High School Abroad - Immersion in Australia
Live and learn in the Southern Hemisphere while embracing Australia’s sunny climate and vibrant communities.
Dreaming of sun, surf, and new friendships? Now’s your chance to dive into the Australian high school experience! Live and learn in a public or private school and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Oz. Your journey begins with an orientation filled with fun activities and opportunities to connect with fellow students, setting the stage for your time abroad. Then, head to your placement in New South Wales, an Australia state that includes Sydney, where you 're sure to have an amazing adventure. You’ll experience the everyday life of an Aussie teen by grabbing lunch with your friends in the school cafeteria, joining a weekend surf session, or taking part in a school club or sports team. On weekends, enjoy sharing meals and exploring nature trails with your new friends or homestay family, and venture out to charming towns like Bowral or vibrant coastal cities like Newcastle to experience local markets, beaches, and cultural festivals.
Why Choose This Program?
INDEPENDENCE & RESILIENCE
Come home better prepared to make transitions, take control of new situations, and appreciate challenging experiences for what they are: opportunities to learn and grow.
COLLEGE READINESS
Studying abroad gives you the kinds of life skills that can’t be learned in a classroom — and shows college admissions reps that you’re already one step ahead in terms of initiative, maturity, and independence.
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
After immersing yourself in unfamiliar practices and customs, you’ll become better equipped to interact with people from other cultures — in school, on the job, or in your personal life.
93%
said their experience made them more aware of global issues.
79%
said their experience with CIEE helped shape their college applications.
96%
said they regularly use the knowledge and skills they acquired while abroad with CIEE.
The Destination
Golden beaches, ancient rock formations and city skylines: Australia is a land of contrasts and surprises.
From its indigenous roots to its modern multicultural energy, this island continent invites you down under to explore, connect, and grow in ways you never imagined.
Wander through bustling cities like Melbourne and Brisbane, then find peace in the quiet vastness of the Outback. Discover Australia’s layered history at sacred Aboriginal sites, explore the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, and witness innovation in places like Adelaide’s green tech corridors. Along the way, enjoy local traditions like beach barbecues and footy matches, set against a backdrop of world-class arts, food, and music. With more sunny days than almost any other country and unique wildlife to see, every day in Australia offers something new to discover.
At CIEE, we’re committed to making sure every student feels at home, supported, and ready to thrive while studying abroad. Wherever your journey takes you, our dedicated staff will be there to offer guidance, resources, and encouragement every step of the way.
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Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Your immediate surroundings will depend on your placement in New South Wales, an Australian State that includes Sydney. You might find yourself in a laid-back coastal town like Byron Bay, with easy access to beaches, or in a bustling city like Sydney or Newcastle, full of culture and activity. Wherever you land, you’ll have the chance to join other nearby participants for group activities or excursions, or head out of town with your homestay family for a weekend getaway. No matter where you’re based, you’ll get to experience multiple sides of Australian life.
Blue Mountains Hike
Venture into the majestic Blue Mountains National Park and take in the breathtaking natural beauty. You’ll hike through dense forests, explore dramatic sandstone cliffs, and discover cascading waterfalls. Your journey will culminate in spectacular panoramic views of the vast valleys and rock formations from a variety of lookouts, including the famous Three Sisters.
Sydney Opera House Tour
Step inside the world-famous Sydney Opera House to experience its iconic design firsthand. You’ll get an up-close look at one of the 20th century’s most celebrated architectural marvels. The Sydney Opera House is more than just a building – it's a global cultural hub where you can feel the creative energy and passion of the performing artists that grace its halls and stage. This is your chance to truly appreciate the genius behind a landmark that defines the city’s skyline.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback.
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Eligibility
- Be between the ages of 15 and 17 when the program starts and cannot turn 18 while on program.
- Be in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th year of schooling.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Demonstrate, through the application process, flexibility, maturity, adaptability, and readiness to face the challenges of living in a new culture.
Dates & Fees
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by February 15 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by July 15 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
High school abroad participants are NOT authorized to volunteer, take jobs, or seek employment during their stay.
Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2027 | Start Date TBD* | End Date TBD* | ||
| Program Spring Trimester 2027 | Start Date TBD* | End Date TBD* |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Dates for this program are tentative. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Ready to change your life?
Staff
Thais Oso
Regional Director of Operations for South Pacific Rim, Interim Center Director, CIEE Sydney + CIEE Auckland
Thais started her career as a psychologist working in the Brazilian favelas. She travelled to Australia 19 years ago as a Study Abroad student and fell in love with the...