Does anybody know a good program for an American highschool student to study, or live abroad in Australia. I was hoping something not too long, but however you can help would be great!

My sister went to Germany through the local Rotary club. You might want to check with them. She was only gone for a month during the summer. They may have longer programs, or know of an organization that offers longer programs. A doctor I used to work for has a daughter who spent a year in Spain as an exchange student. I'll try calling him to see who she went through.

There are several organizations that offer programs in Australia, usually for a summer, semester, or academic year. Some offer programs for as few as 3 weeks. Nearly all arrange for you stay with a local host family while attending school. Most are for students 15-18. Here are a few to get you started:

1. CIEE. This is one of the oldest foreign exhange programs in the US. Most are for college students, but they also have a high school program, as well. For info, see www.councilexchanges.com or call 1-800-448-9944.

2. American Field Service (AFS). Another very well-established organization. They offer programs in 44 countries, including Australia. See www.afs.org or call 1-800-AFS-INFO.

3. Australia Intercultural Student Exchange (AISE). This is a program registered by the Australian Government Dept. of Education. See www.aise.com

4. If you are interested in the environment, the School for Field Studies does research projects in the Australian rainforest. See www.fieldstudies.org

5. Center for Cultural Interchange. They have programs for high school and college students, and even offer a limited number of scholarships. See cci-exchange.com

6. Aspect Foundation. They have a four-week summer program in Australia. See www.aspectfoundation.org or call 1-800-879-6884

7. Experiment in International Living. Offer 3-5-week summer programs. See www.usexperiment.org or call 1-802-258-3556.

8. Pacific Intercultural Programs. Offers programs in Perth. See www.pieusa.org or call 1-619-6767.

Australia is one of my favorite countries, and I hope you find a program that suits you. Good luck!

Awesome you guys couldnt have been more help. Anyone else?

I have been living abroad in Switzerland for 3 years and wish you a wonderful experience!

The most important factor to consider that most people forget when preparing for this type of experience is a solid medical plan.

I have been very happy with the following plan and have several frinds who have used it during exchange programs and the like.

http://www.vacationtechnician.com/ma...e%20Quotes.htm

Whatever the reason for your travel, if you need to leave your home country, the Worldwide Medical Plan will follow you. Whether you are a US citizen living abroad or a citizen of another country, the plan provides you with security at home and the freedom to seek care anywhere in the world.

Best of luck!