Student exchange to France
Life as an exchange student in France offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world's richest and most influential cultures.
Bonjour!
Renowned for its history, art, and cuisine, France provides a vibrant backdrop to explore, learn and create unforgettable memories.
Whether it’s skiing or hiking the Pyrenees, swimming in the Mediterranean, cycling through the Loire Valley, or wandering through a small village, France has a variety of activities and experiences.
These adventures are not only enjoyable, they also deepen your appreciation for the diverse and rich heritage of this picturesque country.
Family life
Living with a host family offers the chance to experience French daily life firsthand, and gain a deeper understanding of local customs, traditions, and language.
You will have the opportunity to try a variety of new and delicious food! Families usually eat dinner together as family life is an integral part of French culture.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to practice your French, learn more about your family and for you to share what life is like in Australia. Weekends are often spent as a family visiting parks, museums or the countryside.
“My host family were so wonderful and took me in as their own. We went to so many different landmarks, and I even was able to visit Paris with them.” Sarah
School
Attending a local French school presents a different educational approach, enabling you to make friends and participate in school activities you may never have tried before.
The school year runs from September to the end of June and the school week is Monday to Friday with Wednesday afternoon often being free for extracurricular activities.
School is usually 8am – 5pm with a long lunch break. Most schools don’t require students to wear uniforms. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and students are encouraged to be involved in activities such as music, art, and sport as extracurricular activities.
Teenage life
Teenagers in France enjoy spending time with friends in cafes, going to the cinema, shopping and taking part in local cultural events and festivals.
Between school, friends, family commitments and extracurricular activities, teenage life is busy! French teenagers value their independence and enjoy discussions about current events, politics and culture.
“The experience was beyond life-changing. I couldn’t recommend it any more.” Anna
Food
The French definitely know good food, from crunchy baguettes to decadent pastries and sweets — they have it all.
If you love cheese, then you’ll be in great company as the French eat an average of 25 kilograms of cheese per person per year. For the adventurous, there’s the famous (or infamous!) dishes les escargot (snails) and les cuisses de grenouille (frog legs).
Whatever your taste, French cuisine has something for everyone. Don’t forget to say bon appetit before each meal!
“My host mum taught me how to make Croissants from scratch – they were delicious.” Jess
Pricing & details
Programs, important dates, pricing and inclusions.
Classic
Our Classic student exchange programs are designed to promote cultural understanding. They allow students to learn a new language, experience a new education system, and gain insights into local customs, traditions, and family dynamics.
Important Info
- Must be between 14 and 17 years of age on departure.
- No language prerequisite, but it’s recommended to do an online course if no prior learning
- Late applications may be accepted
- Departure dates are flexible and subject to approval. Additional costs may apply for pick-up and drop-off in Paris
- A French VISA is required for Semester and Year students
- All prices are in $AUD
- * Chaperoned flights are subject to Australian state or territory of departure. Chaperones are only available for flights to Europe. Return flights are not chaperoned.
Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Domestic flights within Australia to departing city (Melbourne or Sydney)
- Domestic travel from the arrival airport in France to your Host Family location, if required
- Comprehensive Travel insurance with unlimited medical and health coverage
- 24/7Â emergency support in France
- Pre-Departure Meeting
- Orientation in Paris for August program only
- Half Board in a fully screened host family
- Enrolment at your host school
- August and November departure groups are chaperoned to Europe (not on return)
Exclusions
- Optional language camp for August 2026 departures – additional $1,750 AUD
- French Consulate VISA processing costs. All required documentation will be provided to you
Duration
Travel Dates
Application Deadline
Notes
Pricing
Two-Way
Our reciprocal (two-way) exchange programs allow you to experience life in France, and welcome a student from your host family to your home to live with your family and experience your Australian lifestyle.
Important Info
- Must be between 14 and 17 years of age on departure
- No language prerequisite, but it’s recommended to do an online course if no prior learning
- Late applications may be accepted
- Departure dates can be flexible and subject to approval. Additional costs may apply for pick-up and drop-off in Paris
- If your Australian school requires subsidised school fees to be paid, we ask the Australian family to cover those costs, and if the French school requires school fees for the student, this will be paid by the French host family
- If the three-month program is not suitable due to schooling in Australia, a two-month reciprocal (two-way) program can be arranged
- All prices are in $AUD
- * Chaperoned flights are subject to Australian state or territory of departure. Chaperones are only available for flights to Europe. Return flights are not chaperoned.
Inclusions
- Return International Flights to Europe
- Domestic flights within Australia to departing city (Melbourne or Sydney)
- Domestic travel from the arrival airport in France to your Host Family location, if required
- Comprehensive Travel insurance with unlimited medical and health coverage.
- 24/7 emergency support in France
- Pre-Departure Meeting
- Enrolment at your host school
- August, November and December departure groups are chaperoned to Europe (not on return)
Exclusions
- French Consulate VISA processing costs and any costs associated with the Visa application
- 2-night orientation for August departures, an additional $750 AUD
Duration
Hosting Dates
Travel Dates
Application Deadline
Notes
Pricing
Orientation
Get settled with an Orientation or Language Camp! Find your feet in a new city and take in the sights before meeting your host family.
Paris Language Camp - Classic Program (sample itinerary)
Want more info?
Submit your expression of interest and a Students of the World team-member will provide you with more!
FAQs
Can I choose a specific city or region for my high school student exchange placement?
You can tell us your preferred city or region for your high school exchange program, and some destinations offer a Select Program that allows you to choose a specific area.
We will always do our best to consider your preference, but placements depend on host family availability and suitability, so the location cannot be guaranteed.
Students are matched and placed with families from across the destination country.
We prioritise the things you and the host family have in common over the specific location. To make the most of your program, it’s important to be flexible and open-minded.
Will I need a visa for my high school student exchange program, and who organises it?
Visa requirements depend on your destination and the length of your high school exchange program, and if a visa is required, we guide you to start the application process.
In many European Union countries, a visa is not required for short programs under 90 days. For programs longer than three months, a visa may be necessary. If you do need a visa, we will help you begin the application process and ensure you understand the steps involved. Visa costs are not included in the program fee.
Learn more about program lengths and destinations on our Student Exchange Programs page.
For general visa and entry information, visit Smartraveller’s visa guidance page.
How much pocket money should I bring for my high school exchange?
Students typically need around $500–$600 per month during their high school student exchange to cover personal expenses, local transport, school lunches and social activities.