What it's like to be an exchange student in Canada

Canada is a bilingual country, so as an exchange student, you will have the chance to learn both English and French. English is the most common language, but some of the population speaks French as their first language. With our Select program, you can choose to tailor an English, French, or bilingual high school experience. It’s up to you!

Canadian schools also have prom, homecoming, yellow school buses and other wonderful American school influences that you'll recognize from the movies. Teachers and students are also in close contact, creating a positive atmosphere that will quickly help you feel at home.

Get the true story! Read real-life stories from students who spent their exchange in Canada.

The Canadian school system

The Canadian school system has an excellent reputation, and the results of the OECD’s PISA survey also confirm that the level of education is very high. Schools have twelve grades, with high school beginning at grade nine. Most exchange students are placed in grades ten, eleven, or twelve. Your placement depends on your age, previous grades, and local school regulations.

The language spoken in your area is often a compulsory subject at school, but other than that, you have the opportunity to choose what you want to study – so why not choose from subjects like digital media, tourism, horseback riding, or ice hockey? You'll also meet with a counselor who will help you put together your schedule. No matter what classes you choose, the school will do everything it can to make you feel at home!

The academic year starts in September and ends in July, and you'll spend around 32 hours per week at school. You'll have a Christmas break in December and spring break in March. You'll also have several long weekends off to explore your new country.

What can you do during your free time in Canada?

During your free time, take the chance to explore your new city and country! Skip the cell phone and social media and join your new friends in different activities. That's how you'll really get into Canadian culture!

As they should be, Canadians are proud of their mountains, forests, rivers and lakes, and they really know how to enjoy nature all year round. The country is famous for ice hockey, but there are also a variety of other popular winter sports here: curling, dog sledding, winter fishing, tobogganing, ice skating, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling... well, you name it. Grab your gear and head out!

When the snow melts in spring, there are still plenty of outdoor activities. Spring and summer are perfect for camping, canoeing, or kayaking in the mountain streams. Other popular sports in Canada include soccer, football, baseball, golf and tennis. If you’re active and interested in sports, then Canada is a great choice!

However, Canada is much more than just a country with fantastic nature. It is also a country for anyone who loves big cities, beautiful architecture and food from all over the world. Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa are as diverse in their landscapes as they are in their cultures. You'll find concerts, festivals, shopping and everything you would expect from big-city life.

Living with a host family

Canadian host families are open to cultural differences and will make you feel at home. The language spoken in your host family will vary – some families speak English, others speak French, and some are bilingual. What they all have in common is that they are welcoming and friendly!

Like many families around the world, there will be some days when you have breakfast together and other mornings when you don’t. If you have similar schedules within the family, you might go to school with one of your host parents; otherwise, you will probably take the school bus.

In the afternoons, as an exchange student, you will often be busy, either with a school team or with friends and family before having dinner with your host family.