High School in Austria
Experience Austria's fresh alpine air and sophisticated culture by living with a host family and attending a local school.
Starting date: September 2027
Yearly Program
Spots available
Semester Program
Spots available
Spots available
From Mozart to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austria is a great place to learn about art, music, and history. With its beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities like skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, its rich cultural and historical heritage, and above all, its friendly people, Austria offers a unique experience! We invite students to experience all four seasons in Austria, master a high level of German, and improve their intercultural learning. Participants will be placed with host families and attend school every day, allowing them to discover the country's traditions and customs.
Admission requirements
Participants must be between 15 and 17.6 years old on the day of departure.
The AFS program
You'll be leaving for a year, a semester, or even a trimester. You'll attend high school in the community where you'll be living. You'll have the opportunity to be hosted by a family carefully selected by AFS so you can enjoy an immersive stay that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
AFS offers training, orientation, and activities before, during, and after your stay. You'll meet young people from all over the world.
The school system
At school, students must study all subjects taught (English, Latin, French, religion, history, geography, mathematics, geometry, physics, chemistry, philosophy, psychology, biology, art, and music). Students can choose at least seven courses (German and physical education are compulsory). Several other subjects are taught, including German and other languages, economics, music, science, and history.
The school year begins in early September and ends in July. Many schools are public, and the few private schools are Catholic. Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. There are few extracurricular activities offered at school, but classes often organize excursions and even ski or dance lessons.
Participation in activities such as school runs, dance classes, Vienna Week, or South Tyrolean Week is highly recommended. Participation in extracurricular activities such as team sports, theater, and the ski club is also recommended.
What’s included in your experience
Learning paths that evolve with the world
AFS helps people of all ages and backgrounds develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to connect with diverse people, succeed in a global environment, and contribute to a positive impact on the world.
