Would you like to participate in a national or international student exchange?

Make an appointment with your guidance counsellor to discuss student exchange opportunities (i.e., short-term vs. long-term exchanges, summer options, timetable considerations, etc.)

Learn more at OCENET (Ottawa-Carleton Education Network):  OCENET Exchanges

YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE)

The YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE) is a national program offering opportunities for youth to improve their second official language skills, explore another part of Canada, and gain valuable work experience. The program is federally funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage, so it is offered at a minimal cost of $125 for a 6-week, once-in-a-lifetime experience in the summer. For more information check out the SWSE website and apply by early spring 2025!

This program offers:  

• The opportunity to live and work in a French-speaking community in Québec for 6 weeks and build upon FLS education in a real-world and hands-on setting (There is no minimum language requirement, we accept youth with ANY level of French skills!) 

• Paid, full-time summer employment in the non-profit sector (camps, child care, museums, etc.)  

• A reciprocal homestay – youth are hosted in each other’s homes to deepen the cultural exchange  The support of local YMCA staff such as myself, who also coordinate weekly group activities to explore the city and bond with the group 

• New relationships and friendships that continue beyond the duration of the program  

OCDSB/OCENET International Study Abroad Bursary

Students make a difference at home and around the world!  Thanks to the Ottawa-Carleton Education Network, a bursary has been established to support and encourage students to engage in cultural exchange, international learning and the development of global competencies.  A number of experiences can qualify for these bursaries including:

• Student Study Abroad

• Cultural Exchanges (including remote communities in northern Canada)

• International School Trips (Outside Canada and the United States)

• Summer credit courses abroad (must be a recognized credit in Ontario)

We grant bursaries of $250 to $1,000 to assist you with your International Study Abroad opportunity. 

The application deadlines are: 

• November 30: for travel between January 1 and June 30.

• May 31: for travel between July 1 and December 31.

 Please complete the application form.  

Ottawa-Provence Exchange & Virtual Information Session 

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 Ottawa-Provence Exchange program. This is an exciting opportunity for OCDSB students to enhance their French language skills and experience the culture of Provence.   Applications are due by April 7th. 

Each fall, the program welcomes students from Provence to Ottawa, providing local students with a chance to interact with French culture at home. Then, in the spring, OCDSB students travel to Provence, immersing themselves in the language and lifestyle of the region.

The program is open to students enrolled in Core French or French Immersion programs, with preference given to those in the International Certificate Program. Students will also earn a school credit. The estimated cost of the exchange is approximately $3700.

Ottawa-Provence Exchange: Virtual Information Session on March 5th