Who can apply?

The high school exchange program is for curious and academically motivated students who are studying full time and fulfill the age requirements of their chosen host country. You must be prepared to be an ambassador for your home country and follow the rules of the program.

Is this the right program for you?

A typical EF High School Year student is open minded, flexible, adventurous and academically motivated. If you are in grade 8 to 12 the year prior to your exchange year and you fulfill the age and grade requirements listed below, we invite you to apply to our program. In addition, you must be healthy and have no prior or existing mental illness.

Age

Each High School Year destination country has its own age requirements based on the school system in each country. In general, students must be between 15 and 18.5 years old when they enter the program. Please see the age requirements for your destination below.

[Add dynamic info for age requirements for each destination.]

Grades

To be accepted on the program, students must earn the equivalent of a C, or better, in all major academic subjects (native language, language of host country, math, science, social sciences and any other main academic subjects). Students must study full time during the year prior to their exchange year.

Language requirements

The ability to speak and understand basic English is necessary in all our destinations. [countries where SLEP test is mandatory – please add information here].

• English-speaking destinations – Intermediate English skills with ability to speak, understand, read and write basic English. Minimum SLEP score of 40 or more. [countries where SLEP test is mandatory – please add information here].

• Bilingual program in Canada – Same requirements as for other English-speaking destinations plus minimum one semester of French studies. 

• Costa Rica – Minimum one year of Spanish is recommended.

• France and French-speaking Canada - Minimum two years of French studies.

• Germany – Minimum one year of German or at least 60 lessons of German.

• Hong Kong – Same requirements for English-speaking destinations. Prior knowledge of Cantonese or Mandarin is an advantage. 

• Japan – One year of Japanese is recommended. Students must be highly motivated to learn Japanese.

Please contact your EF office for further information about our language requirements and acceptance criteria.