Good news for Australian students interested in AFS!
Requirements by Australian Education Departments
For Australian students interested in AFS’s short cultural programmes, it’s a key requirement from Australian Education Departments and AFS that participation occurs outside of your regular school term. This critical point ensures that your enrolment on a visitor visa for a ‘casual’ school experience in your host country does not disrupt your formal academic commitments and attendance requirements within the Australian education system. Aligning your programme with your Australian school holidays is essential to comply with these guidelines.
- Duration
Programmes typically range from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the destination. - Eligibility
Students can be aged between 14 years, 10 months and 18 years, 11 months. Each destination has its own age criteria to meet national academic requirements, which you can find below along with other eligibility requirements on the destinations panel. - Accommodation
Students will live with a local volunteer host family, providing an authentic cultural experience and full immersion into daily life.
Host families are carefully vetted and supported by AFS. - School Experience
You’ll attend a local school as a ‘casual’ student, participating in classes, school activities, and making new friends. The focus is on cultural learning and language practice rather than academic assessment. - Activities & Excursions
While the primary focus is school and host family life, some programmes may offer optional cultural activities or excursions.
(Details will vary by destination and programme.)
Destinations
Find Your Programme:
Pick from any of the short and intensive programmes!
Join an Info Zoom Session
These webinars are perfect for anyone interested in the AFS study abroad programme and its life-changing opportunities. Whether you’re a student, parent, or just curious, these sessions provide valuable insights. Hear from experienced AFS NZ staff, ask questions, and learn about the benefits of cultural exchange. Discover how studying abroad with AFS broadens horizons and builds meaningful global connections.
Learn about the application process and how AFS works
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How AFS Keeps Our Participants Safe
Each year, thousands of young people study abroad through AFS Partners Offices in 55+ countries. The safety and well-being of our participants is the number one priority.
Information For Parents
AFS is a leading student study abroad programme provider for secondary school students, supported and facilitated by trained staff and volunteers.
About AFS
AFS is a non-profit organisation that provides transformative intercultural learning experiences for young people, primarily through immersive study abroad programmes that foster global citizenship.
AFS is a Peace Organisation
AFS Intercultural Programmes is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to creating a more just and peaceful world through intercultural education and exchange. For over 75 years, we have provided transformative experiences that empower young people to develop essential global competencies, including intercultural understanding, empathy and critical thinking.
By becoming active, engaged global citizens through deep personal connections across cultures, AFSers break down barriers and stereotypes and cultivate a profound sense of shared humanity.
Through its programmes, AFS directly contributes to peace by nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure
With over 75 years of experience in student exchanges, we know what we’re doing when it comes to support and education! AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers and staff will be there to support and guide you the whole way through. In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact. This journey will help you maximise your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community, and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad and as you return to your home country. Find out more about our educational expertise here!