Student exchange to Canada
Imagine the thrill of exploring Canada’s diverse landscapes, from majestic mountains and lush valleys to crystal-clear lakes and rivers perfect for kayaking or fishing.
Hello!
As an exchange student in Canada, you’ll experience the heartfelt hospitality of a Canadian host family and a world-renowned education system.
Canada, the second-largest country in the world, is renowned for its vast landscapes, which range from pristine forests and majestic mountains to bustling cosmopolitan cities. As an exchange destination, Canada offers students a unique blend of educational excellence and cultural diversity.
Family life
You’ll be warmly welcomed into your Canadian host family’s home, and share meals, conversations, and traditions.
Your host family will help you navigate new daily life. You will explore the local community together, enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, and celebrate holidays, creating lasting memories and friendships.
Teenagers maintain close relationships with their families, and they enjoy meals together. Families are mostly actively involved in teenagers’ activities and school life.
“I was so excited to have my very first white Christmas, and my host family made sure I didn’t get too homesick!” Jackson
School
Canadian high schools offer a broad range of subjects and diverse extracurricular activities, including core academics, arts, music, sports, and technology.
A typical school day in Canada begins around 8:30a.m. and ends between 3:00p.m. and 4:00p.m., Monday through Friday. Sports are a significant part of school life. You can participate in hockey, basketball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, and more. Joining sports teams and clubs such as art, drama, and science and participating in community service projects through school will help you make new friends. You might even get to try ice skating!
Social events such as prom, winter formal, and graduation ceremonies play an important part in the lives of high school students.
“I went to a French immersion school in Canada, which gave me an opportunity to practise my French while making some very special friendships.” Amelia
Teenage life
Canadian teenagers engage in a wide range of activities that reflect the country’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.
Many teens enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and snowboarding in the winter and biking, swimming, and camping in the summer. Teenagers in cities or large towns often socialise at local cafes or shopping malls or attend community centres and become involved in art, music, and sports programs.
Whether exploring the wilderness or hanging out in the city, Canadian teenagers find diverse ways to connect, grow, and have fun.
Food
Canada offers an array of dishes with influences from the English, Scottish, French and First Nations.
Some favourite traditional dishes are:
- Poutine – Fries topped with cheese and smothered with gravy
- Beaver tails – not a real beaver tail but a flat, fired dough pastry that is delicious
- Butter tarts are a classic Canadian dessert made of flaky pastry filled with a buttery, sugary, syrupy filling, often with raisins or nuts.
- Nanaimo bars – another delicious dessert with a custard-flavoured centre and chocolate ganache topping
Canadian food is influenced by many cultures. Fresh seafood is popular, and Canada is the home of maple syrup!
Pricing & details
Programs, important dates, pricing and inclusions.
Classic
Our Classic student exchange programs are designed to promote cultural understanding. They allow students to learn a new language, experience a new education system, and gain insights into local customs, traditions, and family dynamics.
Important Info
- Must be between 14 and 18 years of age on departure
- A Canadian VISA is required for Year students
- All prices are in $AUD
Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Domestic flights within Australia to departing city (Melbourne or Sydney)
- Domestic travel from the arrival airport in Canada to your Host Family location, if required
- Comprehensive Travel insurance with unlimited medical and health coverage
- 24/7 emergency support in Canada
- Pre-Departure Meeting
- Placement with a fully screened host family
- Enrolment at your host school
Exclusions
- Canadian Consulate VISA processing costs, if applicable
- Optional 4 day orientation for September departure $1,400 $AUD
- Optional 3 day orientation for January departure $1,300 $AUD
Duration
Travel Dates
Application Deadline
Notes
Pricing
Choice Plus
Allows to you to choose the district you want to live in from the list provided and you are guaranteed placement in a public school in that district and with a local host family.
Important Info
- Must be between 14 and 18 years of age on departure
- A Canadian VISA is required for Year students
- All prices are in $AUD
Inclusions
- Comprehensive Travel insurance with unlimited medical and health coverage
- 24/7 emergency support in Canada
- Pre-Departure Meeting
- Placement with a fully screened host family
- Enrolment at your host school within the district you nominate from our list.
Exclusions
- All flights (international and domestic)
- Canadian Consulate VISA processing costs if applicable
School/District
Location
Year
Semester
Want more info?
Submit your expression of interest and a Students of the World team-member will provide you with more!
FAQs
Can I choose a specific city or region for my high school student exchange placement?
You can tell us your preferred city or region for your high school exchange program, and some destinations offer a Select Program that allows you to choose a specific area.
We will always do our best to consider your preference, but placements depend on host family availability and suitability, so the location cannot be guaranteed.
Students are matched and placed with families from across the destination country.
We prioritise the things you and the host family have in common over the specific location. To make the most of your program, it’s important to be flexible and open-minded.
Will I need a visa for my high school student exchange program, and who organises it?
Visa requirements depend on your destination and the length of your high school exchange program, and if a visa is required, we guide you to start the application process.
In many European Union countries, a visa is not required for short programs under 90 days. For programs longer than three months, a visa may be necessary. If you do need a visa, we will help you begin the application process and ensure you understand the steps involved. Visa costs are not included in the program fee.
Learn more about program lengths and destinations on our Student Exchange Programs page.
For general visa and entry information, visit Smartraveller’s visa guidance page.
How much pocket money should I bring for my high school exchange?
Students typically need around $500–$600 per month during their high school student exchange to cover personal expenses, local transport, school lunches and social activities.