Canada - Intercultural Programs

The world’s second largest country, Canada stretches way into the Arctic and includes just about every terrain: Rocky Mountains, prairies, rugged coasts, sandy beaches, fertile valleys and cosmopolitan cities. Canada’s diverse heritage is united by a national passion for ice hockey.

Canadian teenagers love clubs and activities involving sports, orchestra, newspaper and drama. Student government is also an important and becoming more influential in school policies. You may be surprised by how many teenagers in Canada have after school jobs, such as babysitting or working at a local coffee shop.

AFS Youth exchange in Canada english

AFS Youth exchange in Canada french

Host Family & Community

You will probably live in a small town, in the countryside or even on a farm. Parents in Canadian families usually share household responsibilities, and children help out with everyday chores and preparing meals. Many Canadian families are also quite diverse, so you may be living with multiple cultures under one roof. Because reliable public transportation options are limited, families will plan in advance to make sure everyone gets a ride.

We ❤ the festive atmosphere of Quartier Petit Champlain. Bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa and stroll the beautiful streets of Old Quebec for an unforgettable holiday experience. 📷 @manucoveney #ExploreCanada Nous ❤ l’ambiance festive du Quartier Petit Champlain. Habillez vous chaudement, offrez vous un bon chocolat chaud et allez vous balader dans les jolies rues du Vieux-Québec pour une expérience du temps de fêtes inoubliable. 📷 @manucoveney #QuebecRegion #QuebecOriginal

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Explore Canada (@explorecanada) am 17. Dez 2016 um 4:06 Uhr

School

A photo posted by Nicole🙈 (@itsme.nicole) on Jun 17, 2016 at 5:58pm PDT

Local schools are very comprehensive and try to meet the educational needs of all school-age children in the community, often in one building.

Language

English and French are the official languages of Canada. Some schools will offer introductory language classes, however we encourage AFS students to arrive with a at least a basic knowledge of French (if you are staying in Quebec) or English (for other parts of Canada) so that they can participate in the regular curriculum.

Winning caption: “I told you guys to fix that motor. This is the last time I give you a tow!” – @maxboydness. 📷 @aaronbaggenstos 📍@tweedsmuirparklodge #ExploreCanada Commentaire gagnant : “Je vous ai dit de faire réparer ce moteur les gars. C’est la dernière fois que je vous tire de là!” – @maxboydness 📷 @aaronbaggenstos 📍@tweedsmuirparklodge #ExploreBC

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Explore Canada (@explorecanada) am 21. Okt 2016 um 7:09 Uhr

Food

Hope you’re celebrating #NationalDrinkWineDay! What’s your favourite dish to pair with wine? 🍷 . To make this Zesty caesar steak and fries, just click the link in our bio . . #drinkwineday #wine #steak #beringer #redwine #whitewine #dinner #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes

Ein Beitrag geteilt von foodnetworkCA (@foodnetworkca) am 18. Feb 2017 um 17:09 Uhr

The food in Canada differs by the region, so for example, in Quebec there is a strong French influence and you’ll find lots of meat, potatoes, pea soup, French pastries, bread, crepes, and cheeses. A favorite snack is poutine, French fries covered with gravy and cheese.