Questions? Reach out!
The most authentic experience
on exchange to Denmark
Step out of your comfort zone and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime immersion experience.
Your destination? Anywhere in Denmark!
The program low-down
The true essence of a Classic exchange program? Allowing yourself to be surprised and being ready to adapt. This is the quintessential immersion experience and the best way to discover the most authentic side of Denmark. Let your spirit of adventure guide you, and you will find out that even on the other side of the world, it's possible to feel at home.
The host families selected to participate in the program decide to open their home to an exchange student out of the goodness of their hearts. They may be located anywhere in the country, and they choose which student they wish to host and share their culture and life with.
You will attend a local secondary school, just like any Danish teenager, and experience a different education system, learning style and curriculum. Your year level and subjects will be decided by the host school, depending on availability and considering your educational background.
Eligibility requirements
Picture yourself...
...in Roskilde, in the Zealand region
Woods, lakes, fjords and castles: the Zealand region has a lot to offer. You'll be fascinated by Roskilde's architecture, captivated by its Viking Ship Museum, and blown away by Roskilde Festival, one of the largest music festivals in Europe!
...in a small village in the centre of Denmark
With its agricultural shows and outdoor markets, Bording is a quaint and peaceful village offering an authentic taste of Danish rural living, whilst granting easy access to larger cities via train.
...living the island life on Fyn
Considered by many Denmark’s green heartbeat, Fyn (pronounced 'Foon') is packed with attractions, including castles, beautiful gardens and parks, the historic city of Odense and exciting activities like bridge-walking!
All you need to know...
Transparency is important to us. Here's what's included in the program fee, and what isn't.
Included
Selection interview
Research, selection and preparation of a welcoming host family
Full board, meals and lodging with a host family
Not included
Passport and all visa costs (in Australia and overseas)
Optional excursions, language lessons or trips
School-related costs (if applicable), including uniforms, stationery, books or subject levies
We're here to help. Book a free meeting with one of our Educational Advisors to discuss your options and have all your questions answered.
We're here to help. Book a free meeting with one of our Educational Advisors to discuss your options and have all your questions answered.
The next steps
Do you have everything you need?
Let's make sure your chosen program is the right one for you.
After receiving your enrolment and deposit, we will invite you to take part in an individual eligibility interview, either in person or online. The interview helps us learn more about you and your motivation to participate in an exchange, as well as making sure you meet the basic eligiblity requirements for your chosen program.
Ready, steady, the adventure is about to begin!
Time to start writing your own story! This is where your exchange begins. You're about to turn your dream into reality.
If the outcome of your eligibility interview is positive, you will be given access to our application platform and invited to proceed with an application. The information you provide here serves as a 'calling card' to introduce yourself to your future host family and school overseas.
Preparing for your program, together
The big day is getting closer and we'll be at your side to help you prepare in the best possible way.
Be patient! The search for your overseas placement can take time. This is the perfect opportunity for you to start learning about your host country and practice the language. To make the wait more pleasant, you and your family will take part in a rich pre-departure orientation program: regular communication from our staff with tips, advice and information about all program components, online modules for you to complete and reflect on what's ahead, an orientation session, the opportunity to chat to our WEP Buddies about their own exchange experiences... there are many ways to help you get ready.
Time to take off!
Turn on your engine, it's finally time to board the plane and embark on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
The paperwork is done, you know where you're headed, and your bags are ready. It's time to say your goodbyes! If you're feeling nervous, don't worry: our staff are available to ensure everything goes smoothly (including at the airport to help with check-in), and will remain available for your parents once you've left. The host organisation and your local coordinator overseas will provide support to you for the full duration of your program - just remember to ask.
Your host family on a Classic exchange program
Host families
are volunteers
Here's why:
Hosting you is a unique opportunity to create an everlasting bond. The family have chosen you, and they want to build global friendships and understanding by writing the next chapter of their story with you alongside them.
They believe in the enrichment an exchange program can bring to their home through joy, curiosity and different perspectives. They host out of the goodness of their hearts to discover and share different ways of living.
They hope to have a positive impact on your future, helping you realise your dream of living in their country. They provide a safe environment for you to grow and learn. They want to contribute something meaningful and hosting a student who is appreciative and kind is deeply rewarding.
FAQ
Both programs offer a very similar experience, with placement in a host family and enrolment in a local high school. However, on a Classic program host families are volunteers, and no tuition fees are charged by the host schools; on a Flex program instead, host families receive a stipend to help with the costs associated with hosting a student, and tuition fees may be charged by the host school.
Classic program participants are guaranteed a placement in their country of choice, however there is generally no avenue to choose a specific area/location within the host country, unless a Classic + option is available for that specific destination.
WEP Australia is a not-for-profit student exchange organisation registered as a charity with the ACNC and registered/approved by the education departments/ regulatory authorities in the ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and VIC.
We work with international partners to organise exchange programs. As a result, the program fee is based solely on the cost of program components, both in Australia and overseas. The program fee is allocated between the overseas organisation, WEP Australia, travel and independent contractors for flights and insurance.
The portion of the fee set aside for flights and insurance is approximately 25%.
The portion of the fee going to the overseas organisation (approximately 50%) subsidises the recruitment, screening, criminal background checks, appointment and orientation of the volunteer host family, facilitation of host school enrolment, recruitment and training of the local coordinator, arrival orientation, supervision of your program and provision of 24/7 support while you are in your host country.
The portion of the fee going to WEP Australia (approximately 25%) subsidises the organisation of the program from the Australian end, ensuring: timeliness of your eligibility interview; processing, assessment and preparation of your application for the overseas partner organisation; provision of a departure orientation session and resource materials (including student and parents handbooks); bookings of relevant domestic and international airfares to and from your final destination; detailed assistance with the visa process (where applicable); registration for a comprehensive medical/liability/baggage insurance policy; comprehensive support before, during and after your program, including emergency 24/7 support in Australia and overseas.
Before going through the application process, it is important for us to make sure that you meet the basic eligibility requirements of the program you have chosen (such as age, language skills, academic performance, etc.) and discuss any specific circumstances, requirements or conditions that may have an impact on your program.
A high school student exchange program requires significant flexibility, open-mindednees, maturity and ability to adapt. The eligibility interview helps us assess your real motivation to participate in the program, and (together with the rest of your application documents) make sure you have all the required tools to succeed!