BC – Québec Exchange Program

WHERE

BC and Québec

WHEN

From September 12th 2026 to April 10th 2027

AGE

French Immersion students in grades 10-11*

12 participants

Your contact : echangequebec@cjfcb.com

WHAT IS THE EXCHANGE PROGRAM?

Aimed at students enrolled in French Immersion, this program offers a one-of-a-kind experience: welcome a student from Québec for two months, then head east to live with them and explore their world in turn!

The goals? To immerse yourself in the French language, discover a new way of life, push your limits, and learn more about who you are.

The program takes place over two years:

The preparation year: Grade 9 or 10
The exchange year: Grade 10 or 11

While one cohort is on their adventure, the next cohort is already getting ready to go!

* As of 2018, the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care entrusted the CJFCB with the management of the BC–Québec Exchange Program.

PREPARATION YEAR

The recruitment and selection process take place during the school year prior to the exchange. Follow these steps to prepare for this unforgettable adventure!

EXCHANGE YEAR

Once the preparation year is complete, the exchange begins. Here are the steps you’ll go through during this unique experience:

THE EXCHANGE PROGRAM, THIS YEAR 2025–2026

REGISTRATION TO PARTICIPATE NEXT YEAR

Ready to embark on adventure? Grade 9 and 10 students who wish to participate in the exchange during the 2026–2027 school year can already contact the Sponsor Teacher at their school regarding registration.

School registration is open until December 15th, 2025.

Once a school is registered, the program coordinator will send sponsor teachers promotional materials (digital and/or printed) to promote the program. They’ll also receive access to the Application Package to share with interested families.

For any questions, Katie, the program coordinator, will be happy to help at echangequebec@cjfcb.com! .

CURRENTLY ON EXCHANGE

After a year of recruitment and selection, nine pairs of students have been matched — and the exchange is in full swing!

From September to November, nine students from across Québec are discovering life in British Columbia — from the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, and the Southern Gulf Islands to the Squamish-Lillooet region and Greater Vancouver.

From April to February, it’s the BC students’ turn to head to Québec and live their own unforgettable adventure!

FAQ

Got more questions?

: There is no cost to participate in this program. The CJFCB covers the cost of airfare to and from Quebec. Students are responsible for their own spending money during their stay in Quebec. Each family must provide accommodation and meals for the visiting student during the exchange period, just as the host family will provide accommodation and meals during the B.C. student’s stay in Quebec.

: Commitment to the program and desire to include the partner student in school and family life
A strong academic record and evidence of participation in school and community activities
Willingness to work with teachers to ensure that academic requirements are met
Personal qualities such as motivation, maturity, sense of responsibility, sense of humour, openness to differences, and adaptability.

: Students who participate in this program see significant improvements in their fluency in French, due to total immersion and regular interaction with French-speakers. Participants enjoy many new experiences, and have the opportunity to discover another culture. Through the program, students gain self-confidence, social and communication skills, and independence.

: A sponsor teacher in each school conducts in-home interviews, helps visiting students integrate into the school community, and assists departing students with academic planning for the exchange period. The CJFCB supports sponsor teachers by providing them with a modest stipend based on the number of participating students at the school.

Got more questions?

Guide part A - Welcoming Your Exchange Partner