High School Study Abroad in Serbia

Study Abroad in Serbia

Ready for an experience that will change the way you see the world? Live with a host family, attend a local high school, and experience everyday life in Serbia firsthand. From getting to know your new community to exploring the country’s history and culture, you’ll gain a new perspective while discovering more about yourself along the way.

Serbia has a fascinating history and a culture shaped by centuries of influences. As you become part of daily life, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the country through the people, traditions, food, and experiences that make it unique. You’ll also meet other exchange students from around the world and build friendships that can last long after your program ends.

Things to Know

Serbs are known for being warm, outgoing, and talkative. Don’t be surprised if conversations stretch on over a cup of coffee or a meal! You may also hear nema problema, meaning “no problem,” a phrase that captures the relaxed, easygoing spirit you’ll encounter.

Food is an important part of Serbian culture, and meat features prominently in many traditional meals. Hospitality and generosity are highly valued, so if you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s thoughtful to bring a small gift, such as flowers or something to share.

70 Years Experience

Scholarships and Aid

We believe in the power of intercultural experiences and the potential of our students! That’s why AFS is committed to making studying abroad more attainable. To be considered, you must complete the scholarship application by the deadline corresponding to your program’s departure. Learn more and view all deadlines below!

Learn More View Deadlines

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible?	Yes, high school graduates are eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA	2.5
Age Range	15yrs, 0 months to 18yrs, 8 months at start of program
Language Skills	No language requirement

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your Journey to Serbia

Visa Information

AFS will provide visa guidance and support documents (if applicable). Visa processes can be lengthy and complex; you may be required to travel long distances to apply for the visa if there is not an embassy, consulate, etc. close to your home. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond a return date from your host country. We urge you to apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible if applying to an AFS program. We recommend not taking any trips (domestically or internationally) within 2 months prior to your AFS program as it may interfere with the visa application process and result in a late program start date.

Travel & Orientation

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience.

Also during this time, AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in Serbia will begin when you land, where you’ll be met by staff and volunteers…as well as your fellow AFSers from around the world! Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on Serbian culture, living with a host family, safety, and support structures.

Meeting Your Serbian Host Family

You could live anywhere in Serbia, from a lively city along the Danube River in the north to a small town or village in the mountainous south. Every host family is unique, but families in rural communities may be larger and include more children than those in urban areas. Wherever you live, extended family often plays an important role in everyday life, helping care for children while parents are at work.

During school breaks and vacations, Serbian families enjoy spending time outdoors, including boating, swimming, fishing, and visiting the country’s many lakes and rivers. If you enjoy fishing or hunting, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. You’ll also spend plenty of time at home with your host family, sharing meals, talking, and relaxing together.

And when it comes to food, don’t be surprised if your host family keeps offering you “just a little more”! Sharing food is an important part of Serbian family life, and making sure guests are well fed is one of the ways families show their hospitality.

Novi Sad, Serbia – December 04, 2019: Novosadski Winter Fest. Zmaj Jovina street in Novi Sad decorated for New Year and winter spells.

Settling into daily life in Serbia

Teenage Life in Serbia

As a teenager in Serbia, you’ll likely spend plenty of time with friends. Serbian teens are generally social and outgoing, and friendships can be close and open, with friends often talking about their personal lives and feelings. Being a good listener will come in handy!

Soccer, basketball, and tennis are popular sports, and you may find opportunities to play or cheer on your favorite teams. When they’re not at school or playing sports, teens often meet up with friends at cafés, local restaurants, or other favorite spots around their community.

Foods You’ll Encounter

Serbian cuisine reflects influences from Turkish, Greek, and Central European traditions, with hearty dishes, flavorful ingredients, and plenty of baked goods. You may have the chance to try favorites such as bean soup and stuffed cabbage rolls, along with delicious pastries, breads, and local cheeses.

Meals can be an important part of family life, and dinner is often eaten later in the evening. On Sundays, extended families may gather for a traditional lunch, which can include roasted pork, potatoes, and other homemade dishes. Be ready to try new foods and don’t be surprised if there’s always something tasty to snack on!

Your Serbian High School

At school, you’ll make new friends while learning about Serbian history, culture, and society. The school year typically runs from September through June, and the school day is divided into two shifts, with classes held either from about 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Most students wear a school uniform.

Many Serbian schools offer extracurricular activities, giving you opportunities to explore your interests and get involved in school life. If you enjoy music and dancing, consider joining a Serbian folk music or dance group. It’s a fun way to connect with your classmates and experience an important part of Serbian culture!

What's included

75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 32,000 dedicated volunteers
Accommodations with a vetted host family
Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
School enrollment fees
Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
International secondary medical travel coverage
Visa support and guidance
Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

What's not included

Visa Info

Do I need a visa/residence permit for Serbia?	YES. Residence Permit
How do I apply for the visa? (By mail, In-person, In host country)	In host country
Visa/Residence Permit Process Difficulty Level (Easy, Average, Complex)	Easy
Estimated Visa/Residence Permit Expenses ($ – $$$)	$
Frequently Asked Visa Questions	Visit our general visa FAQ page for more information.

Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one.
When you return home, if you’re like most AFSers, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.

That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.

It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in while studying abroad in Serbia.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.

High School in Serbia

Discover Serbia on family, friend, and meal at a time!