PRIVATE BOARDING SCHOOL

Live with your friends with your once-in-a-lifetime boarding house exchange




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Stay at school with your friends during the week at a boarding school, then hang out with a host family on weekends and holidays. By signing up to our private boarding school experience, you’ll get a taste of every aspect of life as a French high school student.
We work with a small number of carefully chosen boarding schools across France. This means places are strictly limited and best suited to someone looking for a longer stay.
If you choose our boarding school experience, you don’t have to host a student here in Australia.
HOW IT WORKS
Every student who signs up for an exchange 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).
It’s our goal to find the perfect French correspondent for you. That’s why when you apply, we try to get to know a little bit about who you are, what you like and the kind of experience you’re hoping to have.
If you choose a private boarding house experience, you’ll live in the boarding house during the
week and attend classes like a regular high school student. Then, on weekends and during
holidays, you’ll live with your host family.
While you’re there, you’ll improve your language skills, experience another culture first-hand,
make lifelong friends, eat amazing food, see incredible things (do we need to go on?).
A private boarding school experience is ideal for you if you:
- Want to experience a French boarding school
- Want to get meet your new French best friend and their family
- Are interested in travelling to and from France with our group (not essential)
- Want flexible dates and durations for your program (up to a full French school year)
See what students had to say about their private boarding school experience.
BEFORE YOU GO
Program requirements
You must be an Australian high school student in years nine to 11 (between the ages of 14 and 17 when the program commences).
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 the group and individual travel options.
Travel insurance
Is to be organised directly by our affiliated travel agency i do travel (office@idotravel.com.au). i do travel will be in touch with registered AFX students to organise insurance and flights.
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
International exchange students enter Australia on a subclass 500 student visa with a specific exchange student statistical code. We issue each exchange student with a visa document, known as the Acceptance Advice for Secondary Exchange Students (AASES) form, through their student exchange organisation (SEO). The exchange student is enrolled at the school to study formal subjects at age-appropriate levels. Typically, student exchanges operate at Year 10 level. Exchange students do not pay school tuition fees, and host families volunteer to provide accommodation.
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 years nine to 11 (between the ages of 14 and 17 when the program commences).
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 the group and individual travel options.
Travel insurance
Is to be organised directly by our affiliated travel agency i do travel (office@idotravel.com.au). i do travel will be in touch with registered AFX students to organise insurance and flights.
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
International exchange students enter Australia on a subclass 500 student visa with a specific exchange student statistical code. We issue each exchange student with a visa document, known as the Acceptance Advice for Secondary Exchange Students (AASES) form, through their student exchange organisation (SEO). The exchange student is enrolled at the school to study formal subjects at age-appropriate levels. Typically, student exchanges operate at Year 10 level. Exchange students do not pay school tuition fees, and host families volunteer to provide accommodation.
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.

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 cats? 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.
As part of the reciprocal program, we also guarantee your host family will take you to Paris
(unless that’s where you’ll be living, of course) so you can experience the incredible museums,
restaurants and beauty of the French capital.
Getting to France
Students can either travel independently or as part of a group.Those travelling as part of a group are escorted by an AFX Student Exchange staff member or
representative. 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.
If you’d like to travel in Europe or visit family at the end of your program, then individual travel is
a great option for you.
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
Having the opportunity to travel to France as an exchange student was a sincerely valuable experience I will not forget. At first it was bizarre to be placed in a school system completely different from my own however, slowly but surely it became very much enjoyable. During my 6 weeks, I received plenty of support from the AFX and I would like to thank them for helping me make the most of my time in France. I managed to make so many new friends both French and Australian and became a part of a family who treated me with kindness and as their equal. This exchange has definitely helped me to develop my French skills with the help of everyone around me but moreover I regained the motivation to improve my French which I had not been able to experience since I began learning the language many years ago. Now in Year 12, I know that I have friends eager for me to visit France once I finish and it makes me very glad to have been able to meet them through this exchange. Therefore, thank you so much to everyone who made this possible.
Sally Lauriston Girl’s School
I am the most imaginative person I know and not even I could have imagined that my trip to France would be as amazing as it was. I participated in a 6 week one way exchange where I was embraced by the French culture of Brest and my host family. My experience was unforgettable thanks to the memories and friends I made while overseas. My host family made me feel incredibly welcome and safe. I miss the environment and culture I was surrounded by both in school and at home. I was privileged enough to visit Paris with my host family which was just the icing on top of the cake for how amazing this family was. AFX Student Exchange did a perfect match between me and my host sister as we had almost everything in common and got along extremely well. This opportunity allowed me to improve both my french and my host families English. Before going to France my french speaking and listening skills were not the best but after this trip I can speak and understand French without a problem. I would recommend AFX to anyone seeking an exchange to France as they cater for you personally and are with you every single step of the way. Thank you AFX for your support and non faltering program.
Adeline Mount St joseph
Going to France for a five week exchange was an experience I won’t forget. My host family was very kind and welcoming and tried their best show me life and culture in France and to make me feel apart of their family! They were always willing to help me with my french as well. Going to school in France was very enjoyable. Though it is similar to school in Australia some aspects are quite different. The students and teachers were all so welcoming and I enjoyed being their classmate and friend. I found it also very special to spend Christmas and New Years with my host family. I found it very interesting to experience Christmas in winter and learn the holiday traditions of my family. My host family also took me to a wide variety of place to teach me more about France. My own parents came and picked me up at then end of my exchange, I thought this was a very special thing to do as my parents were able to meet my host family and understand how I had been living for a few weeks. At the end of my 5 weeks of being immersed in the French language I was being to notice improvements in my understanding of the language as well as my confidence in it. I had a very enjoyable time in France and it is an experience I will never forget. AFX Student Exchange were constantly checking up on me and I knew they would be able to help me with any problems I had. I highly recommend a French Exchange through AFX Student Exchange whether to improve your French or learn about the culture. It is an experience I am truly grateful for. Thank you.
Josie Geelong Grammar
I stayed for 8 weeks and It was one of the best experiences on my life that has impacted and changed me for the better. Being given the independence to have to rely on myself and my host family for 8 weeks was amazing and has helped me grow as a person. Staying in France and attending school as if I was a typical French girl, I learned so about myself, the French culture and my skills in understanding and speaking improved so much as well. I was able to understand and speak French and it is such an empowering experience. Being in the school, I met some Australian exchange students there as well as so many French friends I will keep forever. AFX Student Exchange helped so much with the travel and placement of the family, they really do put so much effort into making your trip as amazing as possible and they defiantly exceed expectations!! I will never forget my incredible experiences in France.
Olivia Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College
With AFX Student Exchange, I had the experience of a lifetime during my linguistic exchange in France. I was very comfortable with the family I was placed with, it was a home away from home where I felt relaxed and comfortable, in a safe environment, ideal conditions for improving my language skills. Although at the beginning sceptical about how I might fit in with a new family and culture, I am happy to say that AFX Student Exchange nicely matched my interests and personality with an amazing family with whom I had the privilege to pursue the most beautiful language in the world. Through time at school, understanding the French education system, as well as historical visits to landmarks and sites around the country, rich in culture and significance, this experience gave me a chance to study French beyond the textbook through full emersion where I could interact with native speakers 24/7. AFX Student Exchange gifted me the most unforgettable experience and I would recommend this program to anyone looking to improve their French whilst experiencing other cultural and historical facets of the language.
Jesse Cranbrook School
Nothing could have prepared me for this amazing, immersive and cultural experience which I shared with the most wonderful family. AFX Student Exchange did an excellent job of making sure I was always happy and comfortable, and they could not have chosen a better family! I will definitely never forget this incredible exchange.
EdwinaMelbourne Girls Grammar School
My experience during the 6-week exchange program will stay with me forever. I had a great time meeting new people and living within a new culture. I never thought about going on an exchange before the opportunity arose, but by having a ‘yes’ attitude, I managed to have an excellent time whilst improving my French. I have definitely noticed an improvement in my listening and fluency skills, and also in my confidence. My host family and I got along so well, making my time in France that much more enjoyable. At one point during the trip, I found it hard adjusting into a small village after living in large cities all my life, but I always found the positive side and gave myself things to do to keep me active. I had a fabulous time during their Christmas holidays and had an unforgettable journey at their school. I made new friends from Australia, France and with other girls that I met venturing from all over the world to learn French. If you ever decide that you want to improve your French through an exchange, I definitely recommend AFX Student Exchange as they regularly asked how everything was going and made sure that all was running smoothly. Thank you AFX Student Exchange so much for everything!!
Stéphanie Methodist Ladies’ College
Six weeks in France, speaking a foreign language with a family you haven’t meet. A daunting picture that made me on several occasions before I departed question, “Can I really do this?”. Looking back now I would have answered without hesitation “You really have no idea how much of an incredible experience it will be .” My time in France staying in the city of Pau with my correspondent and her family was exactly that. An incredible experience. Going into it when I signed up and had my interview with AFX Student Exchange, I had few expectations but was nervous to be leaving my family and friends for the summer to immerse myself in another culture. I can honestly say that all of those expectations I had were exceeded as I undertook the challenge. My worries of conversing in French 24/7 were put to rest as I soon found that everybody loved whatever effort you put in to communicate in their language. My exchange sister and I were a great match and we loved just chatting and spending time together. My recommendation to any student going on exchange is to forget your worries and throw yourself into every opportunity to try something new. Due to this attitude I adopted I had countless amazing adventures that really made this trip unforgettable. From exploring the city or Bordeaux to discovering the school day of a French student, the memories made and huge improvement on my language ability leads me to believing that doing an exchange was an regrettable choice that I would do all over again.
ClaudiaMelbourne Girls Grammar School
My exchange was an incredible experience I will never forget. I have without a doubt improved a lot in my french and feel so much more confident in my ability to speak and understand the language. Staying away from my family for 6 weeks was challenging but AFX Student Exchange did such a fantastic job matching me with a family who were very compatible for me and made me feel very comfortable and at home. I got along really well with my correspondant who shared similar passions to me and was very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend choosing AFX Student Exchange to do your exchange with as they did fantastic job in matching me with my family and made my experience a very comfortable and enjoyable one.
DiyaHuntingtower School
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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.
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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.
Learn More