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Australia

An island, a country and a continent

Discover why Australia is much more than kangaroos and the iconic Opera House. Australia’s indigenous population has a profound impact on culture and visual art. The interior of the country is very dry and arid so most people live in the narrow, fertile coastal plains and on the southeastern coast. Outdoor life rules: swimming at stunning beaches, playing cricket or having a barbecues in the park.

Australian teen life also includes sports, hiking, camping, and yes, going to the beach. Many young people also work part time after school and on weekends to earn spending money. Youth clubs are popular: Scouts, religious groups, athletic teams, and volunteer activities.

AFSer @kiamahayley having a good time on her exchange. #afseffect #Repost "it's a big world out there"

A photo posted by AFS Australia (@afsaustralia) on

Host family and community

You can live anywhere in Australia: major cities, rural farms, and somewhere in between. Everyone shares in the housework. Families usually get together for dinner and it’s pretty common to get take-out for a quick meal. Although Australians tend to be informal and laid back, “please“ and “thank you” are used abundantly.

School

You will attend either a private or public school. Education is taken seriously in Australia and its schools are rated highly on an international level. The school day runs from 8:45 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday. You’ll likely choose your electives but some classes are required, such as English and physical education. School uniforms are required.

Formal with the best people ?

A photo posted by Rafael Baumer (@rafaelbaumer) on

A photo posted by Rafael Baumer (@rafaelbaumer) on

Language

English, in its Aussie variant, is the official language of Australia. Chinese, Italian and Greek are the most commonly spoken second languages. Having a basic knowledge of English will be helpful. You will participate in language lessons provided by AFS, and local volunteers may help arrange independent language study for you during the first months.

Food

Australians generally eat three meals a day and do not eat snacks between meals. A lot of Australian food is similar to food from the United Kingdom, such as meat pies and fish and chips. But there is also a heavy Asian influence and recently there has been a renewed interest in “bushfoods,” or foods traditionally eaten by the Aboriginal community. Other popular dishes include steak, lamb chops, sausages, seafood, and pasta.

Crabs ?

A photo posted by Anna Ravn (@annafrydensberg) on

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

Go abroad with AFS to discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.
teen pROGRAMS (under 18 years old)

Our learning program will prepare you for an amazing AFS intercultural experience. The program begins at your home country with a pre-departure orientation and continues with orientations and other supported learning activities and facilitated conversations will help you maximize your experience, cope the challenges of navigating a new culture and community and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding, throughout your time abroad, and as you return to you home country. AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you and your host family through your learning journey abroad.

Adult Programs (18 years or older)

The Global Competence Certificate (GCC) program will support your intercultural learning experience. This state-of-the-art program prepares you to successfully navigate new cultural environments—during your experience and long after you finish the program. Online intercultural learning modules combined with in-person sessions help you develop practical and global skills, knowledge and attitudes that employers need and mission-driven organizations believe will help achieve their social impact goals. You will receive your certification upon completion of the training program.