Youth Exchanges – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you already know of a group that you would like to exchange with, you can indicate their name and address on your application and encourage them to apply as well. Otherwise, our staff will find a group for you by identifying a group that matches your own group’s demographics and interests. Twinning groups are based on compatible group size, ages of youth and gender balance, as well as similar themes or interests. Other factors in twinning groups include equitable provincial and territorial distribution, group participation history and budget considerations.

*Please note that identifying a group on your application does not automatically guarantee approval; Experiences Canada must still consider all factors mentioned above.

Exchanges can take place any time of the year. Once approved for funding, the two groups discuss and agree on travel and hosting dates. Experiences Canada will then coordinate the travel arrangements.

Yes, depending on the travel and hosting weeks, students could miss school. However, Experiences Canada, participating schools, and community associations recognize that experiential learning is a valuable complement to the school setting.

International and visiting students can participate in our exchanges; however, the group must cover their costs. 

*Please note that all participants must be new to the exchange program. 

Experiences Canada pays for and arranges your group’s travel by airplane, train or coach based on your requested dates. Experiences Canada will also arrange transfer buses to and from the nearest airport.

Experiences Canada exchanges are intended to be a reciprocal homestay experience. Each youth participant is billeted in his or her selected twin’s home; likewise, adult chaperones are expected to host each other. If there are circumstances in which a group is unable to billet in homes, either for cultural, space and/or safety and security reasons, it is possible to request and plan a common stay arrangement.  Please contact your Experiences Canada program coordinator for approval.

The safety and security of our exchange participants is Experiences Canada’s number one priority. All host families must complete a strict screening process which includes providing references and/or having a home visit by the Group Organizer. We believe that the host family experience is a positive learning opportunity and creates a connection between the youth that would only occur outside of structured activities. 

All group organizers and chaperones are required to obtain a Police Record and Vulnerable Sector Check. All members of the host family who are over the age of 18 are also required to obtain a police record and vulnerable sector check. To obtain the Police Record and Vulnerable Sector Check please visit your local police department. 

Please bring photo ID and the volunteer letter. The volunteer letter is available in the Group Organizer portal which becomes available once your exchange is confirmed.

All Experiences Canada participants are covered by a group accident insurance plan during the two weeks of their exchange. Travel insurance, which includes out of province emergency hospital/medical insurance, cancelation/interruption is not part of Experiences Canada’s plan. We strongly recommend that supplemental insurance be purchased directly from our travel provider, through family plans or independent insurance providers. Please note, any emergency expenses not covered by insurance providers will be at the expense of the group or participant family. 

Although an Experiences Canada representative is always available to discuss situations, the Group Organizers are responsible for the day-to-day supervision and overall group management. All emergencies and/or incidents are to be dealt with in a timely, appropriate and professional manner by the Group Organizer or another responsible adult from their school or organization. If there is an emergency situation while on exchange, please inform our staff at your first opportunity by calling the emergency phone line number that will be provided to you.

We strongly believe that all youth should have equal access to participation in Experiences Canada Exchanges. As such we provide limited funding to support the inclusion of youth with special needs or disabilities, from low-income households, rural or isolated areas, and other needs on a case-by-case basis. To access this limited funding, an application for special measures funding must be submitted to Experiences Canada once your exchange has been confirmed.

Yes, the group will be required to sign a contract and to comply with the terms and conditions of that contract in order to receive funding. Some of the terms and conditions include branding the exchange as an Experiences Canada project, sending photos/videos and testimonials to your Experiences Canada representative, and completing post-exchange surveys.

Experiences Canada staff are available Monday through Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm (Eastern Standard Time) to answer any and all of your questions.