Parents - Experiences Canada

Welcome to the Experiences Canada Family!

Congratulations on registering your child for a reciprocal exchange! Over the coming months you will find this is an experience that not only leaves a lasting impression on your child, but on your whole family. Whether you will be hosting a student in your home, or supporting the youth in their common stay activities, we hope you will enjoy being an ally on their journey to discovering more about this country, its diversity of language, cultures, and history, and about themselves.

We’d like to tell you a little more about Experiences Canada, our programs and services, as well as provide some tips about what you might expect while your child is participating in the exchange. There is even information about opportunities for your youth to stay involved once their trip has ended!

Download Exchange Brochure

What Parents are saying

This is a program that needs to be more widely known. As parents, we were very impressed with the staff we spoke to. Everyone was very helpful, and willing to find answers to any questions we had. They were very accessible and easy to contact. We have no hesitation recommending the program to other families.

– Parent

My daughter struggles in our small school with self-confidence. Being in this group this past year has given her confidence and show her a whole big world. She has now chosen to move away and continue her next step in education closer to the new friends she has met through this experience.

– Parent

I have seen changes in my children and other students each trip. They are using French reflexively on the way home. Increased confidence, pride in being able to travel and live outside of their comfort zone, and knowing their communication skills are improving with each day.

– Parent

A huge thank you. My twin daughters went to British Columbia in 2017. It was an amazing and memorable growing experience. They are proud of their country, Canada, and its history.

– Parent

Both my boys (who are in French immersion) did a week-long exchange in Quebec in middle school, with a student staying with us as well for a week each time. They all had great experiences, and I think it was a valuable learning experience for them. Very healthy for them to be exposed to a new family and their different way of living and eating.

– Parent

Frequently asked questions

FAQ's

Host Family Tips

Introduce yourself and let your twin youth know how you would like to be called
Be open and communicate
Call their family and introduce yourself
Give them a tour of the house
Let them know about your laundry schedule
Give them your meal time schedule
Review the week itinerary so everyone is aware of morning wake up time and afternoon schedule
Review the pickup and drop off schedule
Meal plan for the week-discuss allergies, food preferences, times
Make the youth feel comfortable and part of the family

Preparing your youth for Travel

Be open to new things — explain to your youth that there twin may speak a different language and eat different foods, encourage them to be open and try new things!! Trying new things will build their awareness for diversity and support their appreciation of differences
Establish a schedule on when to check in with you when they are on the exchange
Encourage them to communicate with their twin family
If they are homesick or if something is bothering them, encourage them to speak about it right away with their group organizer or host family
Pack appropriate clothing for weather-speak to your twin family for tips
Provide spending money, during the exchange there may be time for youth to shop