Student exchange to South Korea
South Korea is exciting, safe, modern, and deeply cultural — the perfect mix for an exchange adventure that challenges and inspires.
Annyeong!
South Korea offers a vibrant mix of tradition, innovation, and unforgettable cultural experiences. From K-pop and technology to breath-taking nature and delicious cuisine, exchange students will discover a dynamic lifestyle like nowhere else in the world.
South Korea is a country where tradition and technology coexist, ancient temples and colourful markets sit just beyond the glow of futuristic cities. It’s a place full of energy, creativity, and community, where locals take pride in their heritage while embracing change and innovation.
For exchange students, life in South Korea offers the chance to experience a rich cultural blend, form deep friendships, enjoy incredible food and music, and become part of a caring family and school community. It’s a destination that will stay in your heart forever.
Family life
Family is at the heart of Korean culture. Families enjoy spending quality time together, sharing meals, and celebrating traditions.
Students can expect warm hospitality, delicious home-cooked meals, and a strong sense of belonging within their host family. Many families enjoy outdoor activities, exploring the city, watching dramas, or cheering on their favourite K-pop idols or sports teams together. While routines can be structured, host families are incredibly supportive and take great pride in helping students succeed.
School
Education is highly valued in Korea, and school life can be structured and disciplined, but also full of spirit and pride.
Students wear uniforms, attend classes from Monday to Friday, and often participate in interest-based club activities or group study sessions after school. Teachers are well-respected, and students are expected to be organised and responsible.
Many schools offer incredible facilities — music rooms, science labs, sports courts, amazing technology spaces, and creative clubs. Most schools include Physical Education (PE) in their weekly timetable, and many students join after-school sports clubs. Summer school vacation is mid-July to mid-August, and the Winter/Spring school vacation is from the end of December until the end of February.
Exchange students are supported to find a balance between schoolwork, friendships, and cultural exploration.
Teenage life
South Korean teens are friendly, social, and passionate about their interests — whether that’s music, gaming, fashion, study, art, sports, or after-school clubs.
Young people in Korea enjoy spending their free time at cafés, karaoke lounges, shopping arcades, or parks. K-culture is a significant influence on youth identity.
Outdoor activities are also growing in popularity — hiking, cycling, and dance-based fitness (influenced by K-pop) are common ways that young people stay active. Popular sports include taekwondo, soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball and badminton. Esports are also very popular.
There can be a focus on personal appearance and academic achievement, but there is also a lot of fun, creativity, and connection in everyday life. Friendships form quickly, and exchange students are welcomed and admired for their international perspective.
Food
Get ready — food in South Korea is seriously next level. From sizzling street snacks to colourful family meals, eating here is a huge part of everyday life. Meals are social, fun and full of flavour, and host families love introducing exchange students to their favourites.
Food isn’t just delicious — it’s a way to share culture and show care. Many teens love going out with friends to cute cafés, trying viral K-desserts, or grabbing late-night convenience store snacks (which are famous in their own right!).
If you’re not used to spicy food, don’t worry, host families are happy to help you find your favourites, and there are lots of mild, sweet, and savoury options.
Popular dishes include Korean BBQ — cooking sizzling meat right at the table with dipping sauces and sides, Bibimbap — a colourful bowl of rice, veggies, meat and egg mixed with spicy or sweet sauce, Tteokbokki — chewy rice cakes in a spicy-sweet sauce (a total street-food superstar), and of course K-fried chicken, which is crispy, saucy, slightly addictive!
Ramen & noodles are quick, tasty and popular for after-school snacks. Most exchange students say food becomes one of their favourite parts of life in Korea.
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 14-17 years of age on departure
- Students must show a strong interest in Korea and Korean culture, and some knowledge of the Korean language is highly recommended
- Late applications may be accepted
- Departure dates may be flexible and subject to approval. Additional costs may apply for pick-up and drop-off.
- A VISA is required for Semester students
- All prices are in $AUD
Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Domestic flights within Australia to departing city (Melbourne or Sydney)
- Domestic travel from the arrival airport in Korea to your Host Family location, if required
- Comprehensive Travel insurance with unlimited medical and health coverage
- 24-hour local support in South Korea
- Ongoing support from local representatives
- Pre-Departure Meeting
- Placement in a fully screened host family
- Enrolment at your host school
- Arrival, pick up, and return
- There is a two-day, one-night excursion to Japan (Fukuoka) for all students. This is to allow for the extension of the Visa for Semester students and is also included for 3-month students. The excursion includes international airfares, accommodation with breakfast, and a tour chaperone. (Not included are lunch, dinner, snacks, spending money and domestic transport to the airport for departure).
- DAY 1 – Depart Daegu Airport, South Korea, and arrive in Fukuoka, Japan.
Transfer to the Hotel and check in.
Dinner (at own expense and free time). - DAY 2 – Enjoy a group breakfast at the hotel, then check out before Tenjin sightseeing and lunch (at your own expense and free time).
Transfer to the airport for evening departure to return to South Korea.
Exclusions
- Consulate VISA processing fees. All required documentation will be provided to you.
- School expenses, including uniforms and supplies, public transport to school and lunch (we can supply an approximate breakdown of these costs).
Duration
Travel Dates
Application Deadline
Notes
Pricing
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.