SMG Europe High School Program Experience the Difference!
Contents The SMG Europe Difference
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Why Work with SMG?
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What’s Included
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Programs Overview
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BASIC Programs
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CHOICE Programs
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UK High School Program
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Ireland High School Program
10-11
France High School Program
12-14
Italy High School Program
15-17
Spain High School Program
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The SMG Europe Local Area Representative
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Connect with SMG on Social Media
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The SMG Europe Difference
Student Management Group is excited to offer the opportunity to experience secondary education in some of the most iconic cultures and education systems throughout Europe. These programs offer exchange programs in both public schools with volunteer host families and private schools with boarding facilities.
About the SMG Europe Team ●
The SMG Europe Program was founded in 2022 with the goal of adding an element of choice to the traditional high school program.
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Our staff has over 20 years of student exchange experience and is committed to giving each student the personalized attention needed to choose the secondary school that meets their needs.
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The SMG Europe staff is passionate about student exchange and recognizes that student support is important to a successful program. We offer students a dedicated support system throughout the program to be sure that they are meeting their goals and experiencing the high school exchange of a lifetime. 3
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Why Work with SMG? SMG offers students ages 11 to 19 a real variety of opportunity. It is a student focused program that offers the best mix of cultural and academic experiences. Students can choose from a variety of programs ranging from a few weeks to a full academic program that can lead to recognized qualifications and the opportunity to enter a prestigious University.
CHOICE - We are open about the schools we work with and offer our partners the freedom to select the schools they wish to promote.
STUDENT FOCUSED - If you ask our opinion about a potential student, we will make recommendations based on their requirements that are best for their academic and personal needs.
IMPARTIAL ADVICE & EXPERTISE - SMG has over 40 years of industry experience.
VARIETY - Different school types, accommodation options, course types, program lengths and locations ensure there are suitable options for all applicants.
FULL PACKAGE - We include school placement, initial transfers, local support, accommodation and 24-hour emergency support.
PERSONALIZED SERVICE - We treat each partner and each student as individuals, offering advice specific to each application.
FLEXIBILITY - Students can apply any time of the year. There are varying levels of entry requirements. We are sure we can find solutions for all applicants.
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What’s Included At SMG, we strive to provide our students with every opportunity to broaden their cultural knowledge. Whether it is in the classroom or out exploring the various cities and exciting locations that the SMG program has to offer, our students are guaranteed to have the cultural experience of a lifetime.
What’s Not Included
What’s Included School Placement
Medical/Travel Insurance
Tuition
Personal Expenses (pocket money)
Term-time accommodation (host family and residential options available)
Flights
Initial arrival and final departure transfers (specific dates and airports only) Emergency Contact
Christmas, Easter and summer holiday accommodation (varies by school) Additional fees such as: uniforms, books, school trips, exams, optional classes, sports club membership, learning support, local transport to and from school (if required).
Local support and guidance with international office assistance
Guardianship included where necessary
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Programs Overview SMG offers our partners and students a choice between State (public) Schools, or Private Day & Boarding options. These are outlined below:
BASIC
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CHOICE
MOSTLY HOMESTAY and residential options available.
ACCOMMODATION - Homestay and residential options available.
SCHEDULE- Flexible course lengths- term, semester and academic year available in various locations.
SCHEDULE - Most schools prefer full year. Exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
STATE/PUBLIC - State Schools
SCHOOL - Private/Independent Boarding
A-Levels, BTEC and IB available, sports, activities, and subject choice.
GCSE, Pre A-Level, A-Levels, IB and Foundation options available.
AGE- 14-18 (16-18 for UK)
AGE - 11-19 (depends on school)
NOTES- Specific requirements for age of entry, minimum stay, language requirements etc. can vary from school to school.
NOTES - Specific requirements for age of entry, minimum stay, language requirements etc. can vary from school to school.
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UK High School Program United Kingdom Education System
The UK Education System boasts one of the most well-established and comprehensive educational systems in the world. Due to its long history, it is common for certain neighborhoods to have many types of schools co-exist. The Educational Systems will vary slightly by country, but generally speaking follow the same structure. Secondary Education begins in Years 10 and 11 usually at the age of 14. Students study between 9 and 12 subjects during the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) Program. The IGCSE (International) prepares international students for Years 12 and 13. These years begin at the age of 16 and offer either A-Levels or International Baccalaureate Diplomas which focus on anywhere from 3-6 subjects. Vocational paths are also possible through BTEC programs for students wanting to develop practical knowledge and skills in a specific subject.
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UK High School Program Entry Requirements English
Grades
Student Request Forms
Requirements vary by program and school. Short-term integration requires an intermediate level and full academic programs are likely to require IELTS 5.5 as a minimum (or equivalent)
Students must have passing grades to be considered and even stronger credentials if applying for a full academic program. Requirements will vary by program and school.
It is best to complete the SMG Student Request Form for your students to help determine the best fit for them.
Secondary School GCSE
Studies for GCSE examinations generally take place over a period of two or three academic years (depending upon the subject, school, and exam board) starting in year 9 or 10, with examinations being set at the end of year 11. These tests help to determine the types of careers, courses, and educational paths students are able to pursue.
Sixth Form The A-levels are highly respected exams taken within a 2 year program.
A-Levels
These 2 years focus on the in-depth study of 3 or 4 major subjects and prepare for the A-level exams. Students can gear these optional subjects to a personal interest or a future career path. A-levels are the most common qualification taken for students looking to study at a British university.
BTECs
BTECs are 1 or 2 year courses that combine practical learning with subject and theory content for students who have one specific vocation in mind and prefer a more practical approach to learning. They are accepted by universities and are geared toward students that would like vocational training.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is a 2 year educational program aimed at 16 to 18 year olds.
IB
The program provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognized by many universities worldwide. After the 2 year course, students take a test to qualify for the diploma. The IB Diploma places a strong emphasis on critical thinking skills and encourages students to be internationally minded.
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Sixth Form
Secondary School
Program
Year
Age
BTEC/A-Levels/IB
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17 - 18
BTEC/A-Levels/IB
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16 - 17
GCSE Testing
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15 - 16
GCSE Courses
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14 - 15
GCSE Courses
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13 - 14
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12 - 13
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11 - 12
The UK has one of the most highly ranked education systems in the world. Students attend secondary school from ages 11 - 16. Years 10 - 11 focus on the GCSE, with GCSE testing taking place in year 11. Years 12 - 13 are Sixth Form, which is necessary for students to prepare for university. Sixth form students can pursue BTEC, A-Levels, or IB.
To attain A-Level qualifications, students must study for two full academic years Most schools do not allow direct entry into year 11 Boarding placements are normally restricted to full-time academic students, with very limited availability for short-term students Different options are available to EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA nationals due to funding and immigration regulations in place in the UK and Ireland
Program Lengths Autumn Term
Full Academic Year
Spring Term
September Semester
Summer Term
January Semester
September - December
January - Easter
Easter - June
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September - July
September to January
January to June
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Ireland High School Program
Source: Eurydice. https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/site s/default/files/inline-images/IE.jpg
Ireland Education System
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Irish students between the ages of 12-15 attend a 3-year program of lower secondary education resulting in what is known as the Junior Certificate. Students have an OPTIONAL one-year program called the Transition Year. (68% of Irish students choose this path) The Transition Year is considered part of Upper Secondary Education. Students who do not choose Transition Year move directly into a 2-year program known as the Leaving Certificate. Students are generally between the ages of 16-18.
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Ireland High School Program SMG can also offer placements in Ireland with both homestay and residential boarding options available. Much of Ireland has a gorgeous landscape and is home to many historical sites. Many schools are near the city of Dublin, which is among the world’s top cities in arts, economy, and industry.
Program Highlights SMG will ask for some initial information regarding the student’s age, preferred subjects, location preference, budget, accommodation choices and we will then be able to give some specific recommendations. State placements are done on a “non-choice” basis and fee-paying options are available to all and can be selected from the outset.
Entry requirements and details vary from school to school. Please contact the SMG team so we can help you find the right option.
Transition Year is a popular choice for students to join, where local students are between junior and senior school and have additional extracurricular activities alongside an adjusted educational timetable.
Program Lengths ●
Availability ●
Available to students aged 12-18
Program lengths of 1-term, 2-terms and 3-terms (academic year) available
Different Programs ●
State & Fee-paying options (non-EU nationals can only apply for fee-paying schools)
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France High School Program
Source: Eurydice. https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/site s/default/files/inline-images/FR.jpg
France Education System
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French students are taught the same subjects from the ages of 11-15 at colleges. This is referred to as ISCED 2 — Lower Secondary Education. The first stage of specialization occurs during ISCED 3 — Upper Secondary Education. Pupils are streamed to attend either a 1) general 2) technological, or 3) vocational “LYCEE”. Each path prepares students to take the baccalaureat in 3 years, marking the end of secondary education. This diploma opens up access to higher education and entitles them to enroll at university.
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France High School Program From the picturesque coastlines of Brittany and Normandy to the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, France offers some of the most breathtaking sceneries in the world. The French are very proud of their contributions to art, literature, philosophy, architecture, food, sports and cinema: all of which have influences all throughout the rest of the world.
Program Highlights ●
Participants will live with a French family chosen for them and attend a public high school. In France, students buy lunches at the cafeteria and this cost should be supplied by the student.
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Students must be between the ages of 14 and 18 upon arrival.
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Students must have a minimum of 1 year of French language study.
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Program Options include Academic Year, Calendar Year, Semester and Short-Term options.
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Optional Paris Orientation for 4 days/full boarding for 600€.
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Area choice options for 3,000€ (May involve a private HS and/or paid HF.) ○ Mediterranean Coastline ○ Atlantic Coastline ○ Channel Sea Coastline ○ Pyrenees ○ Urban area
Application Deadlines
School Life
(subject to change)
The French educational system is one of the most thorough in the world with high expectations. Participants will attend classes at a local “lycee” from Monday to friday. Saturday classes may be allocated as well. The school day usually runs from 8:30am-5:30pm. The school year runs from September to June.
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September arrivals — March 15th
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November arrivals — August 1st
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December/January arrivals — August 15th
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France High School Program
Additional Costs to Consider
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Medical Insurance
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Arrival and Departure Flights
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School Books and extracurricular activities
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Visa application costs
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Extra spending money
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Italy High School Program
Source: Eurydice. https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/site s/default/files/inline-images/IT.jpg
Italy Education System
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The Italian education system is broken down into the first and second cycles of education. The Lower Secondary Education starts at 11 years of age and lasts for 3 years. The Second Cycle begins at age 14 and offers 2 pathways: Upper Secondary Education or Regional Vocational Training. The Upper Secondary Education system is organized at 1) General (Liceo) 2) Technical (Istituto tecnico) and Vocational (Istituto Professionale) schools. These last for 5 years and lead to Tertiary (Higher) education.
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Italy High School Program Discover one of the world’s most renowned and historical cultures through our Italy High School Program. At the beginning of each program, students are welcomed through a 4-day Orientation in Milan. It’s a chance to personally meet all of the students in the program! Students also get to attend a workshop that focuses on the program rules, the Italian school system, and other staples of the Italian culture to help smooth the transition. This program also offers several trips and excursions to cities like Rome and Sardinia throughout the program.
Program Highlights ●
Students must be between the ages of 14 and 18 prior to the start of the program.
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There is NO language requirement for this program, although it is recommended for students to be familiar on a basic level.
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Students will be placed with carefully selected Host Families and assigned an area representative for the duration of the program.
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Students will attend public secondary schools chosen at the discretion of SMG or its partners.
Program options include Academic Year, Academic semester, 12-month (Calendar Year), or short-term options between 2 and 3 months.
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Italy High School Program School Life High schools in Italy differentiate by specialties such as: Classic: Focusing on Latin and Greek studies Scientific: Focusing on Math, Physics and other sciences Foreign Language Social and Economics Art
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Application Deadlines (subject to change)
Application deadlines are as follows: ● ● ●
September Arrivals — March 15th January Arrivals — August 15th ⅔ Month options — at least 2 months prior to start
Additional
Costs to Consider
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Medical Insurance
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Visa application costs
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Arrival and Departure Flights
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Extra spending money
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School Books and any extracurricular activities 17
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Spain High School Program
Source: Eurydice. https://eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu/site s/default/files/inline-images/ES.jpg
Spain Education System
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Spanish students between the ages of 12 and 16 study to receive the Compulsory Secondary Education Graduate Diploma known as ESO. Upper Secondary Education is mainly provided over 2 academic years, usually during the ages of 16 through 18. Students have an option of earning bachillerato (general) or intermediate vocational training.
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Spain High School Program For a rather small country, Spain boasts some of the widest array of landscapes and climates of any country in Europe. From Madrid to Valencia and all throughout Catalonia, Spain is full of life, celebration and traditions.
Program Highlights
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The Public School program places students in public schools with volunteer host families. Schools are chosen for the student.
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Through a partnership with Cervantes Institute, participants now have the opportunity to learn and improve their Spanish through a self-paced course.
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Students must have a minimum of 1 year of Spanish language study. Program options include Academic Year, Semester, and Short-Term options.
Additional Costs to Consider ● ● ● ● ●
Medical Insurance Arrival and Departure Flights School Books and any extracurricular activities Visa application costs Extra spending money
Application Deadlines
School Life
(subject to change)
Students spend 5 days a week at school, usually from 8/9am until 5/6pm. The school system is divided into 4 years of E.S.O. (Ensenanza Secundaria Obligatoria) starting at the age of 12 and 2 additional years of Bachillerato for entry into higher education.
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September Arrivals — April 15th
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November Arrivals — August 15th
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January Arrivals — October 15th
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The SMG Europe Local Area Representative Each student will be assigned an SMG Europe Local Area Representative prior to their arrival to begin the program. Our Local Area Representatives are individuals in the local community who support our exchange students and host families throughout the year; they are trained to assist students with any issues, problems, or questions they may have. SMG Europe also has a 24-hour emergency number available to students, monitored by a staff member in New York, to provide additional support when needed.
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36 Park Ave Bay Shore, NY 11706 www.student-management.com
Phone: 631-893-4540 Fax: 631-669-1252 Europe@student-management.com