Open
Source verified August 10, 2026
Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada
Youth exchanges and forums across Canada
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Exchanges Canada helps youth enhance their knowledge and understanding of Canada while connecting with other youth nationwide. It supports Canadian organizations in offering reciprocal exchanges and youth forums across Canada, generally for participants aged 12 to 17 or 14 to 25.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Reciprocal exchanges for individual youth.
- Reciprocal exchanges for groups of youth.
- Workshops for youth through Youth Forums Canada.
- Conferences for youth through Youth Forums Canada.
Documents Needed
- Waiver and consent for all participants
- Host family application forms
- Reference checks
- Criminal record and vulnerable sector checks
- Video tutorial certificate
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individual youth
- Groups of 10 to 30 members from a school or non-profit organization
Eligible expenses
- Return transportation costs for youth and their chaperones, reimbursed to approved organizers through delivery organizations.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- International exchange or travel programs.
- Host family expenses.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Groups are matched based on the ages and interests of their members.
- Regional, linguistic and cultural diversity is also considered when matching groups.
- Exchange partners are matched based on age and interests.
How to apply
- Apply as an individual through the YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange.
- Apply as a group by contacting one or more of the listed delivery organizations.
- If applying as a group to more than one organization, accept an exchange opportunity from only one of them.
Processing and Agreement
- Once submitted, you will see a Confirmation of Application page, including a Group ID number and Group Application number (GAID).
- If your application is accepted, you will be contacted with detailed information about what you must do to prepare for the experience.
Additional information
- Participants can go almost anywhere in Canada.
- The time participants spend in another community is typically one week for a group exchange, but there will be activities before and after the visit. There is also the opportunity for a six-week exchange where students will work in their second official language.
- Most often, participants stay in the family homes of their exchange partners, but accommodations can vary. If youth are participating in a forum, they might stay in a hotel or a dormitory.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada Program
What is the Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada?
Exchanges Canada helps youth enhance their knowledge and understanding of Canada while connecting with other youth nationwide. It supports Canadian organizations in offering reciprocal exchanges and youth forums across Canada, generally for participants aged 12 to 17 or 14 to 25.
Who is eligible for the Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada program?
To be eligible for the Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada program, you must:
Youth must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Youth must be between 12 and 17 years old.
What expenses are eligible under Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada?
Reciprocal exchanges for individual youth.
Reciprocal exchanges for groups of youth.
Workshops for youth through Youth Forums Canada.
Conferences for youth through Youth Forums Canada.
Who can I contact for more information about the Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada?
You can contact Canadian Heritage by email at echanges-exchanges@pch.gc.ca or by phone at 819-997-0055.
Where is the Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada available?
The Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada program is available across Canada.
Is the Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada?
Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada is funded by Canadian Heritage