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Part of International education

Student and educator exchange programs

Learn about opportunities to study and work abroad.

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International education

For families affected by strike action, contact your local school authority to learn more about impacts to students.

Student exchange programs

Exchange programs are a great way for students to learn how to communicate and collaborate with diverse cultures, learn more about international communities and become active global citizens.

  • Virtual student exchanges

    Alberta’s government offers virtual (online) language and culture exchange programs with:

    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Spain
    • Ukraine

    How to apply

    Step 1. Read the application guidelines

    Step 2. Download and complete the application form package

    Note: Disregard the Ukrainian virtual exchange dates listed on the application form. The Ukrainian virtual exchange will take place from March 24 to May 4, 2025.

    Step 3. Email your application before the deadline

    • Email your application to [email protected] by the following dates:
      • Japan: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
      • Spain and Germany: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
      • Italy and Ukraine: Friday, February 28, 2025

    Applications that are incomplete or received after the deadline will not be accepted.

    Resources

    The following brochures provide an overview of our student exchange program. A poster is also available for schools to use to promote the programs.

  • In-person student exchanges

    Alberta Education is now accepting applications for in-person exchanges for the 2025/26 school year for the following regions:

    • France
    • Germany
    • Japan
    • Full Semester in Mexico
    • Mexico
    • Quebec
    • Spain

    How to apply

    Original completed student application packages must be mailed to Alberta Education (see address below) and a digital copy to [email protected] by Saturday, March 15, 2025.

    Alberta Education
    International Education Services
    Student Exchange Programs
    Main Floor, 44 Capital Boulevard
    10044 108 Street NW
    Edmonton, Alberta T5J 5E6

    Some tips for the application package:

    • incomplete or handwritten applications will not be accepted; and 
    • all signatures must be handwritten- please print and sign with blue or black ink.

    Resources

    The following brochures provide an overview of our in-person student exchange programs. A poster is also available for schools to use to promote the programs: 

  • Liaison teachers

    Liaison teachers play an important role in the success of our student exchange programs.

    Liaison teachers help:

    • promote the programs
    • screen applicants and their families
    • support Alberta students studying in other countries
    • support exchange students studying in Alberta

    Find out more about this professional development opportunity by reading the Liaison Teacher Guidelines.

  • Other reciprocal exchanges

    Students can participate in an organized reciprocal student exchange program similar to what government offers. They can arrange these exchanges privately through an organization or on their own through an agreement with friends or family.

    A one-to-one reciprocal student exchange involves 2 students who either:

    • switch places and study at one another’s schools, or
    • study together in an Alberta school district and then in the exchange school for equal periods of time

    Registered Alberta students participating in a 1-year exchange program not provided by Alberta Education must confirm the following exchange funding eligibility requirements:

    • The exchange must occur within the same program year (not adjoining years).
    • If the students are in high school, the exchange must occur within years 1 to 3 of high school and not in year 4.

    Students participating in a one-year exchange program not provided by Alberta Education must complete a Reciprocal Student Exchange Approval Form before they leave for their exchange.

    Find other exchange programs for youth in Canada.

  • contact

    Connect with the Student Exchange Programs:

    Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
    Phone: 403-297-5896
    Email: [email protected]

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Educator exchange programs

Alberta Education and the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) offer professional development opportunities for teachers and school administrators under educator exchange programs. These programs give Alberta educators the opportunity to work abroad while learning about new cultures, education systems and teaching practices.

  • Types of educator exchange programs

    Short-term exchanges

    Short-term exchanges give teachers and administrators one to 2 weeks of job shadow experience.

    They are available in:

    • Australia
    • Iceland (administrators only)
    • South Korea (pilot for special education teachers)
    • Canada (Alberta)
    • Germany
    • Spain
    • United Kingdom

    Learn more in the Short-term exchanges brochure or by visiting the Alberta Teachers’ Association website.

    Long-term exchanges

    Long-term exchanges give teachers a full year to work in another county or province outside Alberta.

    Opportunities are available for full calendar (January to January) or school (July to July) years.

    They are available in:

    • Australia
    • Germany
    • United Kingdom
    • Canada (provinces other than Alberta)

    Learn more in the Year-long exchanges brochure or by visiting the Alberta Teachers’ Association website.

  • How to apply

    Visit the Alberta Teachers’ Association website to apply.

  • Benefits

    Exchange programs can help give participants:

    • a better understanding of other cultures
    • enhanced language skills
    • exposure to different education systems and assessment methods
    • an opportunity to build an international network
    • new teaching ideas

  • contact

    Connect with the Student Exchange Programs:

    Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
    Phone: 403-297-5896
    Email: [email protected]

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