High School Study Abroad Exchange Program in Australia

I participated in Greenheart's three-month high school exchange program to Australia last January-April, 2018. I went as a fifteen-year-old to a small town near Adelaide, SA. I stayed with a big family(just what I asked for!) and even though the exchange felt very short, I made more memories and friends than I thought possible in a couple of months.

I knew that I wanted to go on the exchange about eight months prior to my departure date. During the beginning stages of trying to find a program to use to get me to Australia as a high school sophomore, I found that Greenheart was extremely easy to work with and made the process manageable even for a fifteen-year-old (my parents and I had a deal that I had to do all of the arrangings from everything from travel visas to flight plans, so communication between the organization and myself was really important to me). I also found that Greenheart had comparable prices to other programs, but more options for the time of year that you could travel and more hands-on communication.

Greenheart matched me pretty well with my host family. The largest challenge for me throughout the duration of my exchange was the political views of my host family, but after talking with them and trying to understand their point of view I honestly believe that I became a more tolerant person. Family dynamics were not affected by political views, however, and my experience living with my host family was fantastic.

I would definitely recommend using Greenheart to any other high schoolers and under-18 travelers. I cannot speak to their adult programs, but from my experiences, I'm guessing that they maintain the same standard throughout the organization.

To say the least, this trip was life changing for me. my day to day life was not the most difficult of all people, mainly because my classes in school were not challenging, but also because I made the most of my 3 months by practically getting out every day and experiencing australia. A typical weekday would be either going to Crossfit for a workout, going to the Victor Harbor footy club training with some guy friends from school, or just hanging out with someone at either their house or mine after school ended. Weekends involved lots of surfing and bodyboarding, going to different festivals and celebrations in the city, or going to beach parties through my youth group from a church I got involved in. As well as difficulties go, I can't say I had any. Not once did I feel homesick or regret my decision. Two of my favorite highlights of the trip would have to be cliff jumping with one of my good friends who I made on the trip, and when a few Friends threw me and Anna (the other American exchange student) a going away party on my last Saturday there.

Greenheart Travel was great to work with.

They answered any questions we may have had as well as prompted our son for what to expect with regards to his travels and his stay in Australia.

He absolutely loved the experience and is already talking about going back next summer.

Greenheart has lied to me continuously. They have placed me in a very unsafe situation and have never once been concerned with my wellbeing. Feel free to contact me for more information. Above all else do not send your child with them.