For students, Japan is exciting, immersive and unforgettable. For parents, it is structured, safe and exceptionally well supported.

Students on exchange to Japan:

• Attend a Japanese high school and experience daily student life
• Live with carefully selected volunteer host families
• Build meaningful friendships and cultural understanding
• Develop strong Japanese language skills through full immersion
• Gain independence, resilience and confidence that lasts a lifetime

Japan remains one of the safest countries in the world, with strong community values and a high level of care for young people – one of the many reasons families choose Japan year after year.

Students are placed in Japanese high schools located in either regional or city areas. While placement requests may be considered, specific locations cannot be guaranteed.

At school, students will:

• Wear a school uniform
• Attend regular classes alongside Japanese students
• Participate in school clubs, sports and cultural activities
• Commute to school by train, bus, bicycle or on foot like local students

The structure and routine of Japanese school life provides stability and helps students settle quickly into their new environment.

Students live with carefully selected volunteer host families, many of whom are connected to the host school community.

During a longer exchange, students may experience:

• More than one host family
• Different family environments and routines
• A deeper understanding of everyday Japanese life

Host families are screened and supported locally, and students are never left without guidance or supervision.

Students must have a basic level of Japanese prior to departure and demonstrate a commitment to structured language study before travel. This is generally equivalent to a minimum of one year of formal Japanese study at school (or comparable learning). Once in Japan, daily immersion in the language and culture leads to rapid progress and confidence.

For 10-month students, there is the opportunity to sit the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) while in Japan, providing formal recognition of language ability – a major academic advantage on return to Australia and beyond.

Student wellbeing is central to everything AIIU does.

Throughout the exchange, students have access to:

• 24-hour local support in Japan through AIIU’s long-standing affiliate organisation
• A designated support officer
• Regular written progress reports sent to parents
• Ongoing support from AIIU’s Australian team

AIIU has zero tolerance for child abuse, rigorous safeguarding policies, and clear procedures to ensure students are safe, supported and empowered at all times.

AIIU offers flexible program durations to suit different students and schooling needs:

• 3-month program – a short immersion experience
• 5-month program – a balanced cultural and academic exchange
• 10-month Academic Year Program – full immersion aligned with the Japanese school year

Students may depart in March or August, depending on program length and school alignment.

What’s Included

• School placement in a local high school
• Carefully selected and fully vetted host family placement
• 24/7 local support
• Return flights (organised by AIIU)
• Travel insurance (organised by AIIU)
• Pre-departure support
• Arrival orientation

Students must:

• Be aged 15–17 at departure
• Have completed Year 9, 10 or 11
• Be motivated, adaptable and open to cultural exchange
• Demonstrate good academic standing and personal maturity
• (Refer to our Japan guide for full eligibility requirements)

Applicants go through a structured selection process including an application and interview to ensure readiness and suitability.

Canada is a leading destination for international students, offering world-class education, cultural diversity, and some of the safest communities in the world. Through AIIU’s Canada Study Abroad Program, students are matched with a school and host family that best suits their profile.

This is a great option for students looking for either an English or French-speaking environment. French placements are ideal for students currently studying the language who want full immersion to boost their skills.

Students are carefully matched to a Canadian school district and host family based on their interests, goals, and personality profile. They attend school like a local and get involved in community activities alongside their school friends and host family.

Canadian high schools offer a friendly, academically solid experience with strong school spirit (think sports, prom, etc) and systems vary slightly from province to province.

Students can indicate a preference for English or French-speaking placements, and we recommend a basic level of French for those choosing French-speaking areas.

Host families are located throughout Canada and are carefully screened. You’ll become part of the family – not a guest – and be encouraged to take part in everyday life, from shared meals and conversations to school routines and local activities.

This is the heart of the program: an authentic cultural experience built on connection, understanding, and mutual respect.

Student wellbeing is central to everything AIIU does.

Throughout the program, students have access to:

• 24-hour local support in Canada through AIIU’s affiliate organisation
• A designated support officer
• Regular written progress reports sent to parents
• Ongoing support from AIIU’s Australian team

AIIU has zero tolerance for child abuse, rigorous safeguarding policies, and clear procedures to ensure students are safe, supported and empowered at all times.

We offer the following durations:

• 2-month short stay
• 3-month term
• 5-month semester
• 10-month full academic year

Departure months:

• January (all program lengths)
• April (3-month only)
• September (all program lengths)
• November (2-month and 3-month only)

What’s Included

• School placement in a Canadian district
• Carefully selected and fully vetted host family placement
• 24/7 local support
• Return flights (organised by AIIU)
• Travel insurance (organised by AIIU)
• Pre-departure support
• Optional arrival orientation (recommended, additional cost)

Students will be immersed in Canadian school life, but as this is a cultural experience, formal grades are generally not provided.

Students must:

• Be a high school student in Australia (typically Years 9–11) at the time of departure.
• Be willing to engage with your host family and school.
• Show openness, maturity, and adaptability.
• Have basic French skills (for French-speaking placement preference).
• (Refer to our Canada guide for full eligibility requirements)

Applicants go through a structured selection process including an application and interview to ensure readiness and suitability

This program is perfect for students seeking immersion, independence, and a deeper understanding of Canadian culture.

Say bonjour to baguettes, castles, café culture, and croissants! Whether you’re drawn to the language, the food, the art, or the history, a high school exchange in France is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse yourself in French life and education. You’ll gain fluency, confidence, and independence – and make memories to last forever.

As part of this exchange program, you’ll attend a local French high school for 3, 5 or 10 months, depending on your chosen program length. Students are usually placed in troisième (the final year of middle school) or seconde (the first year of senior high school) and follow a regular academic timetable with subjects taught entirely in French. This is a full immersion experience – you’ll learn by doing, not by sitting in a language classroom.

Because the academic program is delivered in French, we strongly recommend at least 2 years of French language study before departure. However, we also welcome motivated students who are committed to preparing intensively before departure and continuing to learn throughout their stay.

Grades are generally not formally issued or transferable, but your learning will be life-changing – from culture and communication to resilience and real-world skills.

You’ll live with a carefully selected French host family who opens their home and life to you. You’ll be expected to contribute as a family member, not a guest – sharing meals, chores, and everyday moments.

These authentic relationships are at the heart of the program and offer deep cultural connection.

Student wellbeing is central to everything AIIU does.

Throughout the program, students have access to:

• 24-hour local support in France through AIIU’s affiliate organisation
• A designated support officer
• Regular written progress reports sent to parents
• Ongoing support from AIIU’s Australian team

AIIU has zero tolerance for child abuse, rigorous safeguarding policies, and clear procedures to ensure students are safe, supported and empowered at all times.

We offer the following durations:

• 3 Months
• 5 Months
• 10 Months

Departure months:

• January (All durations)
• September (All durations)

Placement is based on profile compatibility, not on location preference. You won’t choose your exact region but rest assured – every part of France has something incredible to offer.

What’s Included

• Carefully selected and fully vetted host family placement
• School enrolment
• Pre-departure guidance
• Arrival orientation in France
• Emergency support and ongoing pastoral care
• Return flights (organised by AIIU)
• Travel insurance (organised by AIIU)

This program is ideal for students who:

• Are open-minded, flexible, and willing to embrace challenges
• Want to improve their French through real-life use
• Are excited to live differently and adapt to new situations
• Are ready to give as much as they gain through cultural exchange

Students must:

• Be a high school student in Australia (typically Years 9–11) at the time of departure.
• Be willing to engage with your host family and school.
• Show openness, maturity, and adaptability.
• Have intermediate French skills (or strong motivation to get there before commencing the program)
• (Refer to our France guide for full eligibility requirements)

Applicants go through a structured selection process including an application and interview to ensure readiness and suitability.

A semester or year in Germany is a powerful way to deepen your language skills, broaden your worldview, and gain experience in one of Europe’s most fascinating countries.

From vibrant cities to picturesque countryside, Germany offers a rich cultural and academic setting that’s both challenging and rewarding.

You’ll attend a local high school and be placed in either Year 11 or Year 12, depending on your academic level and school availability. Students are enrolled in regular subjects alongside their German classmates, so a minimum of 3 years of German language study is required before departure. You’ll be immersed in the language daily – inside the classroom, at home, and in the community – giving your fluency a major boost.

You’ll be placed in a region and host family that best fits your profile. Academic credit is generally not provided, rather, the main goals include cultural and personal learning outcomes and language acquisition.

Student wellbeing is central to everything AIIU does.

Throughout the program, students have access to:

• 24-hour local support in Germany through AIIU’s affiliate organisation
• A designated support officer
• Regular written progress reports sent to parents
• Ongoing support from AIIU’s Australian team

AIIU has zero tolerance for child abuse, rigorous safeguarding policies, and clear procedures to ensure students are safe, supported and empowered at all times.

Host families are located throughout Germany and are carefully screened. You’ll become part of the family – not a guest – and be expected to join in daily life, help with chores, and participate in family traditions.

This is the heart of the program: a genuine cultural experience built on connection, understanding, and trust.

Your German journey begins with a 3-day welcome orientation, designed to help you adjust to daily life in Germany, connect with other students, and understand local customs. It’s the perfect way to ease into your new adventure and start building friendships.

AIIU offers two program options for Germany:

• 5 Months
• 10 Months

Departure months:

• January (Semester or Year program)
• September (Semester or Year program)

All programs include placement with a host family, enrolment in a local school, and support throughout your stay.

What’s Included

When you book your study abroad program to Germany with AIIU, we and our German partner take care of:

• Carefully selected and fully vetted host family placement
• School enrolment
• Pre-departure guidance
• Arrival orientation in Germany
• Emergency support and ongoing pastoral care
• Return flights (organised by AIIU)
• Travel insurance (organised by AIIU)

This program is ideal for students who are:

• Proactive, independent, and open-minded
• Keen to strengthen their German language
• Looking for an authentic school and family immersion experience
• Excited to live life differently and grow through challenge

Students must:

• Be a high school student in Australia (typically Years 9–11) at the time of departure.
• Be willing to engage with your host family and school.
• Show openness, maturity, and adaptability.
• Have upper-intermediate German skills
• (Refer to our Germany guide for full eligibility requirements)

Applicants go through a structured selection process including an application and interview to ensure readiness and suitability.