Student Exchange to Canada

Canada, with its diverse culture, breathtaking landscapes, and strong academic focus, provides an enriching environment for both educational and personal growth. Imagine the excitement of exploring Canada’s beautiful and varied landscapes, from hiking in the majestic mountains and forested valleys to trying your hand at kayaking or fishing in the pristine blue rivers and lakes. Attending high school in Canada as an exchange student offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the country’s renowned education system while immersing yourself in the warmth and hospitality of a Canadian host family.

A typical day in a Canadian high school starts around 8:30 am and ends in the afternoon, usually between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The school week runs from Monday to Friday. Class sizes in Canadian high schools are around 20 to 30 students. Canadian high schools offer a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities to cater to different interests and passions. From core subjects like mathematics, English, and science to elective courses such as arts, music, sports, and technology, there is something for every student. Beyond the classroom, Canadian high schools provide opportunities to participate in sports teams, clubs, student councils, and community service projects, fostering personal development, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Living with a host family in Canada adds a unique dimension to your experience. Your host family will welcome you into their home, providing you with a supportive and nurturing environment. Sharing meals, conversations, and activities with your host family will give you a glimpse into Canadian culture and traditions. You may explore the local community together, engage in outdoor activities, celebrate holidays, and create lifelong memories and friendships. This could include enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, or ice skating, visiting local attractions and landmarks, attending cultural events or festivals, and exploring the diverse Canadian cuisine. Your host family will not only help you navigate your daily life but also serve as a bridge between your Australian background and the Canadian way of life, enriching your understanding of Canadian culture.

Food varies widely depending on the regions of the nation.

The earliest cuisines of Canada have First Nations, English, Scottish and French roots. The traditional cuisine of English Canada is closely related to British cuisine, whereas the traditional cuisine of French Canada has evolved from French cuisine and the winter provisions of fur traders.

Some of their famous dishes are: poutine (fries with curd), beaver tails (a pastry!), Canadian pizza, butter tarts, nanaimo bars, split pea soup, and tourtiere.

Toronto and Montréal are the two Canadian cities with subway systems.

Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa have efficient light-rail systems.

Buses are the most common form of public transportation, and practically all towns have their own systems. Most are commuter-oriented and offer only limited or no services in the evenings and on weekends.

Cycling is a popular means of getting around during the warmer months, and many cities have hundreds of kilometres of dedicated bike paths.

Winters can be harsh in many parts of the Canada. The interior and prairie provinces’ daily average winter temperatures are near −15 °C, but can drop below −40 °C.

In non-coastal regions, snow can cover the ground for almost six months of the year, whereas in parts of the north, snow can persist year-round. On the east and west coasts, average high temperatures can range from low 20s °C to 30 °C in summer.