Exchanges Canada
www.exchanges.gc.ca
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FAQ for Teachers and Organizers
- How can my students or youth group members participate in an exchange or forum?
- How much does participation cost?
- What do I need to do to prepare?
- Where will participants stay?
- What kind of security is in place?
- How are host families selected?
- How will my group travel?
- Will my exchange group need to host our partner group?
- How are exchange groups matched?
- If my group wants to go abroad, can Exchanges Canada help?
- How old do youth have to be to participate?
- Do you provide funding to host families?
- Can we exchange with foreign students?
- If there is a person in my group who has special needs, can he or she still participate?
- Where do exchanges and forums take place?
- What kinds of activities will be offered?
- What are the benefits for members of my group?
- My group includes non-Canadians. Can they still participate?
- How long will participants be away from home?
- How long is the exchange process?
- Where can I get more information?
- Can we apply to more than one of Exchanges Canada’s delivery organizations?
- When is the best time to apply for funding?
- When are applications approved?
- My group is from outside Canada and would like to organize an exchange with a Canadian group. Can Exchanges Canada help?
- My group would like to organize a virtual exchange. Can Exchanges Canada help?
- Does Exchanges Canada fund exchanges between individual teachers?
- Where can I find promotional material about exchanges and forums?
How can my students or youth group members participate in an exchange or forum?
First, view the youth exchanges and forums available. Then, contact the Exchanges Canada delivery organizations for more information.
How much does participation cost?
Through its delivery organizations, Exchanges Canada generally reimburses approved organizers for return transportation for the youth and their chaperones.
Costs vary depending on the experience. As a general rule, participants should expect to pay registration or application fees as well as costs for local transportation and, in the case of youth exchanges, hosting activities. Please check with the exchange or forum delivery organization for further details.
To help offset the costs of an exchange or forum, your teen may be required to participate in fundraising activities. For more information, follow the Fundraising link on our links page.
What do I need to do to prepare?
If your application is accepted, you will be contacted with detailed information about what you and your students or youth group members must do to prepare for the experience.
Most often, participants stay in the family homes of their exchange partners, but accommodations can vary.
If your youth are participating in a forum, they might stay in a hotel or a dormitory. Please contact the exchange or forum delivery organization directly to confirm accommodations.
What kind of security is in place?
Safety is of utmost importance to Exchanges Canada. All delivery organizations are required to adhere to stringent safety and security guidelines, including regulations about the screening of host families and the duties of supervisors and organizers.
For more information on safety and security measures, please contact the exchange or forum delivery organization directly.
How are host families selected?
Host families are thoroughly screened. Exchanges Canada’s delivery organizations check the references of all potential host families and may visit homes to ensure there is a safe environment for all participants.
Typically, exchanges and forums participants travel by train, bus or plane.
Will my exchange group need to host our partner group?
Yes. This will give your students or youth group members the opportunity to explore another part of Canada, and also a chance to better understand the uniqueness of their own community.
How are exchange groups matched?
Groups are matched based on the ages and interests of their members. Consideration is also given to the regional, linguistic and cultural diversity of the groups.
If my group wants to go abroad, can Exchanges Canada help?
While we do not offer international exchange or travel-abroad programs, we have put together a list of other opportunities that could be of interest to you. As these opportunities are not offered by Exchanges Canada, you must contact the delivery organizations directly for more information.
How old do youth have to be to participate?
Typically, youth must be at least 12 years of age to participate in an exchange, and 14 years of age to participate in a forum. For more information about specific eligibility criteria, please contact the exchange or forum delivery organization directly.
Do you provide funding to host families?
No. Through its delivery organizations, Exchanges Canada typically covers only the costs of return transportation for participants and supervisors.
Can we exchange with foreign students?
Our exchanges and forums are designed specifically for Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. However, we have put together a list of other opportunities that could be of interest to you. As these opportunities are not offered by Exchanges Canada, you must contact the organizations directly for more information.
If there is a person in my group who has special needs, can he or she still participate?
Yes. Please check with the delivery organization for the exchange or forum to inquire about assistance available.
Where do exchanges and forums take place?
Almost anywhere in Canada – Your students or youth group members can discover a rural area or a city centre, a French- or English-speaking community, a province on the other side of the country or an equally exciting place closer to home.
What kinds of activities will be offered?
Participants may visit the cultural attractions of the host community, participate in engaging discussions about Canada’s many cultures, and attend language or other educational classes. For more specific information, contact the exchange or forum delivery organization that offers the experience.
What are the benefits for members of my group?
Your students or youth group members will return home with greater self-confidence, a renewed passion for learning and a deeper respect for the cultures and ideas of others, not to mention lifelong friendships.
My group includes non-Canadians. Can they still participate?
Our exchanges and forums are designed specifically for Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. However, we have put together a list of other opportunities that could be of interest to you. As these opportunities are not offered by Exchanges Canada, you must contact the organizations directly for more information.
How long will participants be away from home?
The time your students or youth group members spend in another community is typically one week for a group exchange, but there will be activities before and after the visit. There is also the opportunity for a six-week exchange where your individual students or youth group members will work in their second official language.
Forums vary in length, but are typically about five days.
How long is the exchange process?
You can expect to spend six to eight months on preparation and post-exchange activities.
Where can I get more information?
Contact the exchange or forum delivery organization that offers your group’s preferred experience.
Can we apply to more than one of Exchanges Canada’s delivery organizations?
Yes, you may apply to more than one of our delivery organizations. Note, however, that you may only accept funding from one of them.
When is the best time to apply for funding?
As early as possible. Note: Some delivery organizations may have specific deadlines, so be sure to contact the exchange or forum delivery organization for more details.
When are applications approved?
Exchanges Canada and our delivery organizations accept and review application forms at various times of the year. You will be contacted as soon as a funding decision has been made.
My group is from outside Canada and would like to organize an exchange with a Canadian group. Can Exchanges Canada help?
Our exchanges and forums are designed specifically for Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. However, we have put together a list of other opportunities that could be of interest to you. As these opportunities are not offered by Exchanges Canada, you must contact the organizations directly for more information.
My group would like to organize a virtual exchange. Can Exchanges Canada help?
Currently, Exchanges Canada’s primary role is to help offset transportation costs, which are not applicable for virtual exchanges. We would, however, encourage you to contact a delivery organization as they may be of some assistance. Or you can contact us directly at 1-800-O-CANADA or by email at echanges-exchanges@pch.gc.ca.
Does Exchanges Canada fund exchanges between individual teachers?
Exchanges Canada only funds experiences targeted at youth. Unfortunately, we cannot arrange a professional exchange. However, we have put together a list of other opportunities that could be of interest to you. As these opportunities are not offered by Exchanges Canada, you must contact the organizations directly for more information.
Where can I find promotional material about exchanges and forums?
Check out our Reference Centre for promotional materials. You can also contact the organization that coordinates your exchange or forum. And, don’t forget to read our past participants’ stories.
