One Way Program
Immerse yourself in French Culture with your new BFF
Your idéale one way French Experience
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Experience life as a French high school student with our one way program. Everyone who signs up for an experience gets a French correspondent: a student of a similar age, who’ll attend the same school and hopefully be your BFF while you’re in France (or, fingers crossed, forever).
Learn French slang, eat macarons and croissants instead of lamingtons, socialise with students your age and experience culture first-hand.
With a range of dates and durations, this is a very flexible program. Plus, it’s one way which means you don’t have to host a French student in return.
How we choose your correspondent & host family
We know from experience that students who have good connections with their French correspondent will talk more, become more immersed in school and family life, will see greater improvements in their language skills and will sometimes even make friends for life.
That’s why we treat every student that applies to our programs as an individual with their own distinct personality and passions, and then carefully match them with the perfect French correspondent.
It’s also imperative to us that the family structure offered by French host family feels safe and supportive, and that students have their own bedroom.
We also require all adult members of the host family to provide a police check, and complete a face-to-face interview. We also conduct a visit to the host family’s home. You can read more about our child safety policy here.
Are you a vegetarian who’s allergic to les chats et les chiens? Don’t worry, diet, allergy and other health-related concerns will also be taken into consideration. Just let us know your specific requirements and we’ll find a way to make it work.
BEFORE YOU GO
Program requirements
You must be an Australian high school student in Year 9 to 11 (between the ages of 14 and 17) when the program commences.
Group travel dates
Groups depart from Australia the first weekend of December and return on the second weekend of January.
Program length & dates
This program offers you full flexibility of dates and durations during the French school year
(September to June). We offer programs with group and individual travel options.
Travel insurance
Is to be organised directly with our chosen/affiliated travel agency i do travel (office@idotravel.com.au). i do travel will be in contact directly with registered AFX students to organise insurance and flight.
Individual Travel
The one way program offers the most flexible dates and durations which means you can stay for anywhere between four weeks and a whole school year. The only requirements are that the dates you choose to travel must fall in the French school calendar and that you arrive in and leave France on a Saturday. Here are some example program lengths:
+ September to December (four months)
+ January to June (four months)
+ Mid-November to mid-January (eight weeks)
+ Mid-December to mid-January (four weeks)
When you enquire, tell us your dream dates and we’ll try and make it work. Dates that fall outside our group date schedule will mean you travel as an unaccompanied minor. Don’t worry, you’ll still be greeted at airport by one of our representatives. If you’re thinking about travelling to see family in Europe before or after your program in France, then individual travel is your best option.
+ September to December (four months)
+ January to June (four months)
+ Mid-November to mid-January (eight weeks)
+ Mid-December to mid-January (four weeks)
When you enquire, tell us your dream dates and we’ll try and make it work. Dates that fall outside our group date schedule will mean you travel as an unaccompanied minor. Don’t worry, you’ll still be greeted at airport by one of our representatives. If you’re thinking about travelling to see family in Europe before or after your program in France, then individual travel is your best option.
Program location
We have placements available in cities, small towns and even some rural areas. With every exchange, our focus is on finding you the perfect correspondent and host family. We also have to match your preferred dates with the school’s availability. This means we can’t always place you exactly where you want to go. However, if you’d prefer the mountains to the sea or the country to the city, let us know and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Visas requirements
We aren’t qualified to offer visa advice or to process your visa application. However, generally,
Australian citizens (under 18) don’t need visas when going to France for less than 90 days.
If you’re unsure about whether you need a visa or are interested in a program longer than 90
days, please refer to the French consulate for information.
We recommend starting your visa applications six months before the start of your exchange.
Please note that in some cases, applicants may need to attend the French consulate in Sydney
for an interview.
COVID
Although AFX will make every effort to ensure students undertake their exchange program, participation remains subject to COVID-19 regulations. In the event that COVID-19 prevents or impacts your program, AFX will offer partial refunds to some participants. For more information on this policy, please read our detailed terms & conditions.
BEFORE YOU GO
Program requirements
You must be an Australian high school student in Year 9 to 11 (between the ages of 14 and 17) when the program commences.
Group travel dates
Groups depart from Australia the first weekend of December and return on the second weekend of January.
Program length & dates
This program offers you full flexibility of dates and durations during the French school year
(September to June). We offer programs with group and individual travel options.
Travel insurance
Is to be organised directly with our chosen/affiliated travel agency i do travel (office@idotravel.com.au). i do travel will be in contact directly with registered AFX students to organise insurance and flight.
Individual Travel
The one way program offers the most flexible dates and durations which means you can stay for anywhere between four weeks and a whole school year. The only requirements are that the dates you choose to travel must fall in the French school calendar and that you arrive in and leave France on a Saturday. Here are some example program lengths:
+ September to December (four months)
+ January to June (four months)
+ Mid-November to mid-January (eight weeks)
+ Mid-December to mid-January (four weeks)
When you enquire, tell us your dream dates and we’ll try and make it work. Dates that fall outside our group date schedule will mean you travel as an unaccompanied minor. Don’t worry, you’ll still be greeted at airport by one of our representatives. If you’re thinking about travelling to see family in Europe before or after your program in France, then individual travel is your best option.
+ September to December (four months)
+ January to June (four months)
+ Mid-November to mid-January (eight weeks)
+ Mid-December to mid-January (four weeks)
When you enquire, tell us your dream dates and we’ll try and make it work. Dates that fall outside our group date schedule will mean you travel as an unaccompanied minor. Don’t worry, you’ll still be greeted at airport by one of our representatives. If you’re thinking about travelling to see family in Europe before or after your program in France, then individual travel is your best option.
Program location
We have placements available in cities, small towns and even some rural areas. With every exchange, our focus is on finding you the perfect correspondent and host family. We also have to match your preferred dates with the school’s availability. This means we can’t always place you exactly where you want to go. However, if you’d prefer the mountains to the sea or the country to the city, let us know and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Visas requirements
We aren’t qualified to offer visa advice or to process your visa application. However, generally,
Australian citizens (under 18) don’t need visas when going to France for less than 90 days.
If you’re unsure about whether you need a visa or are interested in a program longer than 90
days, please refer to the French consulate for information.
We recommend starting your visa applications six months before the start of your exchange.
Please note that in some cases, applicants may need to attend the French consulate in Sydney
for an interview.
COVID
Although AFX will make every effort to ensure students undertake their exchange program, participation remains subject to COVID-19 regulations. In the event that COVID-19 prevents or impacts your program, AFX will offer partial refunds to some participants. For more information on this policy, please read our detailed terms & conditions.
Getting to France
Those travelling as part of a group are escorted by an AFX representative or chaperone on the
flights. Upon arrival in Paris, students are greeted at the airport by a member of our French
team and any host families located close to Paris.
For students hosted by families in regional France, we’ll help with transfers once you reach
Paris. One of our representatives will also be present at the airport upon departure.
We can organise chaperones from other departure cities (Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide) but these are subject to group numbers.
If needed, you can also choose to travel to France with the group and return on a different date.
Or vice versa.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
24/7 support
While students are in France, we are available via our 24/7 hotline. We also make regular contact with students in case they need support or have any questions.
Cultural immersion
While in France, you’ll live with your French correspondent and their family and be immersed in another culture. Obvious things like language, money and food will be different, but there will be some other cultural differences that may surprise you. Once you’ve been accepted into the program, we’ll help you prepare so you’re ready to make the most of your time in France.
School in France
You’ll always attend the same school as your French correspondent student. It’s the perfect way to make friends quickly and get properly immersed in your school. Most French students attend school five days a week, usually from about 8am until 5 or 6pm. When you’re attending school in another country, there will, of course, be differences in how things are done, how teachers teach, when you have lunch (v important) and more. We’re here to help you prepare so there are no surprises.
Subjects and timetables
Whether you’re a book worm or a mathlete, we always try our hardest to accommodate your passions and interests, but your timetable and subjects will depend on what the school has on offer, the classes your correspondent takes and how busy classes are at your host school. The longer your exchange program, the more flexibility you’ll get with subject and timetable
choices. Many schools also offer French as a foreign language (FLE) lessons. We’ll always let you know if these classes are available so don’t worry about missing out.
School holidays
Depending on the dates of your program, you may also have some school holidays while you’re in France. If you choose to take part in our summer program, the holidays tend to be from late December until the second week of January. These holidays offer an incredible opportunity for you to visit other parts of France and maybe even experience a white Christmas with your host family.
Sports and extra-curricular activities
Are you a budding oboist or the next René Lacoste? A French exchange program doesn’t mean you need to give up or fall behind on your extra-curriculars. When we look for your perfect host family and school, we always take your passions for sport, drama and music into consideration.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
24/7 support
While students are in France, we are available via our 24/7 hotline. We also make regular contact with students in case they need support or have any questions.
Cultural immersion
While in France, you’ll live with your French correspondent and their family and be immersed in another culture. Obvious things like language, money and food will be different, but there will be some other cultural differences that may surprise you. Once you’ve been accepted into the program, we’ll help you prepare so you’re ready to make the most of your time in France.
School in France
You’ll always attend the same school as your French correspondent student. It’s the perfect way to make friends quickly and get properly immersed in your school. Most French students attend school five days a week, usually from about 8am until 5 or 6pm. When you’re attending school in another country, there will, of course, be differences in how things are done, how teachers teach, when you have lunch (v important) and more. We’re here to help you prepare so there are no surprises.
Subjects and timetables
Whether you’re a book worm or a mathlete, we always try our hardest to accommodate your passions and interests, but your timetable and subjects will depend on what the school has on offer, the classes your correspondent takes and how busy classes are at your host school. The longer your exchange program, the more flexibility you’ll get with subject and timetable
choices. Many schools also offer French as a foreign language (FLE) lessons. We’ll always let you know if these classes are available so don’t worry about missing out.
School holidays
Depending on the dates of your program, you may also have some school holidays while you’re in France. If you choose to take part in our summer program, the holidays tend to be from late December until the second week of January. These holidays offer an incredible opportunity for you to visit other parts of France and maybe even experience a white Christmas with your host family.
Sports and extra-curricular activities
Are you a budding oboist or the next René Lacoste? A French exchange program doesn’t mean you need to give up or fall behind on your extra-curriculars. When we look for your perfect host family and school, we always take your passions for sport, drama and music into consideration.
What makes our program stand out
Exclusively French
Our depth of knowledge and experience, as well as being French, means that we offer exquisite immersive cultural and linguistic experiences to France.
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INDIVIDUALISED
We treat every student as an individual with their own distinct personality and passions, and then carefully match them with the perfect French correspondent.
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GET OUR PRICES
Our starting price for a six-week program in France is $3550 and offers many inclusions as a part of the program. Our prices vary depending on the program you want to participate in and the duration of your stay in France.
get our prices
SAFE
We’re the only Australian student exchange organisation sending students exclusively to France that meets the strict safety standards needed for government accreditations.
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TESTIMONIALS
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ACCREDITATION
AFX Student Exchange is a registered not-for-profit student exchange organisation (SEO) in NSW and VIC. As such, AFX offers student exchange programs compliant with National and State Guidelines for Secondary Student Exchange Programs (potentially the One Way) but also cultural tours and language immersion programs which are not compliant with National and State Guidelines for Secondary Student Exchange Programs because these programs are not falling under the definition of a student exchange programs. The Reciprocal and private boarding school programs.
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Extras
Like us, Alliance Française are committed to providing experiences to Australian students to improve both their French language skills and appreciation of French culture.
We have an exclusive partnership with the Alliance Française in most Australian capital cities.
As part of our partnership, we run special deals and events for our participating students.
Visit our partnerships page to find out more.
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Visit our partnerships page to find out more.
NEWS
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Prices
Our starting price for a six-week program in France is $3550 and offers many inclusions as a part of the program. Our prices vary depending on the program you want to participate in and the duration of your stay in France.
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ONLINE EXCHANGES
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Faq
Student exchange program
requirements
Enrolment
Exchange students are responsible for:
- Fulfilling the conditions of the visa that has been granted.
- Attending the appointed CRICOS school full time.
- Behaving in an appropriate manner as agreed under the terms of the relevant exchange program, and complying with school codes of conduct, regulations and conditions of enrolment and abiding by the laws of the destination country.
- Leaving the destination country on completion of the exchange program or the expiration of any relevant visa.
- Leaving the destination country earlier if circumstances develop such that the SEO believes that the student’s further participation in the program is not appropriate.
Visa
Students participating in a student exchange program travel to Australia on a student visa (subclass 500) issued by the Australian Government.
An SEO requires an Acceptance Advice for Secondary Exchange Student (AASES) form to obtain a student visa for each inbound student. The VRQA issues SEOs an AASES form upon request. AASES forms specify:
• The student exchange program dates, which must be the student’s first day of school enrolment and the student’s last day of school enrolment
• The student welfare dates nominated by the SEO, which is a period of at least seven days before and after the student exchange program dates where the SEO is responsible for the student’s accommodation, support and general welfare. Students must attend school for the period approved by the VRQA on the AASES form or outbound notification form.
An SEO must make sure that students do not arrive in Australia before the student welfare start date stated in the AASES form, and that students depart Australia before the student welfare end date. Inbound students must obtain overseas student health cover (OSHC) for the full period of the student welfare dates in their AASES form. This does not apply to students who are citizens of a country exempted from the requirement by the Department of Home Affairs. An SEO must ensure that the student exchange programs it provides to outbound Victorian students comply with all relevant visa and health insurance requirements of the host country
• The student exchange program dates, which must be the student’s first day of school enrolment and the student’s last day of school enrolment
• The student welfare dates nominated by the SEO, which is a period of at least seven days before and after the student exchange program dates where the SEO is responsible for the student’s accommodation, support and general welfare. Students must attend school for the period approved by the VRQA on the AASES form or outbound notification form.
An SEO must make sure that students do not arrive in Australia before the student welfare start date stated in the AASES form, and that students depart Australia before the student welfare end date. Inbound students must obtain overseas student health cover (OSHC) for the full period of the student welfare dates in their AASES form. This does not apply to students who are citizens of a country exempted from the requirement by the Department of Home Affairs. An SEO must ensure that the student exchange programs it provides to outbound Victorian students comply with all relevant visa and health insurance requirements of the host country
Schools
School principals should deal only with registered SEOs. Any arrangements for students to be enrolled are a matter strictly between the school, each student, his or her parents/guardian and the SEO. The state/territory registration authorities do not accept any responsibility for overseas students enrolled in schools.
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