The Elementary Exchange program offers Grade 8 students the opportunity to participate in:

• A 9-Week Go-First Exchange with a partner from France, Spain, or Germany 
• A 9-Week Host-First Exchange with a partner from France, Switzerland, Spain or Germany 

Students spend 9 weeks hosting an exchange partner in the Fall and 9 weeks visiting their exchange partner abroad in the Winter. Visiting students receive an English language experience while here, and Ontario students receive a second language experience while abroad.*

* Some restrictions apply, contact ISE Ontario for more information.

Mid April to October

Students complete the application process with the required approval of their school (elementary students require approvals from both the elementary school they attend and the high school they will be attending), fees and Vulnerable Sector Checks and submit to the ISE office by mid-October. Successful applicants are matched with a student of similar age and interests. Students receive information about a proposed partner and submit acceptances by mid-November.

November to January

Approximately 2 weeks after acceptance, the ISE Office will give you a firm date when communication can commence with the exchange partner and family. Full payment is due by late November. Mid-January to early February, regional Pre-Departure Meetings are held to prepare students and parents for the period abroad.

Early February
to Mid April

Ontario students leave early February spending 9 weeks with their partner returning home mid April.

June

Early to mid-June, regional Pre-Arrival Meetings are held to prepare students and parents for the hosting period.

Late August
to Early November

Visiting students arrive in Ontario in late August. 9-week visiting students return home early November.

September to April

Students complete the application process with the required school approval, fees, and Vulnerable Sector Checks and submit to the ISE office by April.

April to May

Throughout April, successful applicants are matched with a student of similar age and interests. In early May, students receive information about a proposed partner and submit acceptances in May.

Mid/Late May to
Early August

Approximately 2 weeks after acceptance, the ISE Office will give you a firm date when communication can commence with the exchange partner and family. Throughout June, regional Pre-Arrival Meetings are held to prepare for the hosting period. The first of two payments is due in July.

Late August to
November

Visiting students arrive in Ontario, late August. (Ontario students must be able to greet them upon their arrival- exact date T.B.A). Early November, the 9-week visiting students return home. The final payment is also due in November.

January

Throughout January, regional Pre-Departure Meetings are held to prepare for the period abroad.

February
to April

Ontario students depart in early February to visit their partner. Ontario students spend 9 weeks with their partner, returning home early April.