ExchangesWhakawhitiwhiti
School-to-School International Exchange Programme
At Waikato Diocesan School, we value opportunities for our students to gain global perspectives and to foster and develop intercultural understanding and competency - all skills that are vital in today’s interconnected world.
Our School to School Exchange Programme, now in its 15th year, offers successful candidates the unique and privileged opportunity to immerse themselves into the educational, cultural and family environments of our international partner schools as well as the rewarding experience of hosting students from these countries.
Student Testimonial
International exchanges are a part of our school that allow us all to connect with people and cultures from different countries. An exchange is essentially a huge opportunity to learn and acknowledge the different cultures, customs, and ways of living in a different country. It’s also a way for our school to make connections with a different country; when we come back and share our experience but especially when our host sisters come and stay with us.
Ella and Isabella - Crofton Exchange 2024
Going on exchange is a lot more than just meeting other people and their cultures. It is also about meeting yourself and who you are. Living on the other side of the world without any familiar faces is a big adventure that allows you to gain independence, and gain a broader perspective on life.
Emma - Downe House Exchange 2024
A big part of exchanges is about the people you meet and the connections you make. Over a short two months we spent at Baylor, we have made lifelong friends from all across the world.
Katie and Sophie - Baylor Exchange 2025
Current exchange opportunities
We currently offer 4 - 8 week exchanges with the following international partner schools:
Places are available for students in Year 10 and Year 11.
Baylor School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
Baylor School is a leading co-educational independent school located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. Founded in 1893, Baylor School offers a vibrant academic environment on a beautiful 690-acre campus along the Tennessee River. Known for its strong college (uni) preparatory curriculum, diverse extracurricular offerings, and a commitment to developing global-minded individuals, Baylor provides a truly enriching experience for exchange students.
Downe House School, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Downe House School is a prestigious all-girls school located in the beautiful Berkshire countryside, UK. Established in 1907, Downe House is renowned for its strong academic foundation, extensive co-curricular opportunities, and a deep commitment to developing globally-minded young women. With a long-standing tradition of fostering independence, resilience, and a broad understanding of the world, Downe House offers an exceptional environment where our students can immerse themselves in British school and family life.
Trafalgar Castle School, Ontario, Canada
Trafalgar Castle School is an independent day and boarding school for girls located in Whitby, Ontario just east of Toronto. Housed within a remarkable historic castle built in 1859, the school offers a truly unique environment for our students to immerse themselves in Canadian school and family life, gaining unique global perspectives and participating in a vibrant international community.
Crofton House School, Vancouver, Canada
Crofton House School, a leading independent day school for girls located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
An exchange experience at Crofton House provides our students with an exceptional opportunity to participate in a dynamic urban community, immersing themselves fully in Canadian school and family life, and broadening their understanding of a truly multicultural environment in Vancouver.
