Meeting and Learning Opportunities

Youth exchange visits

As part of a twinning relationship, YACs¹ can explore exchange visits. There is a federal government program called Exchanges Canada that provides funding toward travel expenses.

The program is aimed at two-way exchanges between groups of at least ten youth (12 to 18 years of age). Exchanges are usually expected to last for at least five days, plus travel time, but they may be longer.

Additional funding is required to cover costs of local activities, and is usually raised by the host group. The visiting youth are normally billeted at the homes of the local youth who are participating in the exchange, helping to keep costs low. The program also covers the travel costs of the adults accompanying the youth.

Exchanges involving more than two communities are considered, so that YACs from adjacent areas could partner on hosting and then visiting a YAC (or YACs) in another province. Participation by young people from rural or isolated areas is also encouraged, as well as youth with disabilities, those from low-income households, and Aboriginal youth.

If you are interested in using this program to fund an exchange for your YAC, you should:

get details by visiting the Exchanges Canada website
contact CFC's Barbara McMillan.

Applications can be made at any time during the year.

¹ YAC stands for Youth Advisory Council (or Committee)