FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is a high school exchange?
A high school exchange with Your Education allows you to spend from one month up to an academic year in another country. You will stay with a host family and attend the local high school. By living everyday life in a new country you will get to learn about the culture and language.
Yes, you sure can. If you are not interested in learning a new language then we have three English speaking destinations - USA, Canada, the UK, and South Africa. Some of our non-English speaking destinations require you to have studied the language already and you must be willing to work extremely hard to learn the native language during your exchange. Talk to us and we can discuss what the best option is for you!
Yes. We guarantee you will get to go to your chosen destination provided you meet the acceptance criteria and there are spaces available. Some destinations do have a limited number of places available, so early application is highly recommended.
While you don ’t need to be a top scholar, Your Education exchanges are an educational programme. To be accepted onto an exchange you need to be achieving the equivalent of a ‘C’ grade average. In NCEA this means that you need to be getting at least ‘Achieved’ for all of your subjects. While you are on exchange you will be expected to always attend school and participate fully in all of your classes. For the USA and Canada you will be expected to maintain a ‘C’ grade average, however for non-English speaking countries you will be given more of a chance to improve your language skills first.
We are normally able to let you know whether you have been accepted within 48 hours of your interview. In some cases our team will contact you to gather further information or ask for letters from your doctor or teacher to support your application.
We are normally able to let you know whether you have been accepted within 48 hours of your interview. In some cases our team will contact you to gather further information or ask for letters from your doctor or teacher to support your application.
We accept those students who meet our requirements. Since the number of spots for host countries is limited, we can take only a limited number of students into each host country’s programme. Once you have been accepted onto the programme and paid the deposit you are guaranteed a place on the exchange.
Stand out from the crowd - A high school student exchange with Your Education will provide you with valuable skills and experience that will benefit your future academic and professional career. You’ll become more confident and independent – important traits that universities and employers are looking for. Become fluent in a foreign language - A student exchange is your chance to improve your foreign language skills by speaking daily to your new host family and friends. Although hard work at first, in a few months you will notice that you have attained a new valuable skill that you will retain for the rest of your life. Create lifelong friendships - You will make a lot of important connections during your exchange. Your host family will welcome you into their home and community, so pretty soon you will feel like part of the family! You’ll also make loads of new friends at school, some of whom may become lifelong friends. Also, you will end up meeting other exchange students from other countries, which will give you the opportunity to make international friends and connections around the globe. Experience a different way of travelling - Visiting a country as a tourist only gives you a superficial idea of the culture and customs, but actually living with a local family for an extended period of time - and getting on with your daily life as you would back home - will give you a much more profound insight into what the country and its people are really like. An exchange is a great way to start travelling independently, with the peace of mind that you have the support of an experienced organisation behind you.
Your Education is different to other exchange programmes. We are a small group of passionate New Zealanders committed to building life experiences for our students. We love what we do! Your Education has been around for over 10 years building successful exchanges for Kiwi students and supporting Kiwi families. We are a small company and we pride ourselves on the personalised care we provide for each individual student and their family. Being based in New Zealand enables us to have close contact with families and it means that we understand what Kiwi students want from an exchange and the best way to fit it into an NCEA school year.
You can apply anytime of the year. Just keep our application deadlines in mind. For a Short Term exchange you need to apply at least 3 months before your departure. For January departures the deadline is 1st September and for August departures the deadline is the 15th March. The deadlines for exchanges to Japan are 1st December (April departure) and 1st May (September departures).
When you are ready to apply you need to complete the pre-application form on our website. Once we have received your application details you will be invited to attend one of our Online Information Meetings. We need you to have attended one of these meetings before we can proceed with your application. Once you have attended an Online Information Meeting, one of our Your Education team will contact you to arrange an interview. All of our interviews are conducted online and take around an hour. You and your parents must both attend the interview.
We are normally able to let you know whether you have been accepted within 48 hours of your interview. In some cases our team will contact you to gather further information or ask for letters from your doctor or teacher to support your application.
This will depend on the seriousness of the illness or allergy. Acceptance criteria also varies depending on your chosen destination. Any medical history or current conditions should be brought to Your Education’s attention on the pre-application form. We can then discuss this more during your interview. Your Education reserves the right to review or withdraw your acceptance should any new or additional information come to our attention in your application regarding your health.
No. You are welcome to apply at the same time as your friend. You can then go through the whole application and preparation process together and possibly even fly to your host country together. We will not place you in the same area though as we want you to each have your own individual experience.
Your interview leader will make a recommendation and then the final decision is made by the Your Education management team.
ABOUT YOUR
HOST FAMILY
The reason for becoming a host family is hospitality, not profit. Host families in most of our host countries do so voluntarily. In countries where families receive a contribution, it is a small reimbursement for having a student in their home, designed to cover the high cost of living in these countries. This is to cover costs, not enough to make a profit.
Host families receive several applications to choose from and have to consider carefully what it means to host a student in their home. They then decide which student they feel best suits their family. Once you have been selected by a host family the local office will then work to enrol you in a nearby high school. You will be notified about your placement once everything is confirmed. This procedure takes time. It is not uncommon for most placements to be made shortly before the start of the programme and it may be up until two weeks before your departure.
Host families live all over the country so it is important that you are open to be placed anywhere throughout your chosen destination. Many host families live in small towns, suburbs and in the countryside.
In the beginning there will always be an adjustment period. You will be expected to be as open-minded as possible and look upon any difficulties as a learning experience. It is important to remember that you are joining their home and culture, so it is up to you to make the effort to fit into their lifestyle. You will also have your Local Area Representative to turn to for advice. He or she can help you to talk to the host family and maybe arrange a family meeting where you can try to solve any issues together. Remember the key exchange saying is, “it is not right, it is not wrong, it is just different”.
If really necessary, we can move a student. This will only be done when all efforts to solve any communication issues have been explored. You should remember that you go to the host country in order to learn about their way of life, without seeing them as a reason to move.
Yes. Very often students are placed in a small or semi-rural communities. Exchange is about authentic local experience.
The selection of host families is subject to government regulations. Families interested in hosting must make a written application, including references from employers, neighbours or other respected people who know them well. All potential host families must be visited in their home by a Local Area Representative for an extended personal interview. Every family member needs to be happy to host a student. The host family will be required to meet certain criteria and will have reference checks to ensure their suitability. In most destinations host family members are also required to pass a criminal background check.
Host families can come in all shapes and sizes. The criteria is that they will provide a safe, warm and welcoming environment. It is important to be open minded and flexible as to the makeup and socio economic status of your host family.
No. You have been carefully chosen by your family so we encourage you to meet them and get to know them.
Yes, of course, we encourage you to do this as soon as you hear who your host family is. It is a definite advantage to have had as much contact as possible with the family prior to departure.
We cannot guarantee that you will have your own room, but if you end up sharing it will be with a host sibling of the same gender and a similar age.
Any dietary issues or restrictions may impact on your acceptance. Each destination has its own acceptance criteria and some are more flexible than others. Any dietary restrictions or allergies should be brought to Your Education’s attention on the pre-application form. We can then discuss this more during your interview. Your Education reserves the right to review your acceptance onto the programme or withdraw your acceptance should any new or additional information come to our attention in your application regarding your diet.
Yes, you will be an active member of the family, not a guest. This means that your host parents can expect you to help out around the home, just as they would their own children. Helping out with the household chores and maybe cooking dinner is a great way to start feeling comfortable with your host family and sharing with them about their culture.
ABOUT SCHOOL
The majority of our placements are in public high schools. In some instances we may need to use a private school with increased fees. This would be discussed with you before we proceed.
This will depend on your destination country and how far your host family lives from the school. A lot of our students take a school bus or public transport to school. If there is an additional cost for this you would be responsible for purchasing your tickets. If the school is close enough you can always walk or ride a bike. In Japan and some destinations in Europe and the UK it is not uncommon for students to need to travel up to an hour on public transport to get to and from school.
This differs widely from school to school and between the different destination countries. You are expected to study the language and history of your host country. Students must maintain a full course load in the host school and are encouraged to take advantage of the chance to try new subjects.
Your Education students who have spent an academic year or semester abroad have generally not received academic credits for their classes taken overseas. We strongly recommend that you discuss your plans for an exchange with your Careers Advisor to find out when would be the best time to go to fit it in with your studies in New Zealand.
Yes. Your Education students must maintain their academic focus in each subject. In the USA and Canada you will be expected to maintain a ‘C’ grade average. In non-English speaking destinations you will not have as much pressure to obtain a specific grade, but you will be expected to participate fully in all classes and try your best. School attendance is mandatory in all destinations and unexplained absences will result in disciplinary action.
You will not need a uniform in most of our destinations. A school uniform will sometimes be required in the UK and Japan. We would let you know this when you are enrolled in your school. Any uniform items that need to be purchased would be an additional expense that you would need to cover.
The year you will be placed in will depend on the school system of each country, your age and language skills. Your new school will decide which year will be the right one for you.
Yes. We encourage you to try as many sports and activities as possible. However, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to play a specific sport or that you will be able to compete at a particular level as this will depend on your placement and school.
The majority of our placements are in public high schools. In some instances we may need to use a private school with increased fees. This would be discussed with you before we proceed.
This will depend on your destination country and how far your host family lives from the school. A lot of our students take a school bus or public transport to school. If there is an additional cost for this you would be responsible for purchasing your tickets. If the school is close enough you can always walk or ride a bike. In Japan and some destinations in Europe and the UK it is not uncommon for students to need to travel up to an hour on public transport to get to and from school.
This differs widely from school to school and between the different destination countries. You are expected to study the language and history of your host country. Students must maintain a full course load in the host school and are encouraged to take advantage of the chance to try new subjects.
Your Education students who have spent an academic year or semester abroad have generally not received academic credits for their classes taken overseas. We strongly recommend that you discuss your plans for an exchange with your Careers Advisor to find out when would be the best time to go to fit it in with your studies in New Zealand.
Yes. Your Education students must maintain their academic focus in each subject. In the USA and Canada you will be expected to maintain a ‘C’ grade average. In non-English speaking destinations you will not have as much pressure to obtain a specific grade, but you will be expected to participate fully in all classes and try your best. School attendance is mandatory in all destinations and unexplained absences will result in disciplinary action.
You will not need a uniform in most of our destinations. A school uniform will sometimes be required in the UK and Japan. We would let you know this when you are enrolled in your school. Any uniform items that need to be purchased would be an additional expense that you would need to cover.
The year you will be placed in will depend on the school system of each country, your age and language skills. Your new school will decide which year will be the right one for you.
Yes. We encourage you to try as many sports and activities as possible. However, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to play a specific sport or that you will be able to compete at a particular level as this will depend on your placement and school.
This really depends on your individual circumstances. Your grades, what subjects you are taking, your school and what you want to do when you finish school all have an impact on how you can fit in an exchange. We offer several different departures each year and different durations of exchange so that you can fit your exchange in when it best suits your New Zealand schooling. If you are considering an overseas exchange we would strongly recommend that you talk to your Careers Advisor or Dean about your plans and get their advice on what would be the best time to go.
Read about Olivia's experience
ABOUT TRAVEL
Your Education has specific flight dates for each destination. If you want to travel with your family we recommend you do this at the end of your exchange and book your own flights.
An exchange is primarily a cultural and academic programme, not a travel one. You will be offered various tours and trips while you are on the exchange programme, however, any other travel that is not with your host family is not allowed unless you have received permission (in writing) from your natural parents, host parents and local coordinator. Once this is granted and approved you may travel with someone over the age of 25. No travel will be authorised during school time. Each destination has specific rules regarding travel, so you will learn more about this during your orientation meeting at the start of your exchange.
In our European destinations you will be met at the airport when you first land in the country. A chaperone will then help you to transfer to either a domestic flight or train to your host family. In all other destinations you will be met at your final destination by either your host family or local coordinator.
A visit from your parents at the beginning of the exchange can be very unsettling. Time is needed for you and your host family to establish a workable relationship without the influence of your natural parents. We suggest that if your parents are going to visit, they do so towards the end of the exchange and you make sure that this is alright with your host family.
Your return international flights are included in your programme fee. Should you wish to book your own flights you will be eligible for a $3,000 discount from your programme fee. You would still need to arrive to the airport specified by us on the right date and time.
ABOUT MONEY MATTERS
Your Education is a strictly controlled and approved organisation, overseen by the New Zealand Ministry of Education. The programme fee you pay includes among other things: - Your flights (your international ticket from AKL and domestic travel in your host country), airport supervision at final arrival point. - Thorough preparation (information material and handbooks prior to departure). - A Pre-Departure Orientation Meeting for you and your parents before you leave New Zealand. - Placing you with a host family who will provide accommodation and meals. - Enrolment at a local high school. - Support and advice during your exchange, in your home and host country. - 24-hours emergency telephone service. - Insurance cover specific to the country you are going to.
No. A deposit of $1,500 is due within 10 days of receiving the letter of acceptance from Your Education. After that the remaining fee is paid in several instalments before your departure.
All personal and private expenses are to be paid by you, e.g. school lunch, travel to school, clothes, toiletries, entertainment etc.
We recommend a Wise-card or speaking to your bank regarding this. If you have any further questions about money you can talk to the Your Education staff at your Pre-Departure Orientation.
This depends a lot on what you want to do during your time abroad. There might be some extra costs related to school, sports, travel, tours, the prom etc.
- Passport and visa costs. - Pocket money (approx. 500 NZD per month). - School set up costs. Varies per destination but may include transport, uniform and school books. - Transport to Auckland for departure. - Optional Tours and Travel Expenses. - Any documents that require official Notarising or Apostilling.
We recommend about $700 per month. However, this depends a lot of your destination country and whether you will placed in a town or countryside.
All Your Education programme fees include comprehensive medical and, where possible, travel insurance. It is a condition of this programme that participants and their legal guardians familiarise themselves with the insurance cover provided and raise any questions or omissions prior to departure. Cover can vary between different destination countries based on local programme and regulatory requirements. Important note: All insurances will not cover pre-existing conditions, for example braces on teeth, back issues, diabetes etc. If students or parents have any concerns about this we recommend they discuss them with us before joining the programme.
Yes, we sure do! Find out more information below to make sure you don't miss out on the scholarship opportunities on offer!
RULES & REGULATIONS
The Your Education Rules and Regulations state that you will not be allowed to apply or sit any driver’s test or drive while on exchange.
The Your Education Rules and Regulations state that you are not allowed to take up a paid job during your exchange programme. You may have the chance to do some casual work like helping your host family and neighbours to babysit, cut the lawn or wash the car etc, however this should not be expected or relied upon for additional income.
The Your Education Rules and Regulations state that you are not allowed to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages of any sort while on exchange.
Circumstances in which an exchange programme could be withdrawn before departure is if the student does not meet the Acceptance Criteria of the programme. The Acceptance Criteria to qualify to to join a Your Education programme you will need to be: - A New Zealand citizen / resident - Between the ages of 14.5 and 18 at the time of departure - Good physical and mental health - Independent and mature enough to adapt to an overseas environment - Currently enrolled in a New Zealand high school and a full-time student prior to your departure - Achieving or above in NCEA or equivalent - Fulfil the language requirements of your chosen destination (if applicable) As a Your Education student, you must sign an agreement that indicates that you accept the rules and regulations of the exchange programme. Your Education reserves the right to terminate a student's participation in the exchange programme with immediate effect if the student violates local laws and regulations, outlined in the agreement.
ABOUT VISAS
Students travelling on a New Zealand passport on our short term programmes for up to 90 days do not need a visa. For all of our semester and academic year programmes, students are usually required to apply for the necessary visa or residence permit. Our staff will provide the essential visa documents so that students can lodge their visa application. Please note that our staff are there to provide guidance where possible, however the responsibility of lodging the visa falls upon the student and their parents. Visa application requirements differ per destination and, in addition to the visa documents provided by your Your Education, students will need to provide additional documents such as birth certificates, bank statements, police check certificate, passport photos, letter of parental consent, etc. Visa application fees (set by the foreign authority) fluctuate depending on the destination and may vary from $180 to $700. These costs exclude expenses such as translations, official stamps (Notary Public stamp, Apostille stamp), national police certificate, passport photos, express post envelopes, etc. In some cases, students must attend an in-person consulate / visa agency appointment, which may incur additional personal expenses for travel such as purchasing flights (domestic flight or international flight if no representation in your home country), petrol costs, tolls, accommodation, etc.
To enter all countries you need to have a valid passport, which also needs to be valid for a certain number of months after the planned return date of your exchange. To be on the safe side your passport should be valid for at least another six months after your planned return date to New Zealand.
ABOUT SUPPORT
We will arrange an Online Pre-Departure Orientation Meeting for you and your parents, where we will cover a lot of different topics concerning your exchange. In addition to this, you will also receive preparation material. Of course, we are always there for you and your parents if you have any questions or concerns!
At Your Education we have a specified Line of Communication which allows us to handle problems and questions in the most effective way. At first you should address your host family and ask them for help. The next person who will also look after you during your time abroad is your local coordinator. He or she will be there to assist you with any issues that arise. It is important that you address problems straight away and keep the Line of Communication. In emergencies you can address the Overseas Office via the 24-hour phone number you will be provided.
It is really hard to describe the true feelings of culture shock and homesickness. It can be a feeling of not knowing what to do or how to do new things, not knowing what is appropriate. You might start to think about home and don’t like the way people handle things in your host country. Remember that there is no wrong or right here, it is just different! And to experience, understand and respect these differences are part of the reason why you are on an exchange. This is a great opportunity to talk with your host family and friends about the differences you are experiencing. Try out things you never had the chance or time to. Appreciate and embrace the opportunities you have now! Go to the movies with your new friends, try a new sport, taste different foods or get active in the community.