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Are you an Alberta High School student studying a second language and interested in travelling to experience another culture first hand?
Alberta Education offers student exchange programs for high school students studying second languages. In these programs Alberta students alternate between hosting partners in their homes and schools, and travelling to live with their partners, experiencing their homes, and becoming active participants at their schools.
While the focus is on developing language skills, living in a culture and lifestyle different to the one they are used to in Alberta develops coping and interpersonal skills--skills which last a lifetime and are particularly useful for living in our rapidly changing world and workforce.
The Programs:
In each program, Alberta student applicants are selected and matched with students from the other jurisdiction. The students take turns living in each other's homes and attending the host student's school. Depending on the exchange destination partner, the exchange periods are either four or six months, with the time divided equally between each exchange location. An important part of this exchange experience is that the paired students spend this time together; they are both in Germany, Japan, Québec and Spain, and then in Alberta, at the same time.
Eligibility These programs are open to all high school students studying French, German, Japanese, or Spanish. Students normally apply during the Grade 10 year to participate in the exchange during their Grade 11 year. They must have completed the 20-level of the appropriate second language course, or its equivalent, prior to departure.
Selection Procedure Initial screening is done at the school level, based on criteria such as language proficiency, academic standing, personal qualities and family motivation. Final selection of students is based on suitable matches being found for students and their families. Alberta Education administers the programs in conjunction with the corresponding ministries of education in the partner country or province.
Timelines vary depending on the exchange destination.
Costs Families are expected to cover travel expenses, though some subsidies may be available. They also provide their own son or daughter with enough spending money for the time away, and are responsible for the costs associated with hosting the exchange partner.
Student exchange brochure
(3.35 MB)
Student Exchange Application (201 kb)
If you are interested in more information regarding these exchange opportunities, please talk to your language teacher, then contact Alberta Education’s International Education Branch at 1-780-427-2035 or e-mail exchange.programs@gov.ab.ca for further details.
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