Yarra Valley Grammar students who participate in our short-term, international exchange program say that it is an experience they will treasure and remember for the rest of their lives.

International exchanges not only challenge students academically, but also promote real life learning and broaden students’ understanding of other cultures, nationalities and ways of life.

Yarra Valley Grammar students have the opportunity to participate in formal international exchanges to Japan, France and Malaysia. Informal international exchanges are also encouraged.

For Years 10 and 11 French students, a short-term language exchange is offered to Bordeaux, France. Students stay with host families and enjoy putting their language skills to good use. Students experience school life as well as many of Bordeaux’s cities and attractions.

An Indonesian language trip to Malaysia provides students in Years 10 and 11 with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Indonesian language, see the sights of Malaysia and practise their Indonesian with native speakers.

Yarra Valley Grammar also has a sister-school relationship with a high school in Japan, and a short-term cultural exchange (two to three weeks) is available for Years 9 and 10 students. During their visit, students visit Hiroshima and Tokyo and spend time with students from our Japanese sister school.

Students participating in international exchanges benefit enormously from immersing themselves in a new culture, attending an overseas school, meeting new people, staying with a host family and significantly improving their foreign language skills.