High School Study Abroad in Brisbane, Australia

High school programs in Brisbane come in a variety of forms. First is a traditional study abroad program; by studying alongside international peers at a local high school in Brisbane, you can get a taste for what school is like in Australia while making friends and connections from around the world. Study abroad programs in Brisbane typically run over the summer session for high school students so that they don’t have to miss time at their home school. Semester and full academic year programs are also offered for particularly ambitious students, too.

Adventure travel and cultural exploration are also popular types of high school programs in Brisbane. Rather than attending school during your time abroad in Brisbane, these programs will typically pack your schedule with fun activities such as trekking, snorkeling, and culturally immersive outings across the city. While you will usually not be offered academic credit for these programs, they can be an exciting and educational way to explore one of Australia’s best cities.

Last but not least, volunteering is another popular type of high school program in Brisbane for students who are looking to give back to their host community. Working at orphanages, schools, and community centers are some types of community service activities that you might take part in while volunteering in Brisbane.

With nearly 2.5 million people living in the metropolitan area, Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city, and the most populous in the state of Queensland. It is also one of the oldest cities on the continent, having been established in the early 19th century as a penal settlement by the British. Despite a host of problems since then (Brisbane has historically been susceptible to damaging floods), Brisbane has developed into one of Australia’s most important centers of economic and cultural activity.

As a high school student abroad in Brisbane, you will be struck by the city’s charming scenery and vibrant pulse. Whether hanging out around the Kangaroo Point Cliffs or in the City Botanic Gardens, in the Southbank Parklands of the Portside Wharf, in Brisbane Forest Park or by the Story Bridge, outdoor lovers especially will benefit from the city’s well-preserved beauty. Throw in a host of restaurants, concert halls, theaters, and other cultural venues, and there’s a little bit of something for everyone in Brisbane.

Something to keep in mind is that in Australia the seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere, meaning that summer will actually be the cooler months to embark on a high school program in Brisbane. Still, the weather is moderate year-round, so any time is a great time to go!

No one will deny the fact that Australia is an expensive country to travel to. As a high school student, however, it is likely that your on-the-ground costs in Brisbane will be minimal, as a majority of the costs of the trip (i.e. housing, transportation, meals) will be covered in the upfront program fees. For more information on financial aid opportunities which can help cover these costs, be sure to check out our Scholarship Directory.

Homestays and student dormitories are typically the most popular forms of accommodation for high school programs abroad in Brisbane. If you are embarking on a shorter program lasting only a couple weeks, you might also stay in a local hotel or inn for the duration of the trip. Supervision is a major priority for most programs, so safety shouldn’t be a concern for students who want to make the trip.

You’ll have to apply for a visa in order to embark on a high school program in Brisbane, though the details of this will vary depending on where you are travelling from, the type of program you are enrolling in, and the duration of your stay. For more information, you can check out our Australian Embassy Directory.

Life Down Under. Australians are lively, outgoing people, and you’ll benefit from interacting with locals on a daily basis during your high school program in Brisbane. Only the adventurous need apply!

Culture Exchange. A major benefit or embarking on a high school program abroad anywhere is that it will expand your worldview to life outside your home country. In Brisbane, you’re bound to catch the travel bug hard.

Outdoor Adventures. Australia is the world’s third least-populated country, meaning that you’ll have plenty of room to explore. There’s an entire continent awaiting adventure in Brisbane’s backyard.

Embarking on a high school program in Brisbane is a great way to leap outside your comfort zone and experience life in one of Australia’s best-kept secrets of a city. Get ready for the time of your life!