Program Summary:
- Program: Classic program, Classic with Program Options
- Program length: Long programs
- Vaccinations: Yes
- Discounts and Scholarship: Yes
- Language criteria: No
- Language course: No
- Soft Landing Camp: Yes
Classic Program
Our Classic program will match you with a welcoming host family and place you in a nearby school. We find the host family and choose the school, and you can enjoy immersing yourself in local culture & community. These are perfect for students who:
* Flexible about location, and the academic experience
* Want to have a cultural experience
* Interested in joining sports, clubs, and activities
* Grow as a person and improve language skills
Classic Program Information
Age and eligibility
Programs are available for students aged 15-17.
Language criteria
Not applicable
Program length
Students can be accepted on a 10 month program in January or September of each year if an EU passport is held. Academic Semester programs are available for Australian/NZ students.
When you apply for a Classic High School exchange program, you can tailor your program with location or sport options. These are subject to availability if you meet the application requirements. Please ensure you submit application before the program deadlines.
Schools
Ireland boasts a strong reputation for its high-quality education system, drawing a significant influx of international students annually. Typically, school hours in Ireland span from 8:45 am to 3:45 pm, offering a range of both mandatory and optional subjects.
All students are required to pay for their school transport prior to arrival so this will be invoiced in advance. The fees are NZ$640 per Academic Year and NZ$395 per Academic Semester.
Vaccinations
Outbound students are recommended to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, but non vaccinated students may also be accepted. Your Program Manager can advise if any additional vaccinations are required. Please be sure to note all vaccinations you have received in your application.
Visa
Limitations to program lengths may apply unless travelling on an EU visa. Your Program Coordinator will provide further information.
Non-EU passport holders can only enroll on a 5 month (Jan and Sept) due to visa restrictions. Please contact the office if you wish to apply for a 10 month program.
Students traveling on Australian & New Zealand passports, with programs up to 90 days, generally travel as “tourists” and do not need to apply for a visa prior departure. However, for programs extending beyond the 90-day period (including Semester & Academic Year programs), students are usually required to apply for the necessary visa.
Program Coordinators will provide the essential visa documents so students can lodge their visa application. Please note that Program Coordinators are not Registered Migration Agents and cannot represent the applicant. Program Coordinators will provide “guidance” where possible, however the responsibility of lodging the visa falls upon the student/parents. Visa application requirements differ per destination and, on top of the visa documents provided by your Program Coordinator, students will need to provide additional documents such as birth certificate, 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, passports 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 (Interstate flight or international flight if no representation in your home country), petrol costs, tolls, accommodation, etc.
Australia: Department of Home Affairs, Irish Embassy
Australia: Visa Information; How to apply for a long term study visa
Australia: Foreign Embassies & Consulates
New Zealand: Foreign Embassies & Consulates
New Zealand: Visa Information
The budget allocated for flights to Europe is NZ$3,000 of the program price listed below. We may need to charge a flight surcharge if we cannot obtain a flight within this budget. For more information, please see our Flight Surcharge Policy on our Money Matters page.
Classic Program Prices for Ireland
| Length | Arrive | Depart | Program fee NZD | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Semester | Aug 2025 | Jan 2026 | $24,950 | Mar 31, 2025 |
| Academic Year | Aug 2025 | Jun 2026 | $32,950 | Mar 31, 2025 |
Each destination has a budget for flights included in the fee. If flight costs are above this budgeted amount, a Flight Surcharge may apply. Please see our Money Matters page for program inclusions, the flight surcharge policy and other important pricing information.
Program start dates are indicative arrivals in the destination & students attending the Soft Landing Camp (if available) will depart earlier. Program start dates serve as approximate arrival dates at the destination and subject to change. We will notify you of your confirmed program dates ahead of time to prevent any confusion or inconvenience.
Scholarship & Early Bird Discount Application Deadlines
October 31, 2024: classic programs departing between April 2025 – September 2025
March 31, 2025: classic programs departing between October 2025 – March 2026
Find out more about Scholarships and Early Bird Discounts.
Program Options
| Classic Program + Optional Fee | Program fee NZ |
|---|---|
| + Region Choice – Cork | $1,995 |
| + Region Choice – Dublin | $1,995 |
| + Town placement: 3,000 to 80,000 inhabitants | $995 |
| + Co-Ed Guarantee | $1,095 |
| + Subject Guarantee (one subject only): Guarantee placement in a school that offers one of: Math’s, Science, French, Spanish, German or History | $1,095 |
| + Sports Guarantee*: Football, Rugby, Hockey, Swimming | $1,095 |
| Arts Guarantee**: Irish Dancing, Music Groups | $1,095 |
*Note that sports/arts guarantee a placement area option, meaning we’ll place in an area where you have access to your chosen sport or art preference which will be recommended by our Local Staff. It doesn’t cover the cost of enrolment in these clubs.
** Subjects based on final decision of school and will be reimbursed in case of non-availability.
Soft Landing Camp in Dublin
Additional fee of NZ$1,195
Our Soft Landing Camp is located in the picturesque Irish capital of Dublin, and is an optional extra for long-term program students. During this enriching experience, you will spend three nights in Dublin and have the opportunity to connect with fellow exchange students from diverse backgrounds. The agenda includes a Welcome, Irish Dancing, on campus activities, exploring Dublin and dinner at the Hard Rock Café. Students also have an Irish farm experience, and a quiz night before they depart to meet their host families.
This Soft Landing Camp is exclusively available for students commencing their exchange in August.
LIVE Online sessions
If you would like to find out more information on our programs, please attend one of our free LIVE Online Information Sessions to:
- Meet our staff
- Hear comprehensive information on all aspects of exchange
- Ask questions
- See questions asked by other students and parents
Information evenings run for about an hour.
They are friendly, free and are the best way for us to address your specific questions in person.
Still considering where to go on exchange?
An overview of all programs, prices and application deadlines can be found here.
Please click and scroll across to see our destinations
Canada
Enjoy your exchange experience at an excellent high school in warm, welcoming and diverse Canada, the most multicultural country on earth! Extraordinary nature, vibrant cities and respected academic achievements for your future!
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France
Your high school exchange will show you why France is the world’s top tourist destination: rich historical sites, stunning nature, fantastic food and a vigorous debating tradition in a world language spoken by almost 100 million people!
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Argentina
Argentina is well-known for its natural scenery, modern cities and fashion but also for tradition and hospitality. It is an ideal destination for exchange.
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Denmark
Denmark is one of the happiest nations on earth with some of the best quality of life. Enjoy the hospitality along with an outstanding education system.
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Finland
There’s something pure in the Finnish air and spirit that’s incredibly vital and exciting; with the trendsetting modern capital of Helsinki counterbalanced by vast forested wildernesses in the north and east. Try something different on exchange in Finland.
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Germany
Your high school exchange in Europe’s economic powerhouse is a great opportunity to invest in your future while discovering rich German language and culture, an open, welcoming society and many stimulating experiences!
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Ireland
The Emerald Isle welcomes you in English and in Gaelic, to great schools, warm families, dynamic cities and close-knit small towns. Ireland has become a hotbed of innovation but remains rooted in rich traditions you will love!
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Italy
Spend your high school exchange in astonishing Italy, from beautiful medieval towns to mountains and seashore; discover capital cities of design; enjoy fabulous farm-to-table food, and learn the world’s most romantic language!
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Netherlands
Who hasn’t heard of Amsterdam, the capital of culture, coffee houses and canals? Its mesmerising beauty is hard to overestimate, and yet a surfeit of stunning metropoles are only hours, or even minutes, away by train.
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Australia
Experience the adventure of a lifetime with your neighbours! Australia beckons with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and world-class education. Discover a both similarities and differences, make lifelong friends as a high school exchange student in Australia.
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Norway
Norway is, by any standards, one of the most beautiful countries on earth – discover Norwegian traditions and culture on exchange in Norway
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Spain
Open doors by studying a great world language in a country with mountains, ocean and medieval villages all within reach, and a laid-back culture where you can learn and enjoy at the same time!
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Sweden
Sweden’s progressive society also provides an ideal climate for innovation and economic advancement. Your high school exchange here will also reveal why the country is consistently among the world’s happiest!
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United Kingdom
Some of the world’s best schools are in the UK. Combine rich culture and history, beautiful countryside, enthusiastic sports clubs and exciting excursions during your exchange in the UK.
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USA
Being a high school exchange student in the USA is like embarking on an adventure filled with new friendships, diverse cultures, and a world of educational opportunities. It’s an experience that broadens horizons and creates lasting memories.
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Japan
Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. Engage in authentic cultural experiences, attend Japanese high school, and build lasting friendships. This program offers a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons, enhance language skills, and gain a global perspective that will undoubtedly shape your future.
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Worldwide High School Online Brochure
For an overview of our programs, our team will send you our Worldwide High School Online Brochure.
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