Student and educator exchange programs

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Student exchange programs

Exchange programs are a great way for students to learn how to communicate and collaborate with diverse cultures, learn more about international communities and become active global citizens.

Virtual student exchanges
Alberta Education offers virtual (online) language and culture exchange programs with:
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- Quebec
- Spain
- Ukraine
Virtual Student Exchanges Applications
- Read the application guidelines.
The application deadline for the 2023/2024 school year has passed and submissions for applications have now closed.
Resources
The following brochures provide an overview of our student exchange program. A poster is also available for schools to use to promote the programs.
AAIS Virtual Student Exchange Program
Alberta Education is launching a Virtual Student Exchange Program for Grade 10 Alberta students and students studying at an Alberta Accredited International School.
Students meeting the eligibility criteria will work in international groups, as well as working independently before and after group meetings, over an 8-week period to complete a series of Alberta curriculum-related challenges designed by the department. The 3 challenges relate to Alberta Grade 10 curriculum for Mathematics, Science, English Language Arts and Social Studies.
Students will receive a certificate to mark the completion of their student exchange program. The group with the best overall score will receive an award.
How to apply
The application deadline for the AAIS Student Exchange program has passed and submissions for applications have now closed.
Resource
- AAIS Virtual Student Exchange Program Fact Sheet
- AAIS Virtual Student Exchange Program Poster (English)
In-person student exchanges
Alberta Education has closed applications for in-person exchanges for the 2024/25 school year.
Resources
The following brochures provide an overview of our in-person student exchange programs. A poster is also available for schools to use to promote the programs.
Liaison teachers
Liaison teachers play an important role in the success of our student exchange programs.
Liaison teachers help:
- promote the programs
- screen applicants and their families
- support Alberta students studying in other countries
- support exchange students studying in Alberta
Find out more about this professional development opportunity by reading the Liaison Teacher Guidelines.
Other reciprocal exchanges
Students can participate in an organized reciprocal student exchange program similar to what government offers. They can arrange these exchanges privately through an organization or on their own through an agreement with friends or family.
A one-to-one reciprocal student exchange involves 2 students who either:
- switch places and study at one another’s schools, or
- study together in an Alberta school district and then in the exchange school for equal periods of time
Students participating in a one-year exchange program not provided by Alberta Education must complete a Reciprocal Student Exchange Approval Form before they leave for their exchange.
- Reciprocal Student Exchange Approval Form Instructions
Find other exchange programs for youth in Canada.
Contact

Connect with the Student Exchange Programs:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 403-297-5896
Email: [email protected]

Educator exchange programs

Alberta Education and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) offer professional development opportunities for teachers and school administrators under educator exchange programs. These programs give Alberta educators the opportunity to work abroad while learning about new cultures, education systems and teaching practices.

Student exchange programs

Virtual student exchanges

Resources

AAIS Virtual Student Exchange Program

How to apply

In-person student exchanges

Liaison teachers

Other reciprocal exchanges

Contact

Educator exchange programs

Types of educator exchange programs

Short-term exchanges

Long-term exchanges

How to apply

Benefits

Contact