Open
Source verified July 8, 2026
Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada
Supports youth exchanges and forums across Canada
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Individual youth who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
See full eligibility
Overview
Exchanges Canada supports youth in Canada through reciprocal exchanges and forums that build knowledge of the country, national identity and connections with other youth. Eligible activities include group or individual exchanges, workshops and conferences on topics such as culture, official languages and democracy.
/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
- Public or Parapublic institution
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.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Individual youth who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
- Groups of 10 to 30 members from a school
- Groups of 10 to 30 members from a 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.
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
- If an application is accepted, the applicant will be contacted with detailed information on how to prepare for the experience.
- Exchange groups are matched based on the ages and interests of their members.
- Regional, linguistic and cultural diversity is also considered when matching groups.
- Individual exchange partners are matched based on age and interests.
Additional information
- Participants can go almost anywhere in Canada, including rural areas, city centres, and French- or English-speaking communities.
- Group exchanges are typically about one week, while a six-week exchange is available for students working in their second official language.
- Most exchange participants stay with the family homes of their exchange partners, while forum participants may stay in a hotel or dormitory.
- Delivery organizations must follow safety and security guidelines, including screening host families and defining the duties of supervisors and organizers.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada Program
What is the Exchanges Canada - Youth Exchanges Canada?
Exchanges Canada supports youth in Canada through reciprocal exchanges and forums that build knowledge of the country, national identity and connections with other youth. Eligible activities include group or individual exchanges, workshops and conferences on topics such as culture, official languages and democracy.
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 participants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Youth participants must be between 12 and 17 years old.
Group applications must come from a school or non-profit organization with 10 to 30 members.
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