The Ideal Student

  • Is enthusiastic and eager to participate in new activities 

  • Has a desire to learn and can benefit from enhanced language skills 

  • Is not overly committed to time-consuming extracurricular activities, work, or social media 

  • Has been away from friends and family before without great difficulties, such as attending summer camp 

  • Has demonstrated an interest in learning about the history and culture of their desired destination 

  • Is outgoing, personable, and responsible 

Requirements for Families

Travel Requirements

Requirements for Students

  • Must have received and are up-to-date with immunizations. Each country has its mandatory requirements and does not allow for personal belief exemptions  

  • Must have received medical clearance to participate in the suitable exchange 

  • Recommended by their teachers, guidance counsellor, and school principal 

  • A schedule that supports participating in an exchange and being present for their partner (limited work, extra-curricular activities during the exchange cycle)

  • Able to greet their partner upon their arrival 

  • Must have valid travel documentation 

  • Must have a home that is clean and orderly; has adequate space for the visiting partner; is free of substance abuse, physical abuse, or any other form of abuse 

  • Is warm, caring, and open; can host a student in a supervised, safe, and comfortable atmosphere; can provide for all meals and the cost of family activities for the student during the hosting period 

  • Be able and agree to speak only English at home during the hosting period 

  • Must commit to the reciprocal nature of the exchange program (hosting a partner for the time designated is required) 

  • Engage and respond to circumstances with the European child as a family member-including should issues arise. These are young adults learning about themselves. They may make mistakes, or may have grievances, and it is part of the journey. You must address any matters as you would your own children.

  • Assume responsibility for ensuring their child has the travel documentation required for travel

  • Submit a clear Criminal Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Check for each adult aged 18 and over living in the host home or any adult with ongoing overnight visits during your hosting period (dated within one year of the start of the hosting period) 

  • Maintain regular communication with the exchange partner’s family throughout the exchange period 

  • Agree to not host another exchange student while hosting their child’s partner at the same time

  • All participants who are Canadian citizens require a Canadian passport that is valid at least 3 months past their return date in order to travel to Europe

  • Participants who are not Canadian citizens are responsible for determining what documentation they will require, e.g., visa in order to travel to Europe

  • It is the family's responsibility to ensure any supporting documentation is obtained for travel

  • Any other document required for travel included the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System - ETIAS). This is a new requirement to travel to Europe scheduled to launch in 2025 (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en)

  • Any costs associated with travel documents are the responsibility of the family. ISE cannot be responsible for any flight refusal if documents are not secured or are incorrect for travel

  • If documentation e.g., passport, visa, resident card is lost, stolen, incorrect or insufficient, it is the family’s responsibility to cover any costs incurred including obtaining proper documents, new airline ticket, hotel stays, etc

    Travelling While on Exchange  

    Once abroad, there may be opportunities for European and Canadian students to travel to other countries. It is important to note the following: 

    • Travel requirements and regulations can vary depending on the person you are dealing with at border crossings. We can only offer you guidance and do recommend you visit the website and/or contact border security directly about the country visit being planned

    • We recommend bringing a passport, immunization proof, a copy of insurance, a copy of the return ticket and parental authority form. These are generally accepted if driving across the border. It is your responsibility to understand the requirements and any changes to any country’s policies

    • Most European students travel with an ESTA. If you are looking to travel with your host child to the USA, you must ask your host family if they have applied for this (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta)