Thinking about going living and studying on an International Exchange?
Not so long ago, many young people chose to experience living with another family, education in another system and life in another country, as part of their secondary schooling experience, by going on an exchange programme. At the end of Year 13, some young people took a year out as a “GAP Year” to explore the world - and themselves - while they volunteered for organisations, or simply travelled and grew more independent and self-reliant.
One of the big changes when COVID hit was that borders shut, and suddenly these opportunities were no longer possible. Young people no longer went on exchanges to other high schools, or took GAP years prior to undertaking tertiary education or beginning paid employment and/or work-based training.
Recently we have been hearing from exchange organisations again, encouraging young people to once again experience life outside their usual comfort zones, through exchanges.
Let’s look at what that could mean for them, and for their families.
Think about timing
Exchanges from School
Young people need a degree of maturity and resilience to cope with the challenges of being alone and far from home. Students’ Year 12 results are what course selectors see, and what the people allocating scholarship funding for tertiary education base their decisions on. In year 12, students also have the opportunity to gain the literacy standards required to subsequently study at Degree level. Working hard and gaining the best results possible at Level 2 is well worth it.
In Year 13, students work towards gaining Entry to degree level study - and much of the material required for some future tertiary courses is studied in this year.
Students can apply for discretionary entrance to study at Degree Level if they are overseas for Year 13. This is usually granted, as students going on exchange have often had solid achievement in Level 2. It is tricky if you choose to go overseas half way through Year 12 though, as the University needs you to have attained Level 2, but they can consider applications holistically where necessary. If you are considering undertaking study in the Health Sciences First Year Programme, it is important to have completed Level 2 Physics and Chemistry at least, and to continue to study these subjects whilst overseas.
Follow the link below to gain further information about Discretionary Entrance as it is applied to International Exchange experiences.
If students are awarded a scholarship, it can generally be put ‘on hold’ for a year - so, if a student chooses to travel in the year following the year that they complete secondary school, they can access the funding upon their return.
International Exchanges for Tertiary students
Remember too, there are opportunities later on for you to have international experiences while you are studying at tertiary level. The University of Otago has exchange agreements with over 100 institutions worldwide. Students pay domestic NZ tuition fees to the University, and receive credits towards their qualification, whilst studying at a University overseas. See the following link:
(https://www.otago.ac.nz/study/otago-global-student-exchange).
Contact Exchange advisors for planning your year around your course and exchange.
Otago Polytechnic also has international study opportunities. You would spend one or two semesters at partner institutions. Like Otago University you pay your regular course fees, get student loan or allowance and can credit your overseas study back towards your qualification. https://www.op.ac.nz/explore/student-experiences/study-abroad-and-student-exchange/outbound/
On these exchanges you will live more independently - perhaps in an International Student flat or hall of residence setting - though you may still board with a family.
Think about duration
If you do decide to undertake an exchange from Secondary School, Exchange programmes vary greatly in length. Some may be no longer than a couple of weeks. Other programmes offer 6 week, 3 month, 6 month or year long programmes. Students may be able to travel and live abroad over our summer holidays - perhaps experiencing a winter Christmas.
Think about the experience
Be aware that many of the benefits and growth opportunities from these exchange programmes stem from the challenges. Young people need to be mature, self-reliant, brave and resilient to cope with adapting to new systems, people and expectations. It is quite challenging to slot into a new family with different ways, values and living conditions. You will inevitably get homesick - have a plan for managing your way through that.
It is also important to be aware that the exchange programmes generally cost significantly more than the base amount listed - students need spending money for day to day expenses (toiletries, phone costs, etc.) and to be able to take advantage of trips and experiences on offer. It is important to plan finances accordingly and in advance.
Gather information
There are a number of exchange students currently in our school - have a chat with some of them to get a feel for the highlights and the lowlights - so you can make decisions about whether this is the experience for you.
Students should keep an eye on the notices and on Google Classroom - we advertise opportunities to meet with and hear from representatives of various organisations, across the year. Check out their websites and compare what is on offer - decide which organisation sounds like it would best meet your needs. Not all organisations have exchanges to all the same countries - see who has programmes in the countries of interest to you.
Some of the organisations that have worked with the school in the past, and that offer exchanges are:
AFS NZ - https://afs.org/
NZIIU - https://student-exchange.co.nz/
Rotary Youth Exchange - https://www.youthexchange.org.nz/
STS Education - https://www.sts-education.com/high-school/
Your Education - https://www.youreducation.co.nz/
Youth for Understanding https://yfu.com.au/
Gap Years
Taking a year or so out before entering the workforce or tertiary education can work well for some young people - giving time to refresh and mature. However, be aware that it means a year away from formal study - so settling back in (and remembering what you have learnt) can have its own challenges.
You will however, develop problem solving, communication, organisational and resilience skills - highly advantageous in the job market. It also gives time to reflect on life and yourself and develop clear and firm goals. It is wise to have a plan that includes a gap year - rather than viewing a GAP Year as a solution to not knowing what to do! Gap Years can turn into gap decades without planning.
There are a number of ways to undertake this experience - and joining planned programmes can enable you to get a visa for countries you otherwise could not live and work in for an extended period. You may go to work at a Summer camp in America ?
Camp America - https://www.capamerica.com/
CCUSA - https://www.ccusa.co.nz/
Disney has a cultural exchange programme - https://support.disneyprograms.com/hc/en-us
There are numerous programmes that see you volunteering in organisations such as schools and outdoor education facilities - check out
New Ventures Worldwide - https://www.newventuresworldwide.org/home/uk/
Projects Abroad - https://www.projects-abroad.co.nz/
There are advantages and disadvantages of going on a high school exchange, volunteering abroad and going on a tertiary exchange. Start early with your research, and with your savings plans!! Be sure to discuss your plans, so you can consult with potential trainers, educators and employers and make a really well informed decision.
If you are interested in any of the exchanges mentioned above and would like further advice talk to the Pathways Team: Mrs Signal-Cambridge, Mrs Starkey and Mrs Kirsty Mason, so we can help you make the links you need to.