Imagine roaming around the streets of a foreign country, chatting with friends and admiring the beauty of buildings and monuments. Now imagine that you get to live this life every day for a whole summer, or even a full academic year. Exchange programs for high school students make this kind of experience possible. How does this thought make you feel? Excited? Happy? Curious? Maybe it brings up all sorts of emotions, because it is such a huge deal, right?

What if we tell you that this imagination can very well become your reality through an exchange program? As a high school student, you might sometimes wonder how it feels to be in a different country and engage in learning experiences that are not limited to classrooms. These programs offer a learning experience that goes far beyond the usual.

How are exchange programs for high school students helpful?

Exchange programs are a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and surroundings of a different country. You spend time living with host families, learn a new language through social interactions and language classes, and become aware of the values of people in a foreign land. A good exchange program will help you explore the local cities, go on trips, and become a more confident and culturally aware individual.

Many countries all over the world host exchange programs for high school students, including the UK, Australia, the U.S.A., Canada, Japan, and more. They give you a close peek into their country’s culture, language and schools. These programs not only help you gain knowledge through foreign education systems but also give you a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience of meeting people from different places and making meaningful friendships.

As exciting as the idea of living and studying in a different country is, we know that finding the right exchange program can be a confusing task. So, to make the first step easier for you, we’ve made a list of 15 Exchange programs for high school students. These programs are selected based on their immersive learning opportunities, expert guidance and support, and culturally rich experiences. 

15 Exchange Programs for High School Students 

1. International Student Exchange High School Study Abroad United Kingdom

Location: Cities of London and Dublin + Malvern, Bournemouth, Brighton.
Cost: Not Specified. For cost-related information: contact@iseusa.org; $200 Application fee; Up to $1,500 deposit on acceptance
Dates: Academic year: Mid-September – Mid-June
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: State Schools: 16-18; Boarding Schools: Ages 13 and above; international students are welcome

If you join this International Student Exchange program, you’ll have a culturally rich experience immersed in art, museums, monuments, beaches, cities, and cuisines. You’ll learn about the British education system as you study at the UK State colleges for one semester, one term, or more, based on the type of program you choose: basic or choice.

You’ll develop a range of interesting skills, including proficiency in new languages, problem-solving, and cross-cultural collaboration. You’ll gain a better understanding of your academic interests, helping you select the right college major.

Why it stands out: You immerse yourself in UK state college studies for a term or semester, discovering British culture via art, museums, beaches, and food while gaining language skills and major clarity.

2. Immerse Education’s Pre-University Summer School

Location: Boston, Cambridge, London, Oxford, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Dates: 2 Weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students all over the world aged 13-18

Immerse’s Pre-University Summer School offers motivated high school students from all over the world a chance to learn from experts from top-class Universities like Oxford, Harvard, and Cambridge. You’ll get to choose from more than 20 subjects, including biology, psychology, physics, architecture, creative writing, and many more.

You’ll get to meet fellow ambitious and like-minded students, develop self-confidence and social skills, and attend interactive lectures and seminars. You’ll engage in hands-on, practical learning experiences, receive personalised written feedback, and earn a certificate of completion. The program is a great way to experience the culture and history of your chosen location.

Why it stands out: You learn from Oxford, Harvard, and Cambridge experts in 20+ subjects like biology or creative writing, with hands-on projects, personalised feedback, and a certificate among like-minded global peers.

3. LanguBridge Japan Summer Programs for High School Students

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost: $3,235 – $6,795 (Varies with program type and duration)
Dates: July 4th – August 22nd
Application Deadline: Multiple between April 1st and May 1st  based on program type
Eligibility: Youth Immersion Program: Ages 14-18; Culture Discovery Program: Ages 16 and above; international students are welcome to apply

On joining LanguBridge Japan Summer Programs, you’ll get to closely experience the language and culture of Japan. You’ll learn from teachers with years of experience in the Japanese language. You’ll get to choose between the Youth Immersion Class and the Cultural Discovery Class based on the level of language proficiency.

In the Youth Immersion Class, you’ll attend beginner and intermediate level classes, go on organised city trips, and improve language skills in a short time. In the Cultural Discovery Program, you’ll participate in many cultural activities and trips, including tea ceremonies, an overnight trip to Fuji Mountain or Kyoto and more. You’ll attend classes from Monday to Friday, and during free time, you’ll get to interact with friends and host families.

Why it stands out: You build real skills with expert teachers through immersion classes, city trips, and engage in cultural highlights like Fuji/Kyoto overnights while living with host families.

4. ESU Secondary School Exchange Scholarship

Location: British boarding schools, UK
Cost: Tuition, room, and board covered by merit-based scholarship
Dates: Late August/Early September – July (One-year program)
Application Deadline: January 16th
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens

The ESU Secondary School Scholarship offers you to spend a year at a British Boarding School as your high school years slowly lead to college life. Founded in 1928, this merit-based scholarship gives you a chance to engage in social and academic experiences in a different country.

You’ll learn about a new culture, gain a global perspective, experience independence, and develop a better understanding of yourself and the world around you to make the right decisions in your future career. If you’re a high school student passionate about both academics and extracurricular activities, then this exchange program is a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You spend a full year at a British boarding school on a merit-based scholarship, gaining independence, global perspective, and cultural immersion to shape your career path.

5. National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

Location:  Multiple, including Morocco, China, Russia, Korea, and Indonesia
Cost: Free
Dates: Academic year (8-10 months); Summer program (6-7 weeks); Virtual program (September – November)
Application Deadline: For the academic year and summer program: November 12th; Virtual Program: Mid-June
Eligibility: 9-12 grade students ages 15-18; GPA: 2.5 or higher; Must be U.S. citizens

The National Security Language Initiative for Youth offers a merit-based scholarship opportunity to study a language abroad. You’ll have three program options to choose from, including the summer program, the academic year program, and the virtual program. You’ll develop advanced language proficiency, attend intensive language classes, live with host families, and engage in cultural activities of a different country.

The program is offered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and aims to sharpen your skills in critical languages. You’ll learn many different languages through the program, including Arabic, Chinese, Korean and Russian. If you’re a high school student looking for a fully-funded opportunity to study languages in a new country, then this program can be a good option to consider. 

Why it stands out: You’ll get a free scholarship from the U.S. government to learn key languages like Arabic, Chinese, Korean, or Russian in another country.

6. Rotary Youth Exchange

Location: More than 100 countries with Rotary Clubs, including the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia
Cost: Costs cover travel insurance, round-trip airfare, spending money, travel documents, and additional tours or travels.
Dates: Long-term exchange: Full academic year; Short-term exchange: Several days – Three months
Application Deadline: Varies by the specific Rotary Club
Eligibility: Students from all around the world aged 15-19

The Rotary Youth Exchange Program offers you a chance to become a global citizen through exploring a new language and engaging in new cultural experiences. The short-term exchanges will involve tours, camps, and homestays, while the long-term exchanges will also allow you to attend local schools, live with multiple host families, and experience a full academic year.

The program inspires young leaders to work on peace and social justice in communities and around the world. You’ll develop language and leadership skills, understand cross-cultural communication, and make friends from all over the world.

Why it stands out: You become a global citizen via short-term tours, camps, and homestays or long-term school attendance with multiple host families, building language, leadership, and cross-cultural skills for peace and justice.

7. Youth for Understanding: Exchange Programs

Location: Multiple countries, including the UK, the  U.S.A., Japan, Australia, and Canada
Cost: Varies by program and destination; scholarships available
Dates: Between a semester and an academic year; Some shorter programs are available
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 15-18

When you join the Youth for Understanding: Intercultural Exchange Programs, you are allowed to see the world through a new lens. You’ll live in a new place, learn a new language and experience self-independence. You’ll become more resilient, adaptable and gain confidence.

You’ll gain access to counselling support, receive travel guidance, and engage in pre-departure orientations to improve your awareness and understanding of future career challenges. If you’re a curious high school student interested in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, then this exchange program can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You live abroad, learn a language, and gain resilience, adaptability, and confidence with counselling and pre-departure support.

8. FLEX Future Leaders Exchange Program

Location: U.S.A
Cost: Free
Dates: Vary for different countries
Application Deadline: Varies for different countries
Eligibility: High school students from all around the world

FLEX Future Leaders Exchange Program offers a merit-based scholarship opportunity to spend an academic year in the United States. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a host family, and learn about the values and culture of American society. You’ll develop leadership skills, engage in community service, and also share your own country’s culture with the people of America.

The range of skills developed during the program will help you work on innovative projects in your home country, and give you a chance to become a curious and motivated citizen. The program is open to all high school students, but highly encourages students with disabilities to apply.

Why it stands out: You’ll build leadership skills, do community service, and get inspired. 

9. ICES High School Exchange Programs for American Students

Location: Multiple locations in Europe, Asia, Latin America, & Oceania
Cost: Varies by program type and duration
Dates: Varies by program type and duration
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: American high school students ages 14-18

If you join the ICES High School Exchange Programs, you will not only be made aware of different cultures, but also of yourself. The program is customised to fit your needs in many ways. You’ll choose the program duration (semester or full academic year), the type of school (public or private), and get to live with a host family.

You’ll improve your language skills, learn about foreign cultures and traditions, and receive guidance from a trained local coordinator. The program is a great opportunity to make new friends, develop confidence, and gain a fresh perspective on the world.

Why it stands out: You fully customise your semester or year abroad, choosing public/private schools and living with host families for a personal cultural and language adventure.

10. Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad

Location: 12 host countries
Cost: Fully-funded scholarship
Dates: Full academic year
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18.5; must be U.S. citizens

Joining the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program offers you the opportunity to study around the world through competitive merit-based scholarships. You’ll attend a local school, live with a host family, and develop leadership skills. This fully funded program offers 65 scholarships to American students. You’ll learn the culture and values of the host country, along with sharing your own cultural experiences with them. 

The program also offers a Capstone project component where you’ll select a project topic or medium and explore it to develop a deeper understanding of the host culture and community. Some of the projects developed by past participants include books, websites, podcasts, research essays, musical recordings and more.

Why it stands out: You win a fully funded merit scholarship to study abroad, live with host families, build leadership, and create a unique Capstone project, like podcasts or essays on host cultures.

11. Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) High School Program

Location: Germany
Cost: Free
Dates: Late summer – June or July the following year
Application Deadline: November
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-18 and a half; must be U.S. citizens; GPA: 2.5 or higher

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) High School Program offers you a scholarship-based academic year homestay in Germany. You’ll live with a carefully selected host family, attend a German high school, and participate in language lessons. You’ll gain fresh perspectives on German political, economic and social life, learn more about the global current affairs, and engage in a culturally immersive experience.

You’ll get to make meaningful friendships and develop a sense of empowerment, independence, and global citizenship. Joining the program will give you an interesting opportunity to engage in the cultural experiences of Germany, along with sharing your own.

Why it stands out: You’ll spend a full school year living with a German host family, attending high school there, and gain knowledge about their politics, economy, and culture while sharing yours.

12. Ayusa International’s Study Abroad Program

Location: Summer Programs: Tokyo; Longer programs: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Osaka, Kyushu, Saitama, and other regions in the country
Cost: $4,300-$9510 (varies with program length and type)
Dates: Vary by program type and length
Application Deadline: Not yet posted
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 15-18; basic knowledge of the Japanese language is helpful

If you join Ayusa International’s Study Abroad Program, you’ll be offered an immersive experience in Japan that will broaden your worldview. You’ll live with a Japanese host family and learn about the local history, traditions, and language.

You can also choose to live in a school dormitory and engage in meaningful interactions with your peers. You’ll attend a Japanese High school, participate in morning classes and spend the afternoon gaining a deeper understanding of daily life as a Japanese student. 

Why it stands out: You immerse yourself in Japanese high school life with host families or dorms, blending morning classes and afternoon daily routines for authentic cultural and language growth.

13. Benjamin Franklin TransAtlantic Fellowship

Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23rd – July 21st
Application Deadline: March 8th
Eligibility: Students ages 16-18 from Europe and the United States

Benjamin Franklin TransAtlantic Fellowship offers a four-week intensive experience. Through this fully-funded exchange program, you’ll attend classes in civic education, international diplomacy, and media and journalism. The program allows you to conduct and participate in practical workshops, debates, and seminars. You’ll interact with U.S. scholars, journalists, and politicians and also participate in community service activities.

Along with gaining knowledge and skills, you’ll also immerse yourself in cultural experiences through trips to multiple places, including Chicago, Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Washington. If you’re a high school student interested in an exchange program that blends practical knowledge with fun, cultural experiences, then this program can be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: It provides a free opportunity to learn about media and diplomacy through practical and cultural activities.

14. Northwest Student Exchange

Location: Kyoto and Kagoshima, Japan
Cost: Not specified
Dates: Varies with program type. More information here
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: 9th-12th grade students around the world (ages 15-18); 3.0/4.0 GPA. More information here

Joining the Northwest Student Exchange program will allow you to experience Japanese culture, beauty and daily life. As a high school exchange student, you’ll live with Japanese host families and attend partner high schools in Kyoto or Kagoshima based on U.S. school semesters. You’ll get to interact with your Japanese classmates through engaging in clubs and activities.

You’ll receive supervision from a representative of NWSE in Japan, engage in Pre-departure, post-arrival and re-entry student orientations, and receive an NWSE certificate of participation on successful completion of the program.

Why it stands out: You live with Japanese host families and attend high schools in Kyoto or Kagoshima, joining clubs with classmates under local supervision and orientations for authentic daily life immersion.

15. States’ 4-H International Exchange Program

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost: Contact your State Coordinator for fee-related information
Dates: 8-Week: June 10th – August 7th; 4-Week: July 8th – August 7th
Application Deadline: To be posted
Eligibility: 8-week: 15-18 years old students; 4-Week: 12-18 years old students worldwide

The State’s 4-H International Exchange Program offers you to experience Japan’s rich and varied culture. There are two program types based on duration offered in partnership with two youth development organisations. In the eight-week program, you’ll attend a Japanese language program in Tokyo while spending the first four weeks with one host family and the next with another host family.

The program might pair you with a host sibling of a similar age to yours. The four-week program will include homestay with a host family, learn about their culture and daily life and participating in camping. 

Why it stands out: You’ll choose a program duration that fits you the best, might get to live with a host-sibling, and learn about Japanese culture in a unique way.

Turning Global Dreams Into Reality

Exchange programs open doors to cultures, perspectives, and confidence. They allow students to learn beyond classrooms, discover independence, and build skills lasting a lifetime.

With so many exchange programs for high school students available worldwide, choosing the right one means matching interests, goals, and readiness with meaningful cultural immersion.

Whether studying languages, academics, or leadership abroad, these experiences shape future pathways, strengthen global awareness, and help students return home focused and inspired.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our Study Abroad blogs for expert advice on destinations, subject choices, and application tips, and start turning international ambition into action.