Student Exchange

Outgoing Student Exchange

For over 10 years St Mary's has been running a successful exchange programme for Year 10 students, who have the opportunity to visit partner schools in countries such as New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa the USA and Canada.

The student exchanges vary from 4 - 11 weeks long and provide those girls selected with a unique opportunity to experience living and learning in another country and, in return, to host a visiting exchange student from their partner school.

St Mary's Exchange Partners
Student Feedback
Download Exchange Handbook

St Mary's Exchange Partners

Bridge House, South Africa
www.bridgehouse.org.za

Havergal College, Canada
www.havergal.on.ca

Loretto Senior School, Scotland
www.lorettoschool.co.uk

Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, New Zealand
www.marsden.school.nz

St Margaret's, New Zealand
www.stmargarets.school.nz

Stanford Lake College, South Africa
www.stanfordlakecollege.co.za

Uplands College, South Africa
www.uplandscollege.org

Westover School, USA
www.westoverschool.org

Student Feedback

“Going on exchange to Havergal College in Toronto was a lot of fun. I experienced so many new things and gained so much from it. I was able to make new friends with whom I'll definitely stay in touch, and have new experiences like seeing snow for the first time, which was amazing! Boarding life was so much fun and something I'll definitely remember. I had a great time with my host family too. Experiencing life in a school on the other side of the world was a truly unique experience, and though at times it was hard, overall it was really worthwhile, exciting, and heaps of fun. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to go”

Gemma Jongeling on her exchange to Havergal College, Ontario, Canada, Term 4, 2011

“Going on exchange to Havergal College, Toronto was a truly amazing experience! Being away from home in a different country, that is freezing cold, living in a boarding house and knowing almost no one seemed exciting but quite daunting at first. But from the moment I jumped off the plane all my doubts disappeared. Havergal is an amazingly beautiful school filled with friendly and welcoming students. Being a boarder was a lot of fun, and helped me to become more independent and competent in difficult situations. Toronto is a beautiful city, especially in the snow and visiting Niagara Falls and the CN tower were some of the amazing things my host family arranged for me to do. I met some wonderful people and got to see the world from a completely different viewpoint. Joining in new activities, trying new subjects and making new friends could not have been more fun and I never thought that four weeks could go that quickly.  Exchange was an incredibly enjoyable and worthwhile experience that sent me home a more confident, independent and worldly person.'

Jessica Ryall on her exchange to Havergal College, Ontario, Canada, Term 4, 2011

“Exchange to Scotland was the most amazing and memorable experience. Loretto is a wonderful school that is full of so many happy people, who all want to be your friend. The school has a lot of Scottish tradition, you can always hear bagpipes being played somewhere, see the students wearing their kilts and tartan skirts to chapel and girls going to highland dancing. I loved every minute of everything, from the red blazers to the confusing keypad codes on the doors, going to the High Street at lunch, lessons, the squirrels that were everywhere and especially all the amazing friends that I've made. Cherish every moment of exchange, because it is an experience that you will never forget.”

Jessica Zheng on her exchange to Loretto School, Scotland, UK, Term 4, 2011

“Have absolutely no fear - being chosen to attend Westover School on exchange will be the best experience you'll ever have. You'll be challenged in so many different ways – socially, academically and physically – but you'll come out the other end a much stronger, independent and more knowledgeable person. You will meet fascinating people and learn so many new facts and life skills; and don't worry, Westover, its students and teachers will help you along the way. As long as you're diligent, sociable and embracing of change and culture, you're guaranteed to have an amazing time.”

Bridget Rumball on her exchange to Westover School, USA, Term 4, 2011

“I am sure everyone who has been will tell you that exchange is the most incredible and memorable few months of your life. Sorry, but I am not going to be any different. The experience varies from person to person because it really is what you make it. You are in a completely different country with people you have never seen and surrounded by so many strange things, but it's how you react to this that will make it great. For any girl going on exchange, be confident in yourself, don't be afraid to put yourself out there and enjoy it. I loved every second of my exchange and experienced things that I would never be able to do at home. Exchange has changed who I am, has taught me to cope with difficult situations and has left me with so many great memories. Never again will I wake up to the sound of elephants, have to climb up a mountain to go to school or be surrounded by so many amazing people. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and highly recommend it to future students.”

Melissa Dodd on her exchange to Stanford Lake College, South Africa, Term 3, 2011

My exchange to Samuel Marsden was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life! Being taken out of my comfort zone and experiencing life in a whole different country has allowed me to grow so much as a person and gain a better insight of the world and its many different cultures. I've made so many lifelong friends and tried many different and new experiences that have really broadened my horizons. There was never a dull moment at Marsden and I'm so grateful for this amazing and unforgettable experience.

Keely Johnson on her exchange to Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, Wellington, NZ, Term 4, 2011