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High School Stay in Scandinavia

Discover the charm of Scandinavia: with a student exchange program, you will not only improve your language skills but also immerse yourself in a vibrant culture and explore a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions.

With SPRACHCAFFE by your side, you enjoy the comfort of clear guidance, warm support and a team that believes in your journey.

 Every moment brings you closer to your future – more independent, more open-minded, more you.

Early bird discount: Save up to €200 – for a limited time only!

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Experienced guidance

With 30+ years of expertise, we support you at every step and ensure you feel safe, prepared and well looked after throughout your stay.

Certified quality

Accredited partners and trusted coordinators in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark guarantee a high standard of care and a learning environment where you can grow and thrive.

Choose Your Favorite Country

Pick the country that excites you the most: Norway, Sweden, Finland, or Denmark

Trusted support

A local coordinator is always there for you, helping with school, host family life and everyday questions so you never face anything alone.

Personal growth that lasts

A high school stay in Scandinavia strengthens your independence, cultural understanding and ability to handle new situations with confidence. You learn to communicate naturally, make friends from around the world and develop skills that support your future studies and career.

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Your High School in Scandinavia

Each Scandinavian country offers a unique combination of warmth, safety, and natural beauty. Here, you’ll experience welcoming communities rich in culture, creativity, and tradition – a place where every student feels at home from day one.

While the school systems in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland share some similarities, each country has its own distinctive characteristics, giving you a truly unique experience.

What awaits you:

  • Books and Materials: Schools in all four countries provide textbooks and learning materials at no cost to students.
  • Digital Platforms: Scandinavian schools use intranet systems for communication, managing assignments, and accessing educational resources. Students and teachers can view schedules, assignments, and important announcements, keeping everyone connected.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Many schools offer clubs and activities outside regular classes, allowing students to explore interests beyond academics.
  • Linear School Year: High schools follow a linear school year instead of a semester system. Courses run continuously throughout the year, with assessments spread across terms. Some schools may have mid-year exams, but learning is structured for consistent progress.
 

School System in Scandinavia

Grades: In Scandinavian countries, upper secondary school (high school) typically includes students aged 16 to 19. Students attend upper secondary education after completing compulsory lower secondary school.

  • In Norway, upper secondary school is called Videregående skole and usually lasts 3 years (VG1-VG3).
  • In Sweden, it is called Gymnasiet and also lasts 3 years.
  • In Denmark, students can attend Gymnasium (STX, HHX, HTX) or vocational education programs, typically lasting 3 years.
  • In Finland, upper secondary education includes: Lukio (general academic high school), usually 3 years and Vocational education and training (VET), typically 3 years

Students choose between academic programs (general studies) and vocational programs (focused on practical skills and apprenticeships).

Students usually have different teachers for different subjects and often move between classrooms during the day.

School Year: The school year in Scandinavia generally:

  • Starts in mid-August
  • Ends in June

The exact dates vary slightly by country and region.

School Hours : Most high schools run Monday to Friday, with classes starting around 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. and finishing at 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. Schedules may vary depending on the program and individual school. Some days may be shorter or longer.

Curriculum : Core subjects include native language (Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or Finnish) English, mathematics, and various sciences (such as biology, chemistry, and physics), along with physical education (PE). Schools in Scandinavia countries offer various fields of study and subjects, including social studies, art, music, drama and vocational subjects. It is up to each individual school to decide which opportunities they have to offer for exchange students.

Teaching Style: The Scandinavian system emphasizes student participation, independence, and collaborative learning. Students are encouraged to express their opinions and engage actively. The environment is informal, with students addressing teachers by their first names.

School Holidays : High schools in Scandinavia usually have:

  • Autumn Break - about one week in October
  • Winter/Christmas Break - late December to early January
  • Winter Break (February Break) - one week in February
  • Easter Break - about one week in March or April

  • Summer Vacation - from June to mid-August

    Holiday timing varies slightly by country.

Experience a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment while gaining a world-class education. Discover new sports, unleash your creativity, and grow academically and personally.

Highlight: Welcome Camp in Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Helsinki

Start your adventure with a three-day Welcome Camp in the capital of the Scandinavian country you choose. Explore the city, meet other international students, get all the essential information about student life, and begin your experience feeling settled and supported.

Find your favorite country in Scandinavia

Pick the Country That Matches You

Norway

The land of fjords and winter sports!

Norway is a country with magnificent nature, vast green spaces, and warm-hearted people. It is known for its fjords, its majestic mountains, and the northern lights. Norway is certainly a paradise for nature lovers. Norwegians spend their time exploring nature trails, forests, and mountains, spending a lot of time outdoors. Norwegians are known for their feelings of inclusion and friendship, making it easy to form connections and feel at home.

Sweden

The Land of the Midnight Sun

In the heart of Scandinavia, Sweden dazzles with its summer phenomenon, the midnight sun, where daylight stretches endlessly. Swedes treasure their husmanskost, traditional home-cooked dishes, with the iconic köttbullar (Swedish meatballs) leading the way.

Beyond the kitchen, Sweden's forests, lakes, and mountains invite outdoor adventures. Hiking, skiing, or simply exploring nature trails isn't just recreation-it's a way for families and friends to connect and make lasting memories.

Denmark

The Land of Hygge and Lykke

Denmark, the Scandinavian country celebrated for its coziness and happiness, offers a delightful mix of rich history, modern innovation, and breathtaking natural beauty. From its picturesque landscapes to its fairy-tale castles, Denmark is a nation built on principles of equality, social welfare, and a high quality of life, consistently ranking among the happiest and safest countries in the world.

The Danish people are known for their warmth and friendliness, and the concept of hygge, a sense of coziness, comfort, and contentment, is deeply woven into everyday life. Many Danes speak English fluently, making it easy to navigate daily life, connect with locals, and even learn or improve your Danish language skills along the way.

Finland

The land of a thousand lakes and Northern Lights


Finland, with over 180,000 lakes and vast forests, blends stunning nature with modern cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. Winter brings the Northern Lights, while summer offers the bright midnight sun. Finnish culture treasures nature, education, equality, and the sauna-a key spot to relax and socialize. As an exchange student, you'll experience a unique mix of tradition and innovation in one of the world's safest and most forward-thinking countries.

Requirements

Age

You can join the programme if you're between 15 and 18 years old.

Student status

You can take part if you're still attending school when you begin your journey and will continue at a secondary or vocational school afterwards.

Language skills

You can join the programme if you've studied English for at least three years. Basic knowledge of the language of the country where you choose to do your school stay is required.

Health & Mobility

A longer stay abroad should feel comfortable and fulfilling for you, so good mental and physical wellbeing is important. If you have limited mobility, simply reach out to us - we're happy to look at your individual situation and explore what may be possible for you.

Vaccination requirements

Vaccinations will be required at your school depending on your place. Don't worry, we will inform you on time about what you need

Passport

Ensure it is valid for at least six months beyond your return date.

Your Options & Services

Country Choice

You choose the country that feels right for you, and our local partners will find a typical Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, or Danish family for you, as well as a school that fits your interests, strengths, and goals. Together, we ensure your placement gives you the experience you're looking for.

Host Family Placement

You stay with a welcoming host family who invites you into their daily life. You tell us what matters to you, and we use your wishes to find a home where you feel comfortable and well supported.

What's Included

You benefit from a complete service package that prepares you, supports you and keeps you safe throughout your stay:

  • Personal consultations to guide you from the very beginning
  • Organisation of your flights for a smooth arrival
  • Comfortable host family accommodation with meals
  • Basic health insurance for peace of mind
  • Attendance at a Canadian high school
  • Local support whenever you need help
  • Preparatory seminars to get you ready for your adventure

Family visits are possible at the end of the programme.

Speak With a Specialist

We guide you personally from your first idea to your final departure, giving you clarity, confidence and the support you need to start your Canadian adventure with ease.

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