Students possessing all manners of different personality traits successfully become WEP exchange students. Whilst all of them share a common curiosity and tolerance of other peoples and cultures, our students can be outgoing or reserved, quiet or loud, imaginative or productive, or just a bit of everything!
Generally, students must be aged between 13 and 18 to qualify. However, some countries or programmes may be more flexible in accepting younger applicants, while others have very specific age requirements. Please contact us for more information.
Language experience is desirable if your exchange is in a non English-speaking country but not necessary, for most countries. However, some countries have mandatory language requirements. You’ll find the specific requirements for each country listed on its page. Intensive language courses may, in some circumstances, meet language pre-requisites. EUROlanguages strongly recommends language preparation prior to departure as language knowledge is of enormous benefit in assisting you to quickly adapt to your new family, school and life.
Of course, there are English-speaking destinations available if you are not interested in learning another language.
In order to be accepted in the program, you need at least a C grade average at school. If applying for an English-speaking country, you are required to maintain passing grades in all subjects whilst overseas. In non-English speaking countries, you are simply expected to display a concerted, conscientious approach to your schoolwork while you master the local language. Irrespective of language skills, students are expected to participate in all assessments (exams, tests, etc.) as directed by their host school.
After having thought carefully about why you want to be an exchange student, convinced your parents of the idea, spoken to your teachers and completed our application form, you should be assured that your chances of being accepted are high! Provided you meet the academic, health and broad personality requirements of your chosen program, there is usually little reason for us to prevent you from following your ambition and becoming an exchange student.
We recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to ensure it is complete before applications close. EUROlanguages and the receiving organisation overseas need to ensure that you are suitable for the program, that you have the support of your parents and school back home, and that your expectations are realistic. The application is integral in finding a match between the student and the host family, to assist in solving any problems while you are away and to ensure you are in agreement with the legal requirements of the program.
Yes, as long as you meet any specific requirements to qualify for your chosen country. Any specific requirements are listed on the country page and can be double checked with EUROlanguages.
It depends on the country, and which program options are available there. On a Classic student exchange program, there is no avenue for students to choose a specific location and you could be placed anywhere within your host country. Classic + programs and Flex programs offer an extra level of choice with respect to location or school.
EUROlanguages is unable to say whether you will have to repeat school upon your return. You should discuss your plans with your school before deciding to go on exchange. In most cases, younger students are able to go away for up to a year and fit back into the same year level as their peers upon return (sometimes with catch-up exams or tests to be completed, at the school’s discretion). For older students, it may be more complicated, which is why we offer short-term options allowing you to participate in an exchange program during the summer holidays, missing only a minimal amount of school.
Independent travel is not permissible while on exchange. However, you will be able to travel with your host family, school, host organisation and other community groups such as sporting teams or scouts. Again, the foremost aim of the programme is educational and your priority for any holidays must be spending time your host family, who will be investing a lot of time, energy and money into your programme.
Relatives and friends are not permitted to visit you while on exchange. Our experience shows that such visits unsettle students and interrupt schooling. Remember, this is an educational program and you must attend school full time. Your parents can meet and travel with you at the end of your program.
Yes, if you are really unhappy, you and your parents/legal guardians can decide to bring you back home early. However, EUROlanguages and our overseas partner organisation will work very hard to ensure you have a successful program. Most problems can be solved, and our experience tells us that students who insist on returning home early regret their decision. Hopefully you will have thought long and hard about going on exchange. It will take determination, courage and your best efforts, especially in the first few weeks.
Great care is taken to ensure suitability! All families are interviewed in the family home. Parents are also reference checked, and criminal history checks are conducted in all countries, for any person(s) living in the home over the age of 18.
You will have a local coordinator to assist you in coping with any difficulties you may have while overseas, and includes any problems with your host family. Most of the problems experienced by students are due to miscommunication and culture shock so an independent mediator is often all that is required. If problems persist you will be able to contact EUROlanguages international partner organisation who will be available to help you solve the problem.
It may be possible to live with a family that you already know (e.g. friends). However, the family will have to be screened and approved, prepared and supported by our partner organisation in the same manner as any other host family. School enrolment must also be available. Placement with relatives is generally not approved.
Host families come in all shapes and sizes. They represent a complete cross-section of each host community and the richness of family diversity in today’s world. Families can be “nuclear” (mum, dad plus children), “empty-nesters” (older couples or singles who now have grown children), couples (de facto or married) of any age with or without children, blended families, same-sex couples, single parents with children, single adults and more.
Most importantly, on Classic programs, host families are volunteers, eager to host students and are carefully interviewed and screened to ensure that they will make an appropriate host family. Sometimes, they receive a small reimbursement to help with the costs associated with hosting an international students. On FLEX programs, host families are equally screened and selected and they usually receive a stipend/subsidy (either because of a local government’s dictum, or to ensure accommodation in your chosen area/location can be secured).
No, most programs require students to arrive and depart from their host countries on specific dates. School start dates, arrival orientation programs, visa rules and host country regulations are factors that determine program dates. In exceptional circumstances, a student may be given permission to arrive or depart on an alternative date. In such a case, the student must be prepared to travel independently and unassisted, internationally and to and from the host family community.
Placement information (including host family details) may become available at any time after you are officially accepted to the program. Normally, you will be advised of your host family well before you leave Ireland; however, in some countries (e.g. Spain and the USA) and for some students, host family information may not be available until shortly prior to departure. Prior to departure, all students will receive host family, host school and local coordinator details.
In the beginning it is rare for students not to have feeling of homesickness. However, managing these situations by yourself, along with our support, is one of the great benefits of going on exchange. It builds self-confidence, maturity and a sense of perspective. EUROlanguages will provide comprehensive preparatory resources ahead of your departure, to explore this topic further and give you practical tips on how to address homesickness during your exchange.
Depending on your destination and program duration, a student visa may be required. EUROlanguages will assist you with this process. Note: visa costs vary depending on the destination, and are NOT included in the program fee.
Your host family, local coordinator and your host organisation will provide you with support while you are overseas. EUROlanguages will remain in contact with the host organisation and your parents to coordinate and support your experience. In case of an emergency, both you and your family will be able to call an emergency phone number that is answered 24/7.
Yes, the staff at EUROlanguages are available to you and your parents 24 hours a day for emergencies, including any emergencies in Ireland. We are more than happy to discuss your progress during office hours. In some host countries, in accordance with the culture, your parents will receive written reports on your progress.
No, your family will not be required to host an exchange student in return. Of course, we would be extremely grateful if your family did consider offering another student the same hospitality and care that you will receive. Contact us for more information!