year as an exchange student? the certificate is awarded (New Zealand)
It’s a great way to see more of your world before
are in good physical and mental health
starting your career or further studies.
are mature and open-minded
A number of countries will accept high school graduates on
their exchange programs. Call us on 1300 135 331 are flexible, adaptable, responsible and ready to learn
(in Australia) or 0800 440 079 (in NZ) and we’ll discuss your are between 15 and 18 years old (exceptions may be made
options with you. Please also take a look at the programs for 14 and 19 year olds)
pitched towards people who have completed their secondary Please note that Gap year option programs have different
education which are outlined on pages 17-18. eligibility criteria.
3 experienceiseverythingTM

5. information Feedback from students
evenings & and parents who attended
our information sessions
online sessions
“Interesting. Informative.
Reassuring!” Jess (Sydney)
“It covered everything that I wished
to know.” Tom (Auckland)
“Very motivating and informative.”
Free Information Evenings Joshua (Sydney)
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd holds over 60 free “Informative, comprehensive,
well presented.” Melissa (Wellington)
information evenings across Australia and New Zealand each year.
“Open, well presented,
informative.” Tom (Canberra)
“The information session was
fantastic - very friendly and
informative.” Susie (Melbourne)
“Well organised, honest, up front,
helpful.” Hannah (Melbourne)
“Very, very good, especially hearing
from someone who has been
on exchange. Really did cover
everything.” Caitlin (Brisbane)
“Interesting. Makes you aware
of the challenges.” Tui (Cairns)
Invitation where: when: “Good presentation.
Information evenings are Information evenings start at Questions answered thoroughly.”
held on a monthly basis in 7.30pm and run for about Jacqueline (Adelaide)
Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne an hour and a half. They are “Very interesting. Clear and
and Sydney and at regular friendly and free and are the concise.” Ellen (Perth)
intervals in Adelaide, Cairns, best way for us to address your
Canberra, Christchurch, Darwin, specific questions in person.
uestions
Gold Coast, Hobart, Perth,
Toowoomba, Townsville and
Wellington.
Come and meet our staff
Hear comprehensive information on all aspects of exchange
Listen to former exchange students talk about their experiences
Ask questions
Listen to questions asked by other students and parents
Meet other students who are considering going on exchange
For details of dates and venues go to our website.
Online Information Sessions On Demand
If you live remotely from the major cities or cannot get The On Demand Info Session is a prerecorded video
along in person you can either watch our On Demand presentation you can watch anytime you like, from the
media presentation or attend one of our LIVE Online info comfort of your own home. Our staff will talk you through
sessions. Our online sessions provide access to the same all aspects of exchange via streaming video, while you
comprehensive information presented at all of our city watch a presentation.
sessions and they are an extremely convenient way for you to
hear from our National Director and Program Managers. LIVE Online
The Live Online Info Session is conducted by a senior
OW member of our staff using a service which allows us to
REGISTER N
meet online and over the telephone. You will be able to
Go to our website meet our representative over a video internet connection,
ask any questions and watch a presentation. When you
register you will be sent detailed instructions on how to
join the meeting.
www.studentexchange.org.nz www.studentexchange.org.au 4

6. Summer
Explorer
Programs
Benefits
Our Summer Explorer Programs
Avoid interrupting your schooling. Gain new skills and confidence.
offer the chance to be an You can choose between an early or late Pushing beyond your comfort zone is a
exchange student without departure in November and you’ll be back great way to lift your horizons and gain
interrupting your schooling home in time to resume your studies. experience. Give yourself a competitive
at home. If these departures don’t suit, talk to our edge in your future career or studies.
staff because we can often make individual
Make new friends. Aussie and Kiwi
arrangements if you are prepared to pay
exchange students are popular the world
a little extra.
Duration over and there will be many opportunities
Boost your language skills. to make friendships that can last a lifetime.
You can go for 2 – 3 months
You’ll be surprised how much your
Long-term benefits. You will gain from
language will improve in just 2 or 3
Destinations months. You’ll soon be communicating
the experience in ways that will help your
You can go to France, Canada, future study and career choices.
freely in Italian, French, German, Japanese
Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain,
or maybe even Spanish, Danish,
Denmark, Norway, Sweden,
Norwegian or Swedish. What a great way
Visas
Australia and New Zealand Our Summer Explorer students usually
to lift your entry score just a few months
before your final school exams. enter the country on a tourist visa
Departure A big plus for your future studies. which means there are no lengthy visa
Students typically leave in November processes beforehand.
and get back home in time to resume Spend your summer holidays
school or uni. You can also leave at overseas. Experience a traditional Prices
other times of the year but be sure to European Christmas, snow (hopefully!) For details on prices, application
talk to us about your requirements. for the New Year in Japan, home life and deadlines and departure dates, please
indoor activities with your host family and refer to our pricing and scholarship flyer
new friends instead of the stereotypically or visit our website.
warm summer Christmas we so often
My exchange was without a doubt
experience.
the best thing I’ve ever done! I wouldn’t
have wanted it any other way! It was
truly humbling to be able to experience a
different culture first-hand, discover aspects
of French life that were totally new and
unfamiliar to me, and explore and appreciate
the beauty of another country. I met some
of the most amazing people, experienced a
new way of life (and food!), and did things
I’d normally never get the chance to do.
I learnt so much from my exchange – not
only in terms of my French, but also about
ARY
VIDEO LIBR
myself, and what I want to do in the future.
Given the chance, I would go back and do
it all over again! It was truly the experience
of a lifetime.
View our online
Claire Munro, NSW, France
video library
on our website
5 experienceiseverythingTM

7. Semester
& Year
Programs
Benefits Attend School. School is the social
Our Semester and Year Live Like a Local. You can be hub of the program. It’s where you will
programs are the most a tourist at any stage of your life but make friends, get involved in sporting
popular choice for students students on our long programs frequently and social activities and where you’ll
looking to gain an in-depth say they become part of the social fabric
get to try new subjects or extend your
of their host community. They start to think
exchange experience. understanding of familiar subjects.
and feel like a local. They build networks
They also represent of friends that frequently last a lifetime. Being away from home
excellent value for money. Their knowledge of the country increases
Being away from home for up to
and their capacity to put matters in
perspective matures and grows. 12 months can be a challenging
experience and it is not for everyone.
High Level Language Skills.
Duration If learning another language is one of You’re not on holiday and you are
You can apply for a program of either your motivations then our long programs definitely not a guest. Homesickness can
4 - 6 months (semester) or provide an opportunity to really hone your occasionally be acute. You sometimes
10 -12 months (year). skills. On a long program you can relax think that you’ll never get the language.
in the knowledge that you have plenty of But you’ll find that as you negotiate these
Destinations time to adjust, make mistakes, practice and other little hurdles along the way you’ll
You can go to Argentina, Australia, and learn. You’ll gain a level of fluency that acquire a whole new level of confidence
Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, only comes with prolonged immersion. and independence. The benefits are not
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Independence and Confidence. handed to you on a plate.
Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Although difficult at first, you’ll be amazed
Norway, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, at how your self confidence improves as Early Bird Discount
Switzerland, UK, and the USA. you adjust to your new life overseas. You receive a $500 (semester)
Your sense of independence will increase
Departure and your awareness of the world around
or $750 (year) discount
if you submit your application
You can choose from departures in you will change forever. before the relevant Early Bird Deadline:
January - February, March (Japan)
Open Doors. Students frequently tell
or July - September. 31st March for programs departing
us that their exchange experience opened
between the following October - March
study and career doors they had not
previously known existed. Your experience 31st October for programs departing
overseas provides you with an opportunity between the following April - September
During the past 4 months I think to reflect on your options and priorities.
I was only homesick for the first week,
Competitive Edge. Employers are
Visas
around Christmas and my birthday.
increasingly alert to the benefits of student All participants are required to enter their
I wasn’t as homesick as I thought I would
exchange. Your experience will set you host country with the appropriate student
because I was having WAY too much
apart from the crowd and mark you as exchange visa and/or be travelling with a
fun. My Spanish has improved more
than I expected or hoped for, and I love someone who has proven themselves in passport accepted by their host country.
speaking and understanding another challenging circumstances.
language. I’m definitely coming back to Make Lasting Friendships.
Prices
Spain one day. Thanks for everything! The friends you make on exchange For details on prices, application deadlines
Rhiannon Rennie, VIC, Spain frequently remain for life. You will share and departure dates, please refer to
experiences that easily transcend borders, our pricing and scholarship flyer or visit
cultures and generations. our website.
www.studentexchange.org.nz www.studentexchange.org.au 6

8. safety &
wellbeing
The safety and wellbeing of our students is our
highest priority. We understand that student excitement
at the adventure ahead is often mirrored by parental anxiety.
Supporting and guiding our students and families through a
safe and secure experience is our key objective.
We do this by: Local Support Structure
ort
helping prepare students prior to departure All students have a local coordinator appointed to support them
and providing them with high quality advice
gh throughout their time overseas. The coordinator – typically the
and information about their exchange experience mother or father of a returned student - is there to provide first
level support to students and families. If a student is experiencing
being available to parents throughout the exchange for any
roughout
a problem they can talk with their local coordinator who will offer
questions or concerns
advice and assistance. Coordinators are in regular contact with our
always using recognised airlines like Qantas, Air N
nes New Zealand,
professional staff to share information or seek advice.
BA, Air France, Emirates, Lufthansa, Thai, Mala
fthansa, Malaysian, etc.
Our partners keep us informed of any developments affecting the
only working with established and reputable o
ed overseas partners
students’ exchange. We, in turn, contact parents if there are any
ensuring that host families are personally int
interviewed in their issues that require their attention.
homes and that selection procedures and criteria meet with
The chart below shows the support structure that is available
statutory requirements of the host count
country
to all students.
ensuring that each student has a loca coordinator for regular
dent local
contact and close support and adv
pport advice Parent and Student Handbooks
providing all outbound participan with a MasterCard
und participants All students and parents will receive a handbook prior to the
multi-currency Cash Passport card to simplify overseas
ash pre-departure orientation with our staff. Each handbook contains
access to funds s comprehensive information on every aspect of our exchange
including comprehensive medical, baggage and cancellation
mprehensive program, what to expect, how to prepare prior to departure and
insurance in our parti
participation fee providing high quality advice and information about the exchange
training our staff a coordinators on a regular basis
and experience.
providing an e
viding emergency ‘phone service which students or
families ca call 24/7 if they experience a genuine emergency
amilies can Student
comm
communicating openly and regularly with all parties to the
e
exchange – parents, students, overseas partners etc Natural Family Host Family
regularly monitoring government travel warnings from DFAT
(Australia) and MFAT (New Zealand) Coordinator
We understand that, with the excitement and anticipation of an
upcoming exchange, students and their parents may not absorb all
recommendations/information at one sitting. That’s why we include Partner Organisation
our advice and information in our orientations and in our printed
and online materials. Similar but more locally specific advice is
included in orientations in the host country.
7 experienceiseverythingTM

9. exclusive
to our app
licants
My Exchange – loads more info about things like coping with homesickness
A Personalised Online Resource and culture shock, tips on how to get along with a new
& Reporting Centre for Students language, host family, friends, school, and heaps more
Once you’re accepted on to our program you’ll be given access a ‘My Docs’ area where all your important documents are kept
to ‘My Exchange’ - a personalised online resource and reporting as PDFs in one place. These might include:
centre packed with info to help you prepare and make the most of – Invoices, insurance certificate, flight itineraries etc
your exchange. With a secure login, you can access: – Host Family profile and related correspondence
– Your original application
links and resources about your host country
– Important correspondence and emails
an online travel journal allowing you to keep track of your
– Travel Release forms
experience with text and images
– Details of your returned student advisor
a summary of your profile and program information including
detailed information on what to expect whilst on exchange,
links to videos of returned students talking about their
how to prepare and what to take
experience
emergency and contact details
a personal dashboard, with quick access to news and updates
from us We know how hard it is to keep track of all the paperwork and
information. My Exchange is a great way to keep everything to do
an easy reporting facility allowing you to send updates directly
with your exchange in one place and stay connected to us while
to us whenever you need or via monthly e-post cards &
you’re away.
quarterly reports
www.studentexchange.org.nz www.studentexchange.org.au 8

10. student exchange
australia new zealand
Our Mission is to offer the unique experience of living and
studying in another culture and to enable young people to develop
the skills and awareness that will enhance their future potential.
Experience is everythingTM.
Our Organisation Low CO2
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd is incorporated in Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd is officially certified
Australia as a not-for-profit company and is registered with the as a Low CO2 organisation. This means that we undergo regular
New Zealand Companies office. We are registered as a secondary carbon audits by the Carbon Reduction Institute in order to
exchange organisation with Departments of Education around understand how much CO2 emission we are producing.
Australia and with the Ministry of Education in New Zealand. This allows us to investigate opportunities to cut down
Long established relationships with our international partners on these emissions through more efficient energy
ensure the highest standards of care and support to participants. practices and staff education. We also purchase
We maintain a network of volunteer community coordinators carbon credits to help offset our emissions based
throughout Australia and New Zealand who work in support of on the results of the audits.
students and families during the exchange experience.
Our Staff
All of our staff have either been exchange students themselves,
have lived overseas, hosted a student, speak other languages or
have travelled extensively. They understand the challenges faced
by students, families and volunteers. This experience assures you
of the very highest levels of service and support.
Our Community Coordinators
Our Community Coordinator network extends across Australia
and New Zealand. Our coordinators conduct student interviews,
participate in information sessions and supervise the experience
of our inbound students and host families. Training for our
coordinators is conducted throughout the year in a variety of
venues to ensure that our network is up-to-date and well informed.
Our Customer Service Commitment
We provide you with a clear written commitment of the customer
service standards you can expect from your dealings with Student
Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd (see page 12). If at any time in
your dealings with our organisation you feel we are not meeting our
Customer Service Commitment you are invited to let our National
Director know.
ARY
VIDEO LIBR
View our online
video library
on our website
9 experienceiseverythingTM

11. Scholarship Awards
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd is proud to offer Scholarship
Awards in the names of the following distinguished individuals:
RAWDON DALRYMPLE FAY WILMERDING
Rawdon Dalrymple was born in Sydney and went to school and Fay Wilmerding was an exchange student to Sweden in 1956.
university there. He was Rhodes Scholar for NSW in 1952 and She completed a Bachelor of Arts at Brown University (Providence,
graduated from Oxford with first class honours in Philosophy, Politics Rhode Island, USA) in 1961. She went on to spend 10 months
and Economics. He lectured in philosophy at Sydney University and studying language in France and teaching English. She returned to
then joined the Department of External Affairs in 1957. He joined the the US where she was employed in the student exchange industry
Asian Development Bank in Manila in 1967 as Alternate Director, and was subsequently asked to manage high school exchange
was then minister in the Australian embassy in Jakarta from 1969 to programs in Australia.
1972, and ambassador to Israel from 1972 to 1975. From 1968 to 1998, Fay played a leading role in the development
In 1981 Mr Dalrymple was appointed ambassador to Indonesia, of exchange opportunities in Australia and the founding of new
in 1985 ambassador to the United States and in 1989 ambassador programs. She was instrumental in establishing international
to Japan. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in education opportunities for thousands of exchange students, both
1985. After retiring from Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1994 Rawdon Australians going overseas and young people coming to Australia.
Dalrymple had a number of business and government appointments. Her work contributed strongly to the formation of student exchange
From 1966 until 2002 he taught courses in international relations programs we know today.
as a visiting professor in Government and International Relations Since leaving her thirty year career in the exchange student industry
at the University of Sydney. He has published articles in journals Fay has completed a Bachelor of Laws with first class honours at
in Australia, the United States, France and Canada and writes the University of Technology (Sydney). In 2007, she achieved her
a monthly column in a leading Japanese newspaper. His book Masters in Criminology from the University of Sydney. She was
Continental Drift: Australia’s Search for a Regional Identity was admitted as a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of NSW in
published by Ashgate in March 2003. 2004 and has worked assisting a Judge of the Supreme Court of
NSW and with Legal Aid NSW.
Fay Wilmerding Rawdon Dalrymple AO
T
TOP RIGHT:
G
Georgia Bryers, Indigenous
S
Scholarship Winner 2011, NZ
A
ABOVE:
G
Grace Casey, Indigenous SCHOLARSHIPS
S
S
Scholarship Winner 2012, NSW
L
LEFT:
E
Emma-Lee Foy, our first Indigenous
S
Scholarship Winner 2011, WA
See our pricing and scholarship flyer
(a photographed on cover)
(also or visit our website for information about
our scholarships. Over 12 partial and
full scholarships are available.
www.studentexchange.org.nz www.studentexchange.org.au 10

12. student exchange
application process
How to apply. We recommend you
attend one of our information evenings
before you apply. This ensures both
students and parents understand the
challenges and the benefits of being an
exchange student and that the program
is right for you.
Your application is what represents you to
us, our overseas partners and prospective
ensive
host families. It allows us to get a comprehensive
profile of the student and their interests.
plete
Give yourself a few weeks to properly complete
the application with input from your parents,
your school and your doctor.
Step 1 - Download an application form from our Step 5 - We’ll then send your application to
website or call us on 1300 135 331 (in Australia) or your country of choice.
0800 440 079 (in New Zealand) and we’ll organise
to send one to you.
Step 6 - When you’re accepted by our overseas
partner, we’ll give you access to your personalised
Step 2 - Complete and return your application ‘My Exchange’ online resource centre and arrange
form together with your $500 deposit (fully refundable a time and place to provide you and other students
if your application is not accepted). You should be sure with a comprehensive pre-departure orientation.
to apply at least 3 - 4 months prior to departure.
See our website for up to date application deadlines.
Please note there is a separate form for the USA. Please contact our office Step 7 - Prepare for lift off!
prior to completing your USA application form.
Step 8 - Once you’ve left home and arrived in your
Step 3 - We will acknowledge its receipt and liaise host country you’ll be met by a representative of our
with you regarding missing information or anything that’s overseas partner, or your host family or coordinator.
not clear. We will check it for eligibility.
While you’re away, you’ll be supported by a network
of people - your host family, your local coordinator, our
Step 4 - One of our staff or local coordinators overseas partner organisation and Student Exchange
will come to your home (or a mutually agreeable venue) Australia New Zealand Ltd. See page 7 for more detail.
to meet with you and, if possible, your parents. Provided
you meet our eligibility criteria and the interview confirms
your suitability then you will be formally notified of your Home Coming - Once you’ve arrived home,
acceptance on the program. we’ll send you a “Welcome Home Pack” and stay
in touch with you about upcoming opportunities.
Then you start the next chapter of your life with a
unique experience to share with family and friends.
11 experienceiseverythingTM

13. our customer service
commitment
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd aims to provide students and
parents with a high quality of service, care and support both before and during the
exchange experience to minimise the stress and maximise the rewards.
We will guarantee your country of choice We will deal promptly and fairly with issues and concerns
You can expect to be accepted for your country of choice You can expect a prompt, courteous and professional response
provided you meet our normal eligibility criteria and there are to any question or concern.
places available. If, for example, you are interested in going to Our offices are open between 9am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday
Japan we will not try and convince you that Argentina would and we can be reached on 1300 135 331 (Australia) or
be a better choice (or vice versa). 0800 440 079 (New Zealand).
We will provide you with friendly and helpful advice We provide a 24/7 emergency phone service in the event of a
at every stage of the process genuine emergency affecting the health or wellbeing of a student.
You can expect to receive friendly and helpful advice at all times. Students and parents are provided with this number prior to
departure.
We are open and honest about the challenges of being an
exchange student. We want students and parents to be well During the working week we will respond to your emails within
informed before making a commitment. 24 hours of receipt, often much sooner.
All applicants are assigned a particular staff member who will We will actively assist you in resolving any concerns or complaints
look after you from the time you apply until you return home. you may have. We encourage you to be in touch with our
All our staff have either been exchange students themselves, National Director, if we don’t meet your expectations.
have lived overseas, hosted a student, speak other languages or Call 1300 135 331 (Australia) or 0800 440 079 (New Zealand).
have travelled extensively. They enjoy their work and want to help.
We will be open and equitable in all our dealings
We’ve learnt that what people want is information. Our staff
You can expect to receive clear and even handed information
communicate regularly with everyone involved to ensure you have
and advice at all times.
the information you need. If your staff member is out of the office
We clearly explain what is and isn’t included in your program fee
when you call, then another staff member will be on hand to assist.
so there are no surprises. We tell you where your money goes.
We will support students, families and volunteers Our Prices, Terms & Conditions, Cancellation & Refund Policy,
throughout the experience Price Guarantee and Rules are all published on our website and
You can expect us to provide a high level of support throughout in other written materials.
the experience. All students are allocated a Local Coordinator who
We will respect your privacy and confidentiality
is there to assist and support whilst they are on exchange.
You can expect your personal information to at all times be kept in
We are in daily communication with our overseas partners and we
secure operating environments that are not available to the public.
commit to keeping parents fully informed of any issues or concerns
that arise whilst a student is on exchange. We will not sell, rent, share, trade or give away any information we
hold about you to anyone outside Student Exchange Australia New
We will be open and honest with students and parents and we
Zealand Ltd and our recognised partner organisations.
expect the same in return.
We maintain strict privacy and confidentiality policies in line with
We provide all applicants with personalised online resources that
relevant legislation in Australia and New Zealand.
are available before, during and after the exchange.
We provide departure and arrival orientations for our outbound and
inbound students.
If a student encounters a problem, we work with everyone involved
to resolve the issue in an open and transparent manner.
www.studentexchange.org.nz www.studentexchange.org.au 12

14. questions
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd d
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 on 1300 135 331
nd)
(in Australia) or 0800 440 079 (in New Zealand).
Is my country of choice guaranteed? What will my host family be like and how are they selected?
Yes. Unlike other exchange organisations we guarantee your Host families overseas come in all shapes and sizes – just as they
country of choice provided you meet all normal eligibility criteria do at home. Your host family might be like your family at home
and there are places available. or maybe not. It could be two parents and teenage children,
or a single parent, or an older couple or a childless couple.
Am I eligible to apply to go on exchange?
Whatever their configuration, host families are motivated to open
If you meet our eligibility requirements on page 3 then, yes!,
their home to a teenager from overseas and be part of their
you can apply with confidence.
learning experience. Just like at home, overseas host families are
Are there language requirements? interviewed and undergo an application screening process which
It depends where you’re going. There are language requirements complies with the requirements of your host country.
for Argentina, Austria, Germany and Italy which may be met by Can I go with a friend?
2 years of study at school or an intensive short course. Denmark
You and your friends can apply for the same programs but you will
requires some study of a language other than English. Japan
not be placed in the same host family. The idea of exchange is to
and France require two continuous years of language study prior
meet new people and immerse yourself in a new culture. Being with
to departure. That means there are no language requirements for
your friends from home can limit this experience. You need to grab
over a dozen countries! Feel free to call our friendly staff on
this opportunity and make it your experience.
1300 135 331 (Australia) or 0800 440 079 (New Zealand) to
discuss your particular circumstances. What support will I get while overseas?
A local volunteer coordinator is assigned to every student and
Who will I stay with while on exchange?
will be there to assist you. If you encounter problems the local
You will live with a host family. Host families are volunteers who
coordinator and our partner organisation will be able to guide and
are eager to share their life with a teenager like you. You may live
support you through the issue. Our office staff will be in regular
in any part of your host country and you may have more than one
contact with our partner organisation and with your parents to
host family during your experience.
coordinate and support your experience.
Will I have to repeat my school year when I get home?
What is expected of me?
Maybe yes. Maybe no. This is a decision to be made in consultation
Taking yourself out of your comfort zone means being responsible
with your school or education authority and your parents.
and making decisions for yourself – within the context of the rules
It is important to speak with your school early on in the process
and regulations of the program. You will mature while adapting to
about how being an exchange student will impact upon your
life in another country. You are expected to live as a local and it will
enrolment. This may differ according to whether you participate
be up to you to make adjustments in order to integrate into your
on a short or a long program and whether or not you have
new host family and community. You will need to be open-minded
completed your schooling before participation commences.
and non-judgemental, patient and fair. Being an exchange student
Does my family have to host someone while I am away? is a fantastic opportunity to grow.
No. Can I work part-time when on exchange?
But can we host a student from overseas? That depends on a few factors. First, your host country may have
Yes! We would be happy to discuss hosting with your family and laws which govern whether teenagers can work. Second, you’ll
arrange an interview and reference checks. We welcome enquiries need to take into consideration your responsibilities at school and
from all potential host families and would be pleased to consider with your host family and friends. The aim of the exchange is to
your family too. 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 the opportunity to earn a little pocket money.
13 experienceiseverythingTM

15. Can I go to more than one country? Where does the money go?
If you wish to apply for a semester in one country and a Student Exchange Australia New Zealand
semester in another country we are happy to make the Ltd is a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation which
necessary arrangements. But please be aware that there means there are no shareholders to Recruitment
Recruitment
Careand
Care & & selection
and selection
are visa and cost considerations. whom profits can be distributed. of students
of students
support of
support of
We are ‘fee for service’ which means students in
students in
Can I speak to a former exchange student? the hosting
the hosting Getting
Getting
that program fees are used to cover country
country
Of course. We are happy to connect you with one of our students to
students to
the costs of providing the program, & from their
and from their
Returned Student Advisors. Returned Student Advisors are destination
destination
both here and abroad. As a rough guide
former exchange students who have participated on an
program costs break down as follows:
exchange in your host country. They are happy to share their
• 25% of program costs occur before
experiences with you and can provide advice on all manner of
you leave and go toward the recruitment and selection of students
detail regarding being an exchange student to your destination.
for their overseas experience. These include professional staff in
I’m 19. Am I too old? Australia and New Zealand, processing of applications, student and
You’re probably too old for our high school programs, but we family interviews, resource materials, orientation and assistance
have some great Gap year options for you to consider. with visas and a contribution to general overheads.
You might like to do your bachelor degree in the US as the • 27% of program costs go toward getting students to and from
recipient of a sports or academic scholarship! Or you could their destination. These include domestic and international airfares
work in France, Germany, Spain or the US as an Au Pair. What with recognised airlines, airport transfers, insurance and processing
about teaching English to your host family for just 15 hours per of tickets.
week in exchange for food and accommodation in France or • 48% of program costs arise in the hosting country and go
Germany. You might find what you’re looking for through our toward the care and support of students. These include full time
sister organisation, Student Placement Australia New Zealand professional support staff, recruitment and selection of volunteer
(see page 17), or call us on 1300 135 331 (Australia) or host families, recruitment and selection of local coordinators,
0800 440 079 (New Zealand) and we’ll see what we can do. provision of arrival orientations, development of resource materials
Check out www.studentplacement.com.au for details. and facilitation of school enrolments, etc.
How do I pay? A study1 by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling
1. A $500 deposit is payable on application, which is fully found that it costs up to A$433 a week or over A$22,500 a year
refundable if your application is not successful. to keep a teenager at home. Compare this to the cost of our
2. The balance of the program fee is payable in installments participation fee and the value of our programs is immediately clear.
commencing on acceptance to the program. A student exchange program is an investment for life.
Experience is everything™.
1 Source: AMP NATSEM Income and Wealth Report December 2007
Acceptance of conducted by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling.
Submission of application for 6 x monthly
application Early Bird Discount & installments
Scholarship applicants
$500 deposit
Acceptance of
Fully refundable 3 x monthly My 11 month Student Exchange trip to Brazil has had a big
application for
if your application installments
all other applicants impact on my future because it has allowed me to experience a
is not successful
culture totally different from my own Australian background. I lived
with a family I had never met before and now I can’t wait to visit them
again. I now have much more confidence in myself and I know that
I can adapt to whatever happens to me in life. I have learnt another
language (Portuguese) and have now studied and lived in a foreign
country, not dependant on my parents - apart from money. I did it on
my own and I loved it and if I can do that, then I can do anything.
Keith McCann, WA, Brazil
www.studentexchange.org.nz www.studentexchange.org.au 14

16. exchange student
s
While you are contemplating becoming an exchange student,
there are students somewhere overseas who are excitedly
anticipating their experience in Australia or New Zealand.
Hosting an overseas student is a great way to experience
student exchange without even leaving home. We are always
on the lookout for good host families.
The Stuart Family Interested in hosting?
n
Victoria, Andrew and their two children from the Nort
Northern Beaches Being a host family is a fun, rewarding and challenging experience.
of NSW, hosted Simon from Denmark.
nmark. Host families come in all shapes and sizes, backgrounds and
ages. Retired couples, single parents with or without children,
couples with primary school children, couples with teenagers and
“It’s been a fantastic experience so far... It’s been great having
perience a family pet… all can apply to become a host family and all can
an older brother for our young kids. Simon has b been a fantastic role benefit in many ways from the exchange experience.
model...Simon helps around the house a lot. O of the first things he
he One
To learn more about hosting a student at your place, view videos
said to us during the first couple of days he was here was what should
uple w
at www.studentexchange.org.au/host, call us on 1300 135 331
my chores be? I was delighted to hear him say that.”
ted
(in Australia) or 0800 440 079 (in New Zealand), have a chat and
Victoria, Host Mum
we’ll send you an information pack.
“These students are coming out, they’ here, and they’re going to
ming they’re
live with someone. If you think you’r a great family and will be able to
ou you’re
look after another family member - It’s great for them, it’s great for you,
mily
everyone benefits. Give it a go, there’s only been benefits.”
Andrew, Host Dad ad
ARY
VIDEO LIBR
View our online
video library
STUDENTS
MEET OUR on our website
Lio, Germany Luca, Italy The Arrow Family
Check out our website to learn more about the students “Becoming a Host family for an international student has been
who are soon to arrive in Australia and New Zealand. We have much more than we expected. We thought it would be great
teenage boys and girls from Europe, Japan, USA and Latin for our kids to learn a little about another language and maybe
America on their way for 2-3 months and 5 or 10 months. something about another country. Instead, we gained another
family member and some great new friends, her parents from
Germany. We get to show off our country and learn so much
about hers. What a fantastic experience for all of us.” Melissa,
Host Mum
The Smith Family
“We migrated to Oz/WA five years ago...and us now having a
foreign exchange student has made us fall in love with Australia
(WA) all over again! There is so much to see, do and experience
here down under.... and you can really show-off and relish in all the
diversity (in your own state) here in Australia. These experiences
with our exchange student have created bonds and memories of a
lifetime! Thank you Student Exchange Australia New Zealand
for this wonderful opportunity!” Stephany, Host Mum
15 experienceiseverythingTM

17. business
relationships
Departments of Education STA Travel
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd is registered Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd works exclusively with
as an exchange provider with Departments of Education and STA Travel for all our travel needs. STA Travel is a world leader in
other regulatory authorities in every state and territory across youth travel. With a global network of offices their staff are always
Australia. Registration entails meeting strict standards in the close at hand. STA Travel believes that travel is the best education.
provision of care and support to participants. We maintain
www.statravel.com.au
regular communication with departmental officials to ensure
www.statravel.co.nz
compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• NSW Department of Education and Training
• QLD Department of Education and the Arts
• Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA)
Australian Federation of Modern
• Tasmanian Qualifications Authority (TQA) Language Teachers Associations
• SA Department of Education and Children’s Services The AFMLTA supports Student Exchange Australia and New
• WA Department of Education and Training Zealand’s Language Scholarships and members of state MLTAs
• NT Department of Employment, Education and Training assist in the selection process by interviewing short-listed
• ACT Department of Education and Training scholarship applicants in their target language.
www.afmlta.asn.au Australian Federation of
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd is also registered Modern Language Teachers
Associations
with the New Zealand Ministry of Education. Student Exchange
Australia New Zealand Ltd has agreed to observe and be bound by
the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students Access Prepaid Worldwide
published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are Multi-currency Cash Passport enables cardholders to load both
available on request from Student Exchange Australia New Zealand foreign currencies and Australian and New Zealand Dollars onto
Ltd or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at one card and can be reloaded as many times as they want during
www.minedu.govt.nz the life of the card, within the applicable limits. Whether the
cardholder is travelling to one destination or to a number of different
destinations, the Multi-currency Cash Passport is the better way to
carry travel money.
Council of Australian Student Exchange
www.cashpassport.com
Organisations (CASEO)
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd is a founding member
of the Council of Australian Student Exchange Organisations
(CASEO). CASEO acts to promote the importance and educational Carbon Reduction Institute
value of student exchange programs and seeks improvements in The Carbon Reduction Institute (CRI) is committed to protecting
the policy and regulatory framework. CASEO aims to provide a our environment by encouraging businesses to reduce their carbon
coherent and unified voice on key issues affecting emissions. Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd works with
the industry. Our National Director, Nick Lorentzen, the CRI to reduce our CO2 emissions and encourage our students
was the founding President of CASEO. to take a responsible approach to climate change.
www.caseo.org.au www.noco2.com.au
New Zealand Council for Intercultural
Education
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd is a member of the
New Zealand Council for Intercultural Education.
www.studentexchange.org.nz www.studentexchange.org.au 16

18. student
placement Age Program Description
australia GAP YEAR OPTIONS
new zealand 14 - 19 High School Programs
Overseas opportunities for 16 + Sports Scholarships USA
This program allows Aussie and Kiwi students to utilise
when you’ve left school their sporting skills to gain a university education in the
If you are too old for a high school student exchange USA, often for less than it costs to study in Australia or
program or if you have older brothers and sisters who might New Zealand.
be interested in gaining overseas experience then our sister
organisation, Student Placement Australia New Zealand
Pty Ltd, may have a program to suit. We help facilitate the
placement of young people who have left school into work,
training and study programs overseas.
Gap year options available:
16 + Study USA
Sports Scholarships USA
The program gives you access to a wide range of
Study USA generous academic scholarships from a large number
Live & Learn - France or Germany of universities across the United States.
Au Pair - USA, France, Germany and Spain
Other programs:
Work & Travel USA
Internship/Trainee - USA
18 - 25 Live & Learn
Spend up to 3 months in France or Germany;
Free Information Sessions living with a host family and helping them learn English.
You might like to attend one of our Free Information Sessions Great stepping stone for a working holiday.
to learn more about our Gap year options… or attend an info Participants will live with a host family in France or Germany
session online. Check out www.studentplacement.com.au and receive free board and lodging. In return they will
for more details on programs, prices and info sessions. spend 15 hours a week (weekends free) teaching or
conversing in English with members of the family. You
INFO SESSIONS ONLINE
NE
E can attend a language school or travel around your host
country on weekends but you will need to make all your
own arrangements and cover all costs. This is a program
for adults, so you will have the freedom to meet friends, do
sports, go out in the evenings, etc. But you also have the
obligation to behave responsibly and respect your family.
This is a great option for Gap year students before pursuing
a working holiday.
18 - 30 Au Pair
Spend 12 months in the US, France, Germany or Spain;
living with a host family and caring for their children.
Pocket money included plus the chance to attend
Evening College.
Student Placement Australia New Zealand Pty Ltd
(Incorporated in Australia).
AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
PO Box 1420, Suite 2590, PO Box 83000
Mona Vale NSW 1660 Wellington 6440,
Australia New Zealand
Phone 1300 135 331 Phone 0800-440079
www.studentplacement.com.au www.studentplacement.co.nz
ABN 81 101 489 052
* Please see relevant program information page and website for full eligibility details.
17 experienceiseverythingTM

19. Eligibility Program Features
If you’re enrolled in your final year of high school, you’re eligible for
our high school programs. See pages 3 and 6 for details.
You must be interested in beginning or continuing an undergraduate
career in the US and meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Be between 16 and 26 years of age.
• Practice soccer, tennis, golf, or basketball.
• Fit in to one of the following categories:
– Current High School student.
– High School graduate.
– Currently attending university (classes can be transferred).
– University graduate (classes can be transferred).
• Attend an International Showcase event in the USA where your skills and
abilities will be assessed
Study USA is open to students interested in beginning or continuing an
undergraduate career in the US and who meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Current High School student.
• High School graduate.
• Currently attending university (classes can be transferred).
• University graduate (classes can be transferred).
• International Students are eligible to apply but the granting of visas is at the
discretion of the US consulates.
• Are open minded and flexible.
You are eligible to participate if you meet the following requirements:
• in good physical and mental health
• are between 18 and 25 years old
• are mature, open-minded and ready to learn
• have good organisational skills and patience
• have a genuine interest in learning about other cultures and languages
• are flexible, resourceful, and adaptable to new and unfamiliar situations
You are eligible to participate if you meet the following requirements:
• Are 18 through 26 (USA) or 27 (France & Spain) or 30 (Germany) years of age
• Enjoy children aged 3 months to 12 years, and in most cases have at least 200
hours experience in caring for children (babysitting, etc.)
• Successfully pass a selection interview
• Successfully pass a psychometric test (US only)
• Enjoy helping children grow and develop, and are willing to enrich the lives
of your host family by sharing your culture and traditions
• Are a responsible person who is willing to make a one year commitment to
experience your host country’s culture by living as a member of a local family,
and providing up to 45 hours of child care assistance each week
• Have completed high school
• Are conversant in English, in good health, energetic and enthusiastic,
non-smoker and are a licensed driver (not required in Spain)
www.studentplacement.co.nz www.studentplacement.com.au 18

20. Student Exchange
Exchange
hange
h
Australia New Zealand Ltd
d
(Incorporated in Australia).
AUSTRALIA
Postal Address
PO Box 1420
Mona Vale NSW 1660
Australia
Phone 1300 135 331
Fax 02 9997 0701
www.studentexchange.org.au
ABN 49 101 489 356
NEW ZEALAND
Postal Address
Suite 2590
PO Box 83000
Wellington 6440
New Zealand
Phone 0800 440 079
Fax 0800 440 079
www.studentexchange.org.nz
The Australian manufacture of the paper used for this Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd catalogue meets the international standard ISO 14001 for
environmental management. This paper TMcertified under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Scheme (PEFC) which assures consumers that the
is
20 experienceiseverything
utilised forestry products can be traced from a certified, responsibly managed forest through all stages of processing and production by a chain of custody process.