Table of contents

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:

    • Quebec
    • Ukraine
    • Japan
    • Spain
    • Germany
    • Mexico
    • Italy

    How to apply

    All student applications must be submitted to [email protected] by the relevant program deadline date.

    Applications that are incomplete or received after the deadline will not be accepted.

    The deadline to apply for virtual student exchanges during the 2022/2023 school year, are:

    • Quebec, Ukraine and Japan: October 15, 2022
    • Spain, Germany and Mexico: December 1, 2022
    • Italy: March 1, 2023

    Virtual student exchanges

    Note: all signatories must use different devices to sign electronically.

    PDF form issues

    Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save the form:

    1. Save the PDF form to your computer – click or right-click the link and download the form.
    2. Open the PDF form with Adobe Reader. Fill it in and save it.

    If you are still having problems opening the form, please contact PDF form technical support.

    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.

  • In-person student exchanges

    Alberta Education is now accepting applications for in-person exchanges for the 2023/2024 school year and for the following regions:

    • Germany
    • Japan
    • Mexico
    • Spain

    How to apply

    Original completed student application packages must be mailed to Alberta Education (see address below) and a digital copy to [email protected] by Wednesday, March 15, 2023.

    Alberta Education
    International Education Services
    Student Exchange Programs
    Main Floor, 44 Capital Boulevard
    10044 108 Street NW
    Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 5E6

    PDF form issues

    Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save the form:

    1. Save the PDF form to your computer – click or right-click the link and download the form.
    2. Open the PDF form with Adobe Reader. Fill it in and save it.

    If you are still having problems opening the form, please contact PDF form technical support.

    Download and complete the Student Exchange Programs 2023/2024 application package. (PDF, 235 KB).

    Some tips for the application package:

    • Incomplete or handwritten applications will not be accepted.
    • All signatures must be handwritten – please print and sign with blue or black ink.

    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 (PDF, 202 KB).

  • 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 (PDF, 44 KB) before they leave for their exchange.

    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.

  • Types of educator exchange programs

    Short-term exchanges

    Short-term exchanges give teachers and administrators one to 2 weeks of job shadow experience.

    They are available in:

    • Australia
    • Iceland (administrators only)
    • South Korea (pilot for special education teachers)
    • Canada (Alberta)
    • Germany
    • Spain
    • United Kingdom

    Learn more in the Short-term exchanges brochure (PDF, 985 KB) or by visiting the Alberta Teachers’ Association website.

    Long-term exchanges

    Long-term exchanges give teachers a full year to work in another county or province outside Alberta.

    Opportunities are available for full calendar (January to January) or school (July to July) years.

    They are available in:

    • Australia
    • Germany
    • United Kingdom
    • Canada (provinces other than Alberta)

    Learn more in the Year-long exchanges brochure (PDF, 603 KB) or by visiting the Alberta Teachers’ Association website.

  • How to apply

    Visit the Alberta Teachers’ Association website to apply.

  • Benefits

    Exchange programs can help give participants:

    • a better understanding of other cultures
    • enhanced language skills
    • exposure to different education systems and assessment methods
    • an opportunity to build an international network
    • new teaching ideas

  • Contact

    Connect with the Educator Exchange Programs:

    Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
    Phone: 780-447-9400
    Toll free: 1-800-232-7208
    Email: [email protected]

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