Student Exchange Programs

I am currently a sophomore in high school, and I would love to go to Australia as an exchange student. I wouldn’t be going until either second semester next year (junior year) or sometime in my senior year. I have been researching it a bit, but I was wondering what the best organization to use would be (I’d be going from the U.S. to Australia). The organization I’ve been looking into is CIEE, but I see that a lot of people reccommend AFS. The problem with AFS is that it doesn’t offer programs to Australia.

Also, have you (or someone you know) travelled to Australia as an exchange student? My mom isn’t too fond of the idea of a teenage girl travelling to another country, so I was wondering if you could share your experience in Australia. Did you feel safe? Were there any problems? etc.

Finally, I know that it is expensive to participate in an exchange program, so I was wondering if anyone knows a good way to raise money or to earn a scholarship? I need as much financial aid as possible!

Thanks SO much for your time and help!
P.S. If you have any ideas of how I can convince my parents to let me travel as an exchange student, PLEASE let me know! I want this more than anything, but they aren’t quite sold on the idea. Once again, thanks!