What is a student exchange?




Introduction


Expand your horizons with an AFS student exchange. Every year more than 200 young Kiwis head overseas for the experience of a lifetime. It is a chance for you to experience another culture and live like a local in more than 50 countries across the globe.

It could be the making of you. You'll learn a new language. You'll be immersed in another culture. You'll make new friendships and have a ton of fun. And, most of all, you'll mature as a person.

There are plenty of rewards as you discover new people and places, but your personal growth will be the greatest reward of all. You can tailor the exchange to suit yourself and your studies. Best of all you get to live like a local, not a tourist. You'll be fully involved in the life of a local family and community.

An AFS exchange also looks great on your CV. Employers are impressed by people who are up for new challenges.

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Who can apply

If you are aged 14–18, a full-time student and a New Zealand citizen or resident, you can apply to go on an exchange. (If you're over 18, check out our Work Abroad section.)

The most important qualities you need are flexibility, self-confidence and the ability to mix well with others.

You don't need to be a top student. In general, your marks should be at least 50%, although some countries want high academic levels.

Some countries also require that you have some experience in the language, while others don't – check the country you want to visit. There's no better way to learn a language than being immersed in it 24/7.

If you have a disability, we offer exchanges depending on the placement, requirements and disability.




Types of exchange

There are three types of AFS exchange programme:

The AFS Year Programme lasts for a full academic year, so it suits students looking for a longer-term experience. You immerse yourself in another culture, live with a host family and attend a local school as a full-time student.

The AFS Semester Programme is much like the Year Programme but lasts 5–6 months only. You still involve yourself fully in the life of a local family and community, and you attend a local school as a full-time student.

The AFS Intensive Programme lasts up to three months only and usually takes place over the NZ summer holidays (Dec–Jan). This makes the programme ideal if you can't take a longer-term break from studies or other commitments. Even though it's a shorter programme, you still have a great overseas experience and get to use your language skills living with a host family and attending a local school.

Our Choose a country page lists the countries you can visit for each programme. Under each country, you'll find more information including costs and what the programme involves.

Every exchange student completes a comprehensive orientation programme. We have an extensive network of people on the ground in every host country. They will help you settle in and deal with any issues that arise. Our international office even has plans in place to assist you in the unlikely event of a major international emergency.

If you do want to go on an exchange, talk to your parents about it. They will want to know about AFS, how serious you are, where you want to go and especially what you hope to get out of the experience. You can also point them to our Safety and support page.

Ministry of Education Language Immersion Awards

The Ministry of Education is also offering up to 15 fully funded Language Immersion Awards for travel in 2011 to New Zealand secondary school students who study the following languages.


Applications for these awards will close on 21 May 2012. Click here for more information.




When to apply

The deadlines for applications this year for departure the following year are:




Have more questions

If you have any questions about AFS student exchanges, email a Sending Coordinator on nzl.sending@afs.org, or call 0800 600 300.

We also have a DVD about student exchanges available. To request a copy, call 0800 600 300 or email .