ABOUT US
With our extensive experience in student high school exchanges we know what is required to ensure a positive and memorable exchange for our students. To us you will never be a be just a number – we will be with you every step of the way.
WHAT WE DO
We’re creating a new generation of global citizens through high school exchanges. We create unique opportunities and experiences for students going on one of our high school exchanges. Delivering new skills to students and knowledge of other cultures is how we deliver cultural understanding. You can trust that with each opportunity we create, we will be on hand to support and prepare you for your new adventure. We deliver distinctive experiences allowing students to live life as a ‘local’ in a safe and supportive environment.
HOW WE DO IT
At Your Education we understand high school exchanges and thrive on delivering authentic opportunities for our students. Our hands-on approach and attention to detail allows us to identify and match the student's desire to living like a local in a foreign country. With our team of Local Area Representatives throughout New Zealand we work in the local communities to provide warm care and support to each of our students going on one of our high school exchanges. We are proudly delivering quality opportunities and helping to create greater understanding between cultures and peaceful cooperation between nations.
WHO ARE WE?
We are a team of passionate individuals who thrive on providing overseas high school exchanges for students, throughout New Zealand and around the world. Your Education is a New Zealand owned and operated high school exchange organisation, providing genuine care and warmth worldwide. We are accredited by the Ministry of Education and New Zealand Council of Intercultural Exchanges (www.nzcie.org.nz).
MEET THE TEAM
WHY CHOOSE YOUR EDUCATION?
NEW ZEALAND OWNED AND OPERATED
PREPARATION AND SUPPORT
Your Education is a specialised, New Zealand-based international education agency. We know what experiences Kiwi students want and we know how to help make your travel dreams a reality.
EXPERIENCE
With our extensive experience in the exchange industry, Your Education knows what is required to ensure a positive and memorable exchange for our students.We also strongly support regulatory and Code of Practice requirements both in New Zealand and all of our destination countries.
We will ensure that you are well prepared for your exchange. Unlike some larger exchange organisations, we get to know families on a personal level, allowing us to cater to your needs and concerns. Our experienced team will help you with all your questions about going overseas and becoming an exchange student.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We have partial scholarships available for our short term, semester and year exchanges. We also provide a payment plan that allows you to pay for your exchange in instalments between being accepted onto the programme and departing for your exchange.
SUPPORT WITH YOUR EDUCATION
The first step towards becoming an exchange student is to start the application process by completing a no-obligation pre-application form found on our website. We will require you and your parents to attend one of our free online Information Meetings, before proceeding with an interview and being accepted onto your exchange. The Your Education team in New Zealand will then guide you through the application process and prepare you for your departure.
YOUR PERSONAL INTERVIEW
An important part of our application process is an online interview with one of our team. This is a chance for us to get to know you better and to ensure you have the right motivation and expectations. Once you have applied, you and your parents will be invited to this interview, where you can find out more about the programme and discuss why you want to study overseas.
YOUR PLACEMENT
Once you are enrolled in the programme, you will need to fill in a country-specific application so that we can begin working on matching you with an appropriate and carefully screened host family. We will notify you as soon as we have found a host family, which usually happens a few weeks before you depart. This gives you time to contact and build a relationship with them before you start your exchange.
PREPARATION
LOCAL SUPPORT
A local representative will provide you with any support necessary throughout your exchange programme. These representatives are experienced with exchange programmes and most of them have hosted students themselves. They often arrange fun activities and gatherings for the Your Education students in their area, such as visits to special places. You can always contact your local representative directly if you need assistance.
OFFICE IN YOUR HOST COUNTRY
You will be provided with contact details and information about who to reach out to in your new country. The staff from the local office will contact you and are always available if you need assistance. We are also available in New Zealand for your parents to contact if they need any help. Upon completing your exchange, you will receive a completion certificate confirming that you have successfully completed your programme.
Preparation is the key to a successful exchange experience. Our preparation process involves you and your parents. You will receive preparation material and handbooks. You and your parents ill also participate in a compulsory orientation meeting before you travel to your host country. Your host family will be a major source of support for you while you are abroad. They will welcome you as a member of the family and help you deal with any homesickness or other issues you may face. They will also introduce you to the community and show you around. All of our host families are rigorously screened and prepared. At your new school, you will also quickly make friends who want to help and support you, as well as invite you to join them in their social activities.
OUR PROGRAMMES
SHORT TERM
Short-term exchanges give you an opportunity to live overseas without missing out on school in New Zealand! - Short Term Programmes are for one, two or three months (varies between destinations; - A short term exchange is a great opportunity to give you an insight into life in a different country; - Departures depend on the destination - please check the country specific page for options: - Don’t miss any school in New Zealand and spend your summer holidays attending a High School overseas; - VISAS: If you have a New Zealand passport then no Visa is required! Exception: USA - ESTA Visitors Visa required and Canada - eTA Visitors Visa required (both fast online applications).
SEMESTER
&
ACADEMIC YEAR
Often called the "traditional exchange" this gives you a chance to truly immerse yourself into the culture and language. - Semester (4 -5 months) or Academic Year (10-12 months); - A longer experience, perhaps giving you the chance to become fluent in a new language; - Experience all seasons, holidays and traditions with your host country; - Establish deeper friendships – grow your Global Family; - Tours and Trips available; - Departures traditionally in either January or August each year (Japan: April and September); - Additional November departures available for France. - VISAS: If you want to study in a country for 5 – 12 months you will need to apply for a student visa. That means, you will have to apply for your visa prior to your departure and there is likely to be an additional cost. We will assist you with your visa application and help you if you have any questions.
REGION CHOICE
Some of our destinations allow you will be able to choose which part of the country you would like to live during your exchange. - In CANADA you can choose either Rocky Mountains or Vancouver. - In FRANCE you can choose from Paris, Brittany (Nantes, Rennes, Saint Malo, Saint Brieuc), Provance (Aix-en-Provance, Marseille, Avignon), Languedoc (Montepellier, Nimes) or Aquitaine (Bordeaux, Archachon Bay, Biarriz, Tolouse). - In UNITED STATES you can choose Great Lakes and you will be based in typical Midwestern cities near Lake Michigan.
