Learning a language is about more than vocabulary and grammar. It is about building the confidence to communicate, connect with others, and experience different cultures. When students immerse themselves in French-speaking communities, they have the opportunity to use French in everyday situations, develop a deeper appreciation for Francophone cultures, and strengthen their language skills through authentic, real-world experiences.
For families looking to help their child take the next step in their language-learning journey, the Explore Program and the Alberta Student Exchange Program are two opportunities worth considering.
Explore: A Language-Learning Program
The Government of Canada's Explore Program gives students the opportunity to spend part of their summer in a French-speaking community elsewhere in Canada.
Through language classes, cultural activities, and daily interaction with other participants, students can improve their French while exploring a new community and making new friends.
Who Can Participate
Explore is open to students ages 13 and older, and all language levels are welcome. Whether your child is just beginning to build confidence in French or is already comfortable communicating in the language, participants are placed in learning groups based on their language proficiency. This allows students to learn, practise, and grow alongside peers at a similar level.
Program Options
13 to 15 year-olds
- Duration: 19 to 21 days
- Locations: Moncton, New Brunswick, Ottawa, Ontario, Jonquière, Quebec, La Pocatière, Quebec, Québec City, Quebec
- Accommodations: On-Campus residence
- French as a Second Language (FSL) Credits: Not available
16 years and older
- Duration: 31 to 33 days
- Locations: Victoria, British Columbia, Moncton, New Brunswick, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Pointe-de-l'Église, Nova Scotia, Ottawa, Ontario, Chicoutimi, Quebec, Jonquière, Quebec, La Pocatière, Quebec, Montréal, Quebec, Québec City, Quebec, Trois-Pistoles, Quebec, Trois-Rivières, Quebec
- Accommodations: On-Campus residence or host family
- FSL Credits: Available at select locations
Learn more - primary large button
Alberta Student Exchange Program
For students interested in a longer immersion experience, the Alberta Student Exchange Program offers the opportunity to live and attend school in another province or country.
In an exchange, your child lives with a host family and attends school in their community. Later, their exchange partner comes to Alberta, lives with your family, and attends school here. Students can choose from exchange opportunities in Québec or France.
Program Options
Québec Exchange
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: TBD
Accommodations: Host family
France Exchange
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: TBD
Accommodations: Host family
Who Can Participate?
Participants typically apply during Grade 10 and complete their exchange during Grade 11.
The application period is not currently open and typically begins in late winter or early spring. However, now is a great time for families to start exploring whether an exchange experience might be right for their child.