High School UK
Programmes start in September or January
What is the High School Cultural Exchange Programme?
Students live with a host family while they study in a secondary school for up to six months.
Each student is matched with a caring, carefully selected host family who provides room and meals while the student attends high school or college. Study Abroad Co-ordinators offer assistance and support throughout the programme.
By living with a family and studying at the local high school or college, students become fluent in the English language, open their minds to another culture, make lifelong friends and learn more about themselves, the UK and the world around them.
Why Study Abroad?
• Become fluent in the English language
• Live and study in another culture
• Make lifelong friends
• Expand your horizons
• Grow as a citizen of the world
| At a glance | |
| AGE RANGE | 16 to 18 |
| LANGUAGE | English (minimum CEFR level B1) |
| STARTS | Late August or early January |
| PROGRAMME OPTIONS | Trimester (12 weeks), 1 term or 6 months |
Education in the UK
The British school system is renowned across the world. Children start primary school at 5 years old, change to secondary school at 11 years old and after 5 years take their GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in many subjects. Students can then get a job with training, do a vocational course, or stay at school for 2 more years (the Sixth Form) to do Advanced Level exams (called AS and A2) in 3-4 subjects. The Sixth Form is preparation for university – students have more responsibility and are expected to do more private study.
Many schools do not have a uniform in the Sixth Form and there are fewer structured lessons per day. A wide range of subjects are available including Photography, Music, Theatre Studies and Sociology. All students join the first year of Sixth Form with 16-17 year old UK students.
The Programme offers
• Accommodation and meals in a host family (breakfast and dinner, packed lunch is optional)
• Enrolment in a local school or college
• Free on arrival transfer on designated dates
• Welcome orientation and student handbook
• Support provided by a local representative, EIL UK staff members and an independent listener
• Opportunity to do an ‘in-country exchange’ and visit a host family in a different region
• Opportunity to visit cultural sights, e.g. London, Harry Potter Studio Experience, Stratford-upon-Avon (extra cost)
