Student Exchange
Australia New Zealand
Imagine living overseas for a Short Program for 2 Months, up to a Classic Academic Year.
You’ll be placed with a host family and attend a local school.
Live like a local and become immersed in the culture.
Learn the language and gain valuable international experience.
Develop self knowledge and a global awareness.
Our Mission is to offer the unique experience of living, studying and working in another culture and to enable young people to develop the skills and awareness that will enhance their future potential.
Our team will help you Unlock the World.
Simon Costain
National Director
Simon brings over 20 years of leadership in education, travel, and student support. He has overseen programs that have helped tens of thousands of young people grow through international experiences. From leading student volunteer programs across five continents to managing one of Australia’s most respected education agencies, Simon has consistently prioritised safety, wellbeing, and meaningful learning. He has also guided innovation in colleges and helped develop trusted partnerships with education providers worldwide.
Passionate about creating positive global opportunities, Simon is committed to supporting families and ensuring students feel confident, prepared, and inspired throughout their exchange journey.
Isabelle Piairo
Outbound Manager
Isabelle is the Outbound Manager at Student Exchange and is driven by her transformative experience as an exchange student in Spain. Her passion for cultural exchange led her to work in the field for 14 years.
Originally from Paris, Isabelle has lived in France, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile, and now calls Australia home. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and French, she enjoys bridging cultures and helping students explore the world. Outside work, Isabelle loves traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family. Her diverse background fuels her commitment to enriching student exchange experiences.
Haley Wilkie
Financial Controller
Sandra Wetzlar
Admissions / Marketing Coordinator
Having spent 10 months on exchange, Sandra understands the challenges and rewards of living in a new country. This experience sparked her passion for exploring cultures, leading her to study special needs education and teach English as a foreign language. She also worked at a multicultural institute, gaining valuable insights into diverse communities.
Seven years ago, Sandra moved to Australia and relates to the feeling of being far from family. As Marketing Coordinator, she uses her experiences to help students have a smooth, memorable exchange. When she’s not working, Sandra enjoys teaching salsa, baking, and spending time with loved ones.
Emma Leach
Outbound Coordinator
Originally from the UK, Emma moved to Australia in 2007 with her four young children. She has worked for Student Exchange Australia New Zealand for 6 years and thoroughly enjoys the interaction with students, and the thrill of helping them to achieve their dream of going on exchange.
Melissa Dalton
Outbound Coordinator
Originally from the UK, Melissa spent most of her career as a Registered Nurse before moving to Australia in 2013 with her partner and three children to embrace an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Her journey in student exchange began with hosting international students, inspiring her to help others gain life-changing experiences abroad.
Since joining Student Exchange, she has loved working with students, parents, and overseas partners to make these opportunities a reality. Melissa and her family continue to enjoy beach life and love sharing it with exchange students, fostering cultural connections and unforgettable experiences.
Tara Walton
High School Engagement
Tara Walton brings over 20 years of experience across education, performing arts, and entertainment. In her early 20s, she travelled the world as an Assistant Cruise Director with Princess Cruises, where she connected with people from all walks of life and developed a deep appreciation for culture, diversity and storytelling. That time at sea shaped who she is today, worldly, inclusive and passionate about creating meaningful connections, especially with those who may be far from home and missing their loved ones.
After returning to dry land, Tara owned a performing arts studio for 14 years, where she taught dance and inspired young people to express themselves creatively. She later worked with the Victorian Department of Education in Community Engagement, supporting families, particularly those from refugee backgrounds as they transitioned into Australian schools and life. Outside of work, Tara loves camping with her family, making memories, enjoying good coffee and recently began learning Auslan this year, just for fun.
Hero
Fur-eign Exchange Liaison
With his handsome merle coat, one blue eye, and permanent “ready to play” stance, Hero has become a much-loved part of the Student Exchange office. Equal parts lap dog and tiny rocket ship, he spends his days boosting morale, charming visitors, and attempting to convince staff that every rustling chip packet belongs to him.
Never far from his human, Kristian, Hero is known for launching into dramatic downward-dog invitations before unleashing his signature low “come get me” bark at office playmates. Despite his relaxed, cuddly nature, he can reportedly jump almost two metres high when sufficiently motivated (usually by chips).
A social butterfly and friends with every dog in the office building, Hero takes his role in workplace culture very seriously, ensuring no visitor leaves without at least one pat and a slightly fur-covered work attire.
Kristian Taylor-Wood
Placement & Communication
Kristian brings over two decades of experience in creative storytelling, community engagement, and people-focused work. He has photographed magazine covers, directed campaigns for global brands, and worked on feature films, always chasing the story that makes people lean in, laugh, or occasionally cry (the good kind).
Now at Student Exchange Australia New Zealand, Kristian draws on this creative background to connect international students with welcoming families and supportive communities. He believes every student placement is its own adventure, part logistics, part heart, and part improv comedy.
Kristian is a lifelong cinephile and music lover who still insists that soundtracks make the world go round. He believes every exchange story deserves a soundtrack, the kind that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Heidi Horne
Placement & Administration
Heidi brings over 20 years of experience in wellbeing, mindfulness and stress resilience to the Student Exchange team. Having hosted eight Japanese students over the years, she understands the joy, challenges and life-changing impact of cultural exchange.
She loves travelling and being immersed in new countries (travelled to 74 countries and also lived in five).
Alongside her role with Student Exchange, Heidi is a Sydney-based keynote speaker and the upcoming Wiley author of The One-Minute Reset (2025), helping young people, parents and schools manage stress with simple, science-backed tools. Her background in yoga, meditation, mindset coaching and community leadership makes her a calm, supportive presence committed to helping every student feel safe, seen and supported. She lives in the Northern Beaches, Sydney with her two teenagers and two dogs.
Lilly Zhang
Inbound Coordinator
With professional experiences at both public and private sectors in Australia and China, Lilly brings extensive experience from roles at Colleges, Councils and Telecommunication companies. This diverse background reflects a strong ability to adapt, communicate effectively and deliver results across different industries and teams, along with a strong understanding of the importance of education.
Originally from China, Lilly migrated to Australia with her husband and son in late 2017. Since then, they’ve embraced the opportunities of a new environment while continuing to grow both professionally and personally. Lilly is an avid badminton player, travel enthusiast, and enjoys spending time socialising with friends and family. These passions reflect a balanced, energetic approach to life – qualities that are also evident in their work.
Millie Shapiro
Inbound Coordinator
Millie’s passion for travel began with a University exchange to The Netherlands, sparking a lifelong love of exploring new places. After earning a Bachelor of Social Science, Millie worked in the social work industry, supporting youth and further fueling their desire to ensure students have a memorable exchange experience.
Outside work, Millie enjoys running marathons, swimming at the beach, and road-tripping around Australia in a camper van, always seeking the next adventure.
Karina Sinclair
Compliance & Welfare Officer
A team with experience
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand specialise in high school exchange and offer a wide selection of programs for exchange students.
Are you interested in joining our team? New roles are posted on our Careers page when available.
One Team Across The Globe
We belong to Educatius Group, a leading and trusted organisation within the field of international education. For over two decades, Educatius has been turning the dreams of exchange students into reality. With a global presence, we connect students to outstanding high schools and cultural exchange programs, pair them with friendly host families, and offer continuous expert assistance throughout their journey. We’ve earned the trust of numerous governments in Asia, Latin America, and Brazil, who’ve placed their sponsored students in our care. Through our enduring partnerships with premier schools and unparalleled student support, Educatius Group empowers students to explore the world.
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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