Go on high school exchange in Canada
Why study abroad in Canada?
It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.
When you go to Canada for your year abroad, you get to choose from a high school year spent in French-speaking Montréal, in the international atmosphere of Toronto, in magnificent Ottawa, near the beaches of Lake Ontario, or among the skyscrapers of Vancouver. We work with schools all across Canada, from British Columbia in the west to Quebec in the east. Let us know what’s important to you – whether that’s skiing or studying photography and media – and we’ll help you tailor the best possible exchange year for you.
The STS exchange program in Canada
STS High School Select gives you the chance to design a high school exchange year that is exactly what you want it to be. Choose your city and school based on academic subjects, sports, or other interests offered there. We work with carefully selected schools that offer high-quality academic studies, with wonderful locations and carefully chosen host families. In Canada, we work with French, English and bilingual schools. Whatever the language, our schools provide students with a high-quality education in a superb school environment. To be a high school exchange student with STS, you need to be 15-18.5 years old at the start of the exchange year.
Read more about our Select program
High school exchange – all you need to know
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How to become an exchange student in Canada?
To become an exchange student in Canada, you need to follow these steps:
- Submit an application. The application is not binding.
- Schedule a free and non-binding interview with us. You are also welcome to attend an informational meeting, where we will explain more about going on an exchange year in Canada.
- You will be offered a preliminary place in the program, receive our agreement, and pay the application fee. Then you pay for the exchange year according to a predetermined payment plan.
- The application process begins. This is where you tell us about yourself, provide your previous grades, do a medical exam and more. We are here to offer tips and advice!
- Now we wait for the decision on admission from the school. During this time, we will also look for a suitable host family that lives near the school you’ve chosen. Final approval is also given from the Canadian school authorities.
- Visa preparation begins. We’ll let you know when it’s time to apply for a visa and provide you with instructions and the documents you need.
- Now it’s time to attend our departure meeting, where you will receive details on everything you need to know for your exchange year.
- Time to go!
Throughout your stay, we are always available for you – 24/7! Detailed information on the application process can be found here.
How much does it cost to be an exchange student in Canada?
In addition to the program fee that you pay to STS, you and your family will need to cover additional costs, including insurance, visas, toiletries, any trips you want to take, leisure activities and pocket money.
See the full list of additional costs here.
How much money you need per month is individual to you and depends on your lifestyle and what you want to do. We recommend that you have at least USD 400 per month, as well as a buffer of around USD 800, so that any unexpected expenses are covered.
Quick facts
Who can go: 15–18 years on arrival
Departure month: January/August/December
Language requirements: Good English skills. Some schools in French speaking areas require prior French knowledge
Visa: Yes. Additional cost
STS Welcome Camp: Yes, STS Welcome Camp included
School year: August–June
School day: Usually 09.00 – 15.30
Subjects: Compulsory and optional
What it’s like to be an exchange student in Canada
Canada is a bilingual country, so as an exchange student, you will have the chance to learn both English and French. English is the most common language, but some of the population speaks French as their first language. With our Select program, you can choose to tailor an English, French, or bilingual high school experience. It’s up to you!
Canadian schools also have prom, homecoming, yellow school buses and other wonderful American school influences that you’ll recognize from the movies. Teachers and students are also in close contact, creating a positive atmosphere that will quickly help you feel at home.
Get the true story! Read real-life stories from students who spent their exchange in Canada.
Exchange student voices from Canada
The number of activities offered there is incredible: skiing, swimming, beach volleyball, hiking, and exploring various food and shopping spots. It was the optimal place for me to get out of my comfort zone and improve my English.
Finding friends was very easy for me since I’m an extroverted person. Canadians are very friendly anyways, so approaching people and starting conversations often formed new friendships.
Vancouver Island is an absolute paradise for nature lovers and people who just want to get out in the wilderness. I lived in Qualicum Beach a small town on the easter coastline of Vancouver Island.
The best things about my exchange are the relationships I developed with my host familiy and friends and all the travels I got to experience. Being pulled out of my comfort zone really allowed my to develop as a person. My best advice is to GO and give every opportunity 100%!
The Canadian school system
The Canadian school system has an excellent reputation, and the results of the OECD’s PISA survey also confirm that the level of education is very high. Schools have twelve grades, with high school beginning at grade nine. Most exchange students are placed in grades ten, eleven, or twelve. Your placement depends on your age, previous grades, and local school regulations.
The language spoken in your area is often a compulsory subject at school, but other than that, you have the opportunity to choose what you want to study – so why not choose from subjects like digital media, tourism, horseback riding, or ice hockey? You’ll also meet with a counselor who will help you put together your schedule. No matter what classes you choose, the school will do everything it can to make you feel at home!
The academic year starts in September and ends in July, and you’ll spend around 32 hours per week at school. You’ll have a Christmas break in December and spring break in March. You’ll also have several long weekends off to explore your new country.
What can you do during your free time in Canada?
During your free time, take the chance to explore your new city and country! Skip the cell phone and social media and join your new friends in different activities. That’s how you’ll really get into Canadian culture!
As they should be, Canadians are proud of their mountains, forests, rivers and lakes, and they really know how to enjoy nature all year round. The country is famous for ice hockey, but there are also a variety of other popular winter sports here: curling, dog sledding, winter fishing, tobogganing, ice skating, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling… well, you name it. Grab your gear and head out!
When the snow melts in spring, there are still plenty of outdoor activities. Spring and summer are perfect for camping, canoeing, or kayaking in the mountain streams. Other popular sports in Canada include soccer, football, baseball, golf and tennis. If you’re active and interested in sports, then Canada is a great choice!
However, Canada is much more than just a country with fantastic nature. It is also a country for anyone who loves big cities, beautiful architecture and food from all over the world. Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa are as diverse in their landscapes as they are in their cultures. You’ll find concerts, festivals, shopping and everything you would expect from big-city life.
Living with a host family
Canadian host families are open to cultural differences and will make you feel at home. The language spoken in your host family will vary – some families speak English, others speak French, and some are bilingual. What they all have in common is that they are welcoming and friendly!
Like many families around the world, there will be some days when you have breakfast together and other mornings when you don’t. If you have similar schedules within the family, you might go to school with one of your host parents; otherwise, you will probably take the school bus.
In the afternoons, as an exchange student, you will often be busy, either with a school team or with friends and family before having dinner with your host family.
Welcome Camp
Get the best possible start to your high school exchange in Canada at our fantastic Welcome Camp. Meet other exchange students from all over the world and share your expectations for your year abroad.
Take part in an exciting program of activities, including lectures, team-building activities and of course, sightseeing in New York or Toronto. You will be given more information about what to expect from the experience and how to get help and support if you need it. This is a great chance to ask questions and talk about the adventure ahead.
Welcome Camp is included for all students going to Canada starting in the fall. If you are going in spring, there is no Welcome Camp.
This is what is included in our exchange program for Canada:
- Departure month: August or January
- Placement with a carefully selected host family
- School placement based on your preferences
- Materials and departure meetings to prepare you and your parents
- Free interview
- Full board with host family
- STS Welcome Camp
- STS backpack
- STS Diploma
- 24-hour emergency service by phone
- Personal service and contact person in both your home and host country
Extras:
In-country trips: You will have opportunities to travel to places like Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Niagara Falls. Please note that these trips are not included in the program fee and the selection may vary depending on where in Canada you spend your exchange year.
Add-ons
Would you like a little more control over your high school exchange, or prepare yourself a little extra?
With our add-ons, your dreams may become reality.
Preparatory language course – English
€800
Our destinations
Take our short quiz and discover which high school exchange destination fits your vibe.
USA
Discover life as a high school student in the USA. A whole new way of living – from yellow school buses and pep rallies to school pride, homecoming dances, and weekend road trips. You’ll immerse yourself in a culture you’ve only seen in movies, experience the American school spirit firsthand, and find out what everyday life is like as a U.S. teen.
Argentina
A high school year in Argentina will give you a wonderful mix of cultures and indigenous traditions. And your Spanish will get a powerful boost. This is a big, bold and beautiful country with many different landscapes and different climate zones – from subtropical in the north, over the vast green plains (Pampas) in the centre to subpolar and glazier zones in the far south.
Australia
Studying in Australia is more than just sunshine and surf. It’s about meeting new friends, trying Vegemite (yes, really), and learning what it’s like to go to school on the other side of the world. Whether you're in a coastal city or a small rural community, you’ll experience life like a true Aussie teen – full of adventure, culture, and personal growth.
Austria
You don’t have to be skier to love Austria. But if fresh powder and well prepared slopes is your thing then Austria will be your kind of heaven. There are mountains and lift systems everywhere and they are often close to the cities.
Canada
It isn’t hard to see why Canada is attracting an increasing number of international high school students for their year abroad. Canada isn’t just the second-largest country in the world, where the people are friendly and life is easy-going. It also has beautiful natural scenery, wide-open spaces, the great outdoors and plenty of wildlife.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature-lover's dream, with deep rain forests, perfect beaches, mountains, volcanoes, islands and spectacular wildlife. But the country's best asset is the people, who are warm, welcoming and share a unique way of seeing the world. Pura vida ('pure life') is both a greeting and the national philosophy. It encapsulates a friendly and worry-free lifestyle and an appreciation of people, nature and a good time.
China
Live and study in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, one that combines the cutting edge of technological development with a history that dates back millennia. The past, present and future seem to merge in China. Discover its unique culture and fascinating language from the inside on an unforgettable high school exchange.
Denmark
Take the chance to study in the lovely country Denmark! Despite the country's small size, there is a lot to discover here. Come with us to Denmark as an exchange student and experience the green landscapes, blue sea and beautiful old towns. Eat typical food such as smørrebrød and frikadeller, rent a bicycle in Copenhagen and treat yourself with some amazing Danish pastry at a cosy café!
Finland
Finland's stark Nordic scenery is home to fascinating wildlife, pristine forests, some 200,000 lakes and the world's happiest people, not to mention Europe's top educational system and an extremely high quality of life (and don't forget the saunas).
France
Around 85 million tourists from all over the world can’t be wrong – France is the place to visit. For decades the country has had the number 1 spot in the World Tourism Organisation’s yearly statistics. It’s no wonder France is a favorite. Shopping, fashion and sightseeing in Paris, the glamorous beach life on the Côte d’Azur, skiing in the French Alps and a beautiful countryside are some of the things that attracts foreigners. Also, it’s no doubt that France is number 1 when it comes to food. Will you try a delicacy such as escargots?
Germany
Germany is the largest country in the EU in terms of population. It’s also the European Union’s biggest economy, which you will notice by the high standards of living. This modern, cosmopolitan country is a centre for technology and innovation. It attracts people from all over the world with a varied cultural scene and a certain love for concerts and festivals.
Great Britain
Studying in the UK is more than afternoon tea and iconic landmarks – it’s a chance to experience life as a British teen and discover a world of new perspectives. From buzzing cities like London and Manchester to charming countryside villages, your exchange year in the UK combines academic challenges with unforgettable cultural moments.
Ireland
A high school exchange in Ireland means diving into a vibrant culture full of music, tradition, and friendly energy. You'll live like a local, attend an Irish secondary school, and become part of a community that is full of character. From green hills and coastal cliffs to school spirit and weekend céilís, life in Ireland is anything but ordinary.
Italy
Go on high school exchange in ItalyFree brochure Why study abroad in Italy? If you ask an Italian why you should come to Italy the answer will probably be because Italy has the best food, the most beautiful language, the greatest culture and world class soccer teams. Well, it’s hard to disagree. This country sure…
Japan
Welcome to a nation like no other! Japan is the world’s third largest economy, and a trendsetter in culture, fashion, and technology. Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional arts as well as its contemporary pop culture. It’s a country where old meets new in a totally unique way.
Netherlands
Most people are familiar with the tulip plantations, the windmills, the expertly built canal system (great for skating in winter time) and lively cities like Amsterdam, Haag and Rotterdam. We are of course talking about the Netherlands – a small but interesting country, with more to offer than just these traditional symbols.
New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand is more than just scenic landscapes and friendly locals – it’s about discovering a whole new way of learning and living.
Norway
Take the opportunity to study in one of the world’s most mesmerising countries. Norway is known worldwide for its exceptional nature and it’s the perfect destination for you who love skiing and snowboarding.
Spain
A high school exchange year in Spain means becoming part of a culture that’s lively, welcoming, and full of everyday moments. You’ll attend a local high school, live with a welcoming host family, and experience what daily life is like as a teenager in Spain. With nearly 500 million people around the world speaking Spanish, gaining confidence in the language will open up new opportunities – both now and in the future.
Sweden
Did you know that Sweden is a 1 574 kilometer long country with nearly 100 000 lakes? Pretty impressive. The country has great coastlines and lots of vast forests. But also charming cities, both big and small, from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. Stockholm, the Swedish capital, is a lively city located in the most amazing archipelago. It is a beautiful country with great wildlife and plenty of wide open spaces. If you're lucky you'll see the King of Sweden, or at least the king of the forest, the famous moose. Come join us for a genuine experience!
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